The National Association of Academic Technologists (NAAT) has threatened to launch nationwide protests over withheld salaries spanning more than three and a half months, the failure to implement consequential adjustments related to the national minimum wage, and other outstanding issues.
Previously, NAAT issued a 21-day ultimatum to the Federal Government demanding improved welfare for its members and a conducive academic environment. However, the government failed to respond before the deadline expired.
At its 59th National Executive Council (NEC) meeting held at Yobe State University, the union expressed deep disappointment with the government’s lackluster response to these pressing concerns.
In a statement by NAAT President, Comrade Ibeji Nwokoma, the association emphasized its willingness to engage in dialogue before the August 6 protest deadline. Among the key grievances fueling the planned strike is the recent ₦50 billion disbursement, where reportedly 80% was allocated to ASUU, leaving only 20% to be shared among NAAT, SSANU, and NASU.
The statement also criticized the government’s handling of the distribution of Earned Allowances and Earned Academic Allowances arrears. The NEC reviewed its trade dispute declaration against the Federal Ministry of Education, the National Universities Commission, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, and the University of Nigeria Nsukka.
Other unresolved demands include the mainstreaming of allowances such as field trip support, supplementation for student-to-technologist staff ratios, students’ Work Experience Programme (SWEP), and call duty allowances. NAAT is also calling for the release of ₦50 billion to clear outstanding Earned Allowances owed to its members.
Additional demands cover the completion of renegotiations on the 2009 FGN/NAAT Agreement, implementation of the consequential adjustment of the national minimum wage, payment of withheld salaries, settlement of arrears on occupational hazard and responsibility allowances, release of withheld third-party deductions, issuance of a circular to facilitate career progression to CONTISS levels 14 and 15 for technologists, and official recognition of NEC-approved branch executives at NAU and UNN.
Should the government fail to act, NAAT plans to hold its first nationwide protest on August 6, followed by a second on August 13, and a national protest in Abuja on August 20. All branches have been directed to begin sensitizing and mobilizing members in preparation for these actions.
While preparing for industrial action, NAAT reiterated its commitment to dialogue and called on the public, traditional and religious leaders, lawmakers, and concerned Nigerians to urge the government to address these issues promptly and preserve peace on university campuses.
A memo signed by General Secretary Comrade Abubakar Yusuf was circulated to all NAAT branch chairmen, formally initiating preparations for the planned protests.
