By DAYO ADESULU
Academic Technologists Union Demands Immediate Action on Withheld Salaries, 2009 Agreement, and Laboratory Upgrades
The National Association of Academic Technologists (NAAT) has given the Federal Government a 14-day deadline to address long-standing grievances or face a nationwide, indefinite strike. NAAT President, Comrade Ibeji Nwokoma, announced the ultimatum on Wednesday during a peaceful protest at the University of Maiduguri in Borno State, highlighting frustrations over withheld salaries and delayed agreements.
NAAT President Criticizes Delay in Release of Salaries
During the protest, Nwokoma expressed dissatisfaction with the Federal Government’s failure to release withheld salaries, despite approval from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. He described the delay by the Minister of Finance as “unfortunate and regrettable,” raising concerns about the government’s commitment to resolving NAAT’s grievances.
“The refusal by the Honourable Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy to effect this approval raises questions about the Federal Government’s sincerity in alleviating the suffering of Nigerians, especially NAAT members,” Nwokoma stated.
Nwokoma, represented by University of Maiduguri NAAT Acting Chairman, Yusuf Zangoma, reiterated that if the government does not address these concerns by November 13, 2024, NAAT would escalate its actions to a national protest and indefinite strike.
Key Demands: Payment of Withheld Salaries, Full Agreement Implementation, Earned Allowances, and Lab Upgrades
NAAT outlined specific demands, including:
- Payment of withheld salaries
- Full implementation of the 2009 FGN/NAAT Agreement
- Settlement of Earned Allowances arrears
- Upgrades to public university laboratories
The union has mobilized its branches to organize protests and meetings to prepare for the next steps if their demands are unmet. NAAT’s call for action aligns with the ongoing efforts of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), which has also issued a 14-day ultimatum for the renegotiation of the 2009 FGN/ASUU Agreement and the release of withheld 2022 strike salaries.
Call for Intervention to Prevent Academic Disruptions
NAAT’s National Internal Auditor, Yusuf Bulus, urged stakeholders and concerned Nigerians to intervene to prevent academic disruptions. He emphasized the impact that a prolonged strike could have on students, research, and laboratory activities.
“The impact of a strike is immense on our students, but we don’t want it to come to that,” Bulus cautioned.
