…Orders Immediate Processing of CATA Arrears, Other Outstanding Staff Entitlements
Published by Alphapressmedia
GOMBE, August 19, 2026 — Gombe State Governor, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, CON, has approved an additional ₦148.762 million monthly subvention for Gombe State University (GSU), in a major intervention aimed at strengthening the institution’s finances, improving staff welfare and addressing outstanding demands by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU).
The additional funding will facilitate the full implementation of the Enhanced Salary Structure, otherwise known as the Consolidated Academic Tool Allowance (CATA), with effect from October 2026.
Secretary to the Gombe State Government, Professor Ibrahim Abubakar Njodi, who announced the approval, said the intervention reflects the administration’s commitment to addressing issues arising from the 2025 Federal Government-ASUU Agreement and ensuring stability at the state-owned university.
According to the SSG, the enhanced subvention, representing a 56 per cent increase, will strengthen the university’s capacity to meet its financial obligations to staff and make adequate provisions for implementation of the new salary structure.
The necessary financial provisions are expected to be captured in the 2026 Supplementary Budget, which is scheduled for consideration by the Gombe State House of Assembly in September.
Beyond the increase in monthly funding, Governor Inuwa Yahaya has directed the management of Gombe State University to immediately commence the necessary processes for payment of outstanding CATA arrears.
The Governor also directed the university management to explore internal measures for the progressive settlement of other outstanding staff entitlements, including arrears of the 25 and 35 per cent wage awards, minimum wage and Earned Academic Allowances.
The obligations are expected to be addressed in phases, taking into consideration the financial sustainability of the institution and the need to prevent disruption of academic activities.
In another significant move towards sustainable education financing, the Gombe State House of Assembly has passed the law establishing the Gombe State Education Trust Fund, which is expected to commence operations in October 2026.
The Fund is designed to provide a more sustainable financing framework for education, particularly Gombe State University and other state-owned tertiary institutions.
It is also expected to strengthen the government’s capacity to meet recurrent and developmental needs, improve staff welfare and provide a more dependable funding mechanism for institutions across the state’s education sector.
Against this backdrop, the Gombe State Government appealed to ASUU to take into consideration the interventions already initiated, assurances provided and the administration’s commitment to resolving outstanding issues affecting academic and non-academic staff.
The government maintained that its approach is geared towards finding sustainable and mutually beneficial solutions while safeguarding the financial health of the university.
Governor Inuwa Yahaya’s administration reaffirmed its readiness to continue engaging ASUU, the university management and other stakeholders to maintain industrial harmony, protect the academic calendar and sustain the development of Gombe State University.
