Kebbi Govt Clears N2bn Allowances, Arrears For AFUSTA Staff, Procures N1.75bn Buses
By Khadijat Saidu Kabiru,
Birnin Kebbi
The Kebbi State Government has approved the payment of Consolidated Academic and Non-Teaching Staff Allowances, CATA and CONTTA, for staff of Abdullahi Fodiyo University of Science and Technology, Aliero, in what it described as a landmark intervention for university workers.
The State Commissioner for Higher Education, Isah Abubakar Tunga, disclosed this in a statement issued in Birnin Kebbi on Tuesday.
According to Tunga, Governor Nasir Idris approved the immediate release of funds to settle outstanding allowances for the four university unions.
“On Friday, 14th August 2026, His Excellency approved and released the sum of One Hundred and Seventy-Two Million, One Hundred and Fifty-Four Thousand, Eight Hundred and Seventeen Naira, Seventy-One Kobo, N172,154,817.71 only, for the payment of CATA and CONTTA to ASUU, SSANU, NASU and NAAT chapters of AFUSTA,” he said.
Additionally, the commissioner said,the Governor directed that the allowances be captured permanently in the university’s funding structure.
“The Governor has further approved the inclusion of the CATA/CONTTA salary structure into the monthly subvention of the university. This will attract an annual cost of Two Billion, Sixty-Five Million, Eight Hundred and Fifty-Seven Thousand, Eight Hundred and Twelve Naira, Fifty-Two Kobo, N2,065,857,812.52 only,” he stated.
He further said that the government had cleared promotion arrears owed to staff of the institution.
“On the same day, the Governor approved and released One Hundred and Fifty-One Million, Five Hundred and Seventeen Thousand, Seven Hundred and Thirty-Six Naira, Five Kobo, N151,517,736.05 only, for identified annual increment arrears for staff of AFUSTA,” Tunga said.
He said the total financial approvals granted to the Ministry of Higher Education in August 2026 had reached over N2 billion.
“With these approvals, His Excellency, Comrade Dr. Nasir Idris, has committed a total of Two Billion, Seventy-Three Million, Six Hundred and Seventy-Two Thousand, Five Hundred and Fifty-Three Naira, Seventy-Nine Kobo, N2,073,672,553.79 only to the Ministry of Higher Education in August 2026 alone,” he said.
In another development, the State Government has commenced the distribution of new buses to ease transportation challenges in tertiary institutions across the state.
“His Excellency has launched the distribution of 32-seater fully air-conditioned coaster buses to seven state-owned tertiary institutions. The buses were procured at a cost of One Billion, Seven Hundred and Fifty Million Naira, N1,750,000,000.00 only,” Tunga stated.
The beneficiary institutions are: Abdullahi Fodiyo University of Science and Technology, Aliero; Adamu Augie College of Education, Argungu; Kebbi State College of Nursing Sciences, Birnin Kebbi; Kauran Gwandu College of Nursing and Midwifery Sciences, Ambursa; College of Health Sciences and Technology, Jega; Kebbi State Polytechnic, Dakingari; and College of Advanced and Legal Studies, Yauri.
The commissioner also announced a new leadership appointment in the education sector.
“The Executive Governor has approved the appointment of Dr. Zayyanu Umar as the Provost of Adamu Augie College of Education, Argungu,” he said.
Tunga lauded the Governor for prioritizing education and workers’ welfare in the state.
“The Ministry of Higher Education remains deeply appreciative of the giant strides and political commitment of His Excellency, Comrade Dr. Nasir Idris, Kauran Gwandu, Gwarzon Daular Usmaniyya,” he added.