The Federal Government has released eight months of outstanding allowances owed to non-academic staff working in federal universities, polytechnics and colleges of education.
The payment covers arrears of the Consolidated Non-Academic Staff Tertiary Institutions Allowance, known as CONTA.
The government’s decision is aimed at reducing tension between the authorities and workers in the nation’s tertiary institutions.
The move is also expected to prevent another disruption to academic activities, particularly as workers’ unions have repeatedly complained about unpaid allowances and other outstanding commitments.
The release of the arrears comes amid continuing efforts by the government to improve industrial relations in the education sector and address issues that have led to disputes between workers and the authorities.