The Federal Government has warned vice-chancellors of federal universities against delays in paying eligible staff salaries and allowances, insisting that further delays are unacceptable.
The Minister of Education, Dr Maruf Olatunji Alausa, gave the warning during a meeting with vice-chancellors, urging them to settle outstanding entitlements under the Consolidated Academic Tools Allowance (CATA), Consolidated Non-Teaching Tools Allowance (CONTA) and Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS).
According to a statement issued on Sunday by his Special Adviser on Media and Communications, Ikharo Attah, Alausa said the government had engaged relevant authorities, including the Ministry of Finance, to facilitate the payment of outstanding arrears.
He explained that although some universities made payments in January, others later experienced financial constraints as their available reserves declined. However, government intervention had helped address funding issues, with arrears reportedly paid up to September.
“It is not right. It is not acceptable,” the minister said, expressing concern that some eligible university employees were still experiencing payment delays.
Alausa also warned university managements against diverting funds allocated for personnel costs, stressing that such funds must be used strictly for their approved purposes. He noted that personnel allocations were based on approved wage bills and that changes in staff strength could affect actual expenditure.
Reaffirming the government’s commitment to university autonomy, the minister urged vice-chancellors to uphold transparency and accountability in recruitment, appointments and institutional administration.
He further called on university authorities to prioritise staff welfare and maintain constructive engagement with the government to promote industrial harmony and prevent disruptions to academic activities.
Alausa said the Federal Government would continue working with relevant stakeholders to improve workers’ welfare, strengthen accountability and enhance the quality of higher education in the country.
