Bayelsa State approves university staff allowances to end ASUU strike

The Bayelsa State Government has approved the implementation of the Consolidated Academic Tools Allowance (CATA) and the Consolidated Non-Teaching Tools Allowance (CONTTA) for staff at its three state-owned universities. The decision affects academic and non-academic personnel at Niger Delta University (NDU), Bayelsa Medical University (BMU), and the University of Africa, Toru-Orua (UAT).

Deputy Governor Dr. Peter Akpe announced that the allowances will increase monthly government expenditure by over 500 million Naira across the institutions. The state plans to begin paying a wage increase totaling approximately 2.25 billion Naira by October this year, with 25-35% wage award arrears scheduled for payment next year. Additionally, the government has included the payment of significant arrears in its 2027 budget.

Following this approval, the state government has urged the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) to end its ongoing indefinite strike to prevent further disruption to academic activities and maintain positive labor relations.