By MUHAMMAD DANBABA
- Demands Payment of Withheld Salaries and Infrastructure Improvements
The National Association of Academic Technologists (NAAT) has officially given the federal government a 21-day ultimatum to address several pressing issues, including the payment of five and a half months of withheld salaries. Failure to meet these demands will result in a withdrawal of services by its members in universities.
- Ultimatum Details from NAAT’s National Executive Council Meeting
This ultimatum was announced following NAAT’s 56th National Executive Council (NEC) meeting held in Taraba State. In a letter addressed to the Minister of State for Labour and Employment, and signed by the association’s President, Comrade Ibeji Nwokoma, the union expressed its frustration regarding the government’s lack of action on prior commitments.
The letter, which was also sent to the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the National Universities Commission (NUC), stated: “The leadership of NAAT wishes to draw your attention to the above subject matter. Arising from the 56th NEC meeting held at Federal University Wukari on September 25 and 26, 2024, the union is compelled to issue this notice of a three-week ultimatum due to the government’s failure to keep promises regarding the payment of withheld salaries.”
- Key Issues Highlighted by NAAT
The union’s demands include:
– **Payment of Withheld Salaries:** Compensation for the five and a half months of salaries that have not been disbursed, despite a presidential directive issued over five months ago.
– **Implementation of CONTISS 14 & 15:** Release of the enabling circular for NAAT members as agreed in the 2017 Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).
– **Payment of Minimum Wage Arrears:** Compensation for omitted NAAT members for the period from April 2019 to January 2020.
– **Salary Increase Arrears:** Payment of arrears corresponding to the 25% and 35% salary increments for the year 2023.
– **Improvement of Infrastructure:** Addressing inadequate infrastructure, including dilapidated laboratories, workshops, and obsolete equipment, and enhancing training for academic technologists in modern equipment and ICT.
- Consequences of Inaction
NAAT has made it clear that if the federal government does not respond positively by the end of the three-week ultimatum, the union will be compelled to initiate industrial action without further notice.
- Historical Context of NAAT’s Grievances
This situation is not new for NAAT; the union previously engaged in an industrial action from March 21, 2022, to August 2022, following unresolved issues despite a resolution reached with the then Minister of Education, Mallam Adamu Adamu. NAAT has expressed disappointment that the problems leading to the previous strike remain unresolved, particularly concerning the renegotiation of the 2009 FGN/NAAT Agreement.
The association has also raised concerns over the ongoing lack of funds for upgrading public university facilities, including laboratories, workshops, and studios, which continues to hinder the quality of education and training in Nigerian universities.
As the deadline approaches, the federal government faces increasing pressure to address the grievances of NAAT. The outcome will not only affect the livelihoods of academic technologists but also the overall educational infrastructure and quality in Nigeria’s universities. The situation remains critical, and stakeholders are urged to act promptly to prevent further disruptions in the academic sector.
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