Gombe Gov Approves N148.76m Monthly Funding for State Varsity

Gombe State Governor, Muhammadu Yahaya, has approved an additional N148.762 million monthly subvention for Gombe State University to facilitate the implementation of the Consolidated Academic Tool Allowance (CATA).

The additional funding, effective from October 2026, represents a 56 per cent increase in the university’s monthly subvention.

The Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Ibrahim Njodi, disclosed this in a statement issued by the Director-General, Press Affairs, Gombe Government House, Ismaila Misilli.

Njodi said the approval was part of measures by the state government to address demands by the Academic Staff Union of Universities and concerns arising from the 2025 Federal Government-ASUU agreement.

He said the funds would be reflected in the 2026 supplementary budget, which is expected to be considered by the State House of Assembly in September.

The governor, who is also the Visitor to the university, directed the institution’s management to immediately begin processes for the payment of outstanding CATA arrears.

He further directed the university management to explore internal measures towards gradually settling other outstanding staff obligations.

These include arrears of the 25 per cent and 35 per cent wage awards, minimum wage and Earned Academic Allowances.

Njodi said the government would address the outstanding obligations in phases, taking into account the university’s financial position and the need to prevent disruption of academic activities.

The development comes amid concerns over staff welfare and funding at the state-owned institution, with the university’s ASUU branch having issued a 14-week ultimatum to the state government.

The state government also disclosed that the Gombe State House of Assembly had passed legislation establishing the Gombe State Education Trust Fund, with operations expected to commence in October.

The fund is expected to provide a sustainable financing framework for education, particularly Gombe State University and other state-owned tertiary institutions.

The government appealed to ASUU and other stakeholders to support efforts to maintain industrial harmony and ensure the continued development of the university.