President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has subtly held back the funding of universities in Nigeria, directing tertiary institutions to source for funds from Internally Generated Revenue, IGR.
It’s no wonder that school fees and other financial charges are increasing in Nigerian universities. Most universities are beginning to find it difficult to meet certain financial obligations, essentially, paying allowances.
The Bursar of Modibbo Adama University, Yola, Yobe State, Hanien N. Ayuka, in an internal memo, titled: “Suspension of CATA Allowance Payment”, dated May 18, 2026, highlighted:
“It could be recalled that the Minister of Education in a letter addressed to ALL Vice Chancellors directing them to source funds from their respective IGR and immediately implement the payment of CATA allowance to ALL deserving Academic staff with effect from January 2026.
“You are aware, this University has been paying the CATA allowance as directed with effect from January 2026 from its Internally Generated Revenue, IGR. The cash backing, however, has not been not made available up till this moment.
“Consequently, the University is unable to sustain the continued payment of the CATA allowance and will, henceforth, suspend the payment until the Federal Government of Nigeria sends the necessary cash backing. The suspension takes effect this may 2026.”
