News
FG Releases Funds for Eight-Month Academic Allowance to Lecturers
By staff Reporter Rukevwe Odeh
The Federal Government has approved and released funds to settle eight months of outstanding Consolidated Academic Tools Allowance (CATA) owed to eligible academic staff in federal tertiary institutions across Nigeria.
Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, disclosed this in Abuja, explaining that the payment covers the period from January to August 2026 and is part of the government’s commitment to improving the welfare of academic workers.
According to the minister, universities, polytechnics, colleges of education and federal universities of agriculture have been notified to commence payment of the allowance to eligible academic staff.
Alausa said the disbursement is also in line with the provisions of the renegotiated agreement between the Federal Government and academic staff unions in the tertiary education sector.
CATA is designed to support lecturers in meeting expenses associated with their academic responsibilities. These include research activities, journal publications, participation in conferences, internet services, professional memberships and the purchase of academic books.
The allowance was reviewed under the agreement reached between the Federal Government and the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), signed on January 14, 2026. It forms part of the revised remuneration package for university lecturers, which includes a 40 per cent increase in their overall emoluments.
ASUU had, during its National Executive Council meeting in June, raised concerns over aspects of the implementation of the agreement, including outstanding payments relating to CATA.
Meanwhile, Vice President Kashim Shettima has described the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) as an important social intervention aimed at widening access to higher education for students from financially disadvantaged families.
Shettima made the remarks in Abuja while receiving the management team of the University of Abuja, led by its Vice Chancellor, Prof. Hakeem Fawehinmi.
The Vice President said NELFUND had helped reduce financial barriers to tertiary education by supporting tuition payments and providing monthly upkeep allowances to eligible students.
He described the programme as more than an education financing initiative, saying it could also contribute to poverty reduction and human-capital development by giving young Nigerians from vulnerable backgrounds greater opportunities to pursue higher education.
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.
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