News
FG Commences Payment of Eight-Month Academic Allowance to Federal Tertiary Institution Lecturers
By staff Reporter Rukevwe Odeh
The Federal Government has commenced the release of funds for the payment of eight months of outstanding Consolidated Academic Tools Allowance (CATA) to eligible academic staff in federal tertiary institutions.
Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, disclosed this in Abuja, stating that the payment covers the period between January and August 2026.
According to the minister, federal universities, polytechnics, colleges of education and universities of agriculture have received notification to begin disbursing the allowance to qualified academic personnel.
Alausa explained that the payment is part of efforts by the Federal Government to improve the welfare of lecturers and fulfil commitments contained in the renegotiated agreement reached with academic unions in the tertiary education sector.
The CATA scheme provides financial support for expenses associated with lecturers’ professional and academic responsibilities. Such expenses include research, publication of scholarly works, conference participation, internet services, professional memberships and the purchase of academic materials.
The allowance was reviewed as part of the agreement between the Federal Government and the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), which was signed on January 14, 2026. The agreement also provided for a 40 per cent increase in the overall remuneration of university lecturers.
ASUU had earlier expressed concerns about delays in implementing some aspects of the agreement. At its National Executive Council meeting in June, the union specifically highlighted outstanding CATA payments among the issues requiring government attention.
Shettima Highlights NELFUND’s Role in Expanding Access to Education
Meanwhile, Vice President Kashim Shettima has described the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) as a significant social intervention designed to help students from financially challenged households gain access to tertiary education.
Shettima spoke in Abuja when he received a delegation from the University of Abuja, led by its Vice Chancellor, Prof. Hakeem Fawehinmi.
The Vice President noted that NELFUND had helped ease some of the financial difficulties associated with higher education by assisting eligible students with tuition payments and for providing monthly upkeep support.
He said the initiative should be viewed beyond the provision of educational loans, noting that it could help tackle poverty and strengthen Nigeria’s human-capital base.
According to him, enabling young Nigerians from vulnerable families to obtain higher education would improve their prospects and contribute to the country’s long-term social and economic development.
By staff Reporter Rukevwe Odeh
A group of stakeholders in Warri has announced its decision to withdraw support for the incumbent member representing the Warri Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon. Thomas Ereyitomi, ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The group, while explaining its position, cited what it described as dissatisfaction with the lawmaker’s performance and representation of the constituency.
The stakeholders subsequently declared their support for Comrade Jude Ukori Mulade as their preferred candidate for the 2027 House of Representatives election.
According to the group, its decision followed concerns over the level of representation and development delivered to the constituency under the current administration.
The stakeholders said they were seeking a representative who would be more responsive to the needs of the people and more committed to advancing issues affecting residents across the constituency.
They urged other political stakeholders and eligible voters in Warri to consider Mulade’s candidacy as the 2027 elections approach.
The group’s endorsement adds to the growing political activities and realignments expected to shape the contest for the Warri Federal Constituency seat ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Ereyitomi, who currently represents the constituency in the House of Representatives, has yet to publicly respond to the allegations contained in the group’s statement.
By staff Reporter Rukevwe Odeh
Residents and road users along the Warri Airport Road, particularly the section near Federal Government College in Warri South Local Government Area of Delta State, have continued to contend with recurring flooding despite years of road construction and rehabilitation efforts.
The affected stretch is frequently submerged following heavy rainfall, with inadequate drainage identified as a major factor contributing to the persistent flooding.
The recurring situation has raised concerns among motorists, residents and other road users, who say the condition of the road continues to disrupt movement and create difficulties for commuters whenever there is significant rainfall.
The development has also renewed calls for attention to the drainage system along the route, with residents hoping that a lasting solution will be implemented to prevent the road from repeatedly becoming flooded.
By staff Reporter: Rukevwe Odeh
A heavy downpour has left the popular NNPC Housing Complex Road, also known as Ekpan Link Road, submerged in floodwater in Uvwie Local Government Area of Delta State.
The rainfall caused significant water accumulation along the busy road, affecting movement and creating difficulties for motorists and other road users.
The condition of the road has renewed concerns over flooding and drainage challenges in the area, particularly during periods of heavy rainfall.
Residents and commuters are expected to exercise caution while using the affected route as efforts to manage the situation continue.
-
Social2 months agoNAIS – Northern Nigeria/Abuja Chapter Honours Amb. Ebi Lagos with Award of Recognition
-
Breaking3 months ago2027: INEC Alegedly Announces Plans to Conduct Party Primaries in the Newly Created State Constituencies in Warri North and Warri Southwest LGAs, Others
-
News1 month agoPAP: EX-AGITATORS OF BOYLOAF CAMP DISTANCE SELVES FROM THEIR LEADERS ONSLAUGHT ON THE PAP ADMINISTRATOR
-
Local News4 months agoJust In: Ambassador Podoki Emerges APP Candidate for Burutu Constituency-I Assembly Seat
-
Politics3 months ago2027: Mulade Challenges NDC’s Substitution of His Party Candidacy, Demands ₦5 Billion Damages
-
Breaking3 months agoTinubu Intervenes in Warri Delineation Dispute, Meets Ijaw, Urhobo and Itsekiri Leaders
-
Local News4 months agoINC: Group Faults Sponsored Attacks on Tompolo, Igbadiwei, Urges Unity in Ijaw Nation
-
Entertainment2 months agoJKing Logistics Coordinator Shed Light to Address Ijaw Music Wage Controversy