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Tag: National Association of Academic Technologists

  • NAAT threatens strike overN50b earned allowances

    NAAT threatens strike overN50b earned allowances

    The National Association of Academic Technologists (NAAT) has threatened industrial action over alleged plans  by the Federal Government to release N50 billion Earned Allowances to the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU).

    In a letter to the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, the union urged the government to put a hold to the release of the N50 billion Earned Allowances pending when the leadership of the four university based unions and the minister would meet to draw up modalities for its fair and equitable distribution.

    NAAT said anything contrary to the above, may not guarantee industrial peace on our campuses.

    The association in a statement issued in Abuja after its National Executive Council (NEC) meeting and signed by its President, Comrade Ibeji Nwokoma, drew the attention of the Minister of Education to a statement he made that the N50 billion contained in the 2025 budget proposal was meant for payment of Earned Academic Allowances (EAA).

    Based on the university system, any Earned Academic Allowances go to the teaching staff, ASUU, while Earned Allowances involve the non-teaching staff, comprising NAAT, the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities, SSANU, and the Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions (NASU).

    The statement reads: “The National Association of Academic Technologists (NAAT) held her 58th regular National Executive Council (NEC) meeting on 9th and 10th of April, 2025 and deliberated on National issues and those that have to do with the welfare of her members.

    Read Also: NAAT demands payment of withheld salaries, others

    “In the course of the meeting, the attention of NEC-in-Session was drawn to a letter written and signed by Mr. Abel Enitan, the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Education (FME), Abuja.

    “In the said letter addressed to the National President, Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) captioned “Outcome of the meeting of the Honourable Minister of Education with the Technical Committee on the Non-regular Earned Allowances” dated 4th April 2025 informing the Union that;

    “N50 Billion for the payment of Earned Academic Allowances (EAA) for University Staff should be released for payment in the next one week;

    “The N150 Billion Revitalisation funds of NEEDS Assessment is still being discussed with the Honourable Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy; and

    “The Chairman of the Re-negotiation Committee of the 2009 Agreement, Dr. Mahmud Yayale Ahmed, has submitted the Committee’s report which is being reviewed. The Ministry will announce its official position upon completion of the review.

    “NEC-in-Session seriously frowned at this selective and discriminatory action of the Federal Government through FME and viewed it as a threat to industrial harmony being enjoyed in our campuses.”

  • NAAT demands payment of withheld salaries, others

    NAAT demands payment of withheld salaries, others

    The National Association of Academic Technologists (NAAT) has urged the Federal Government to pay the three and a half months withheld salary arrears of its members.

    NAAT made the demand in a communiqué signed by its President, Ibeji Nwokoma, at the end of its National Executive Council (NEC) meeting.

    The union also asked the government to pay the 12 months’ arrears of 25 per cent and 35 per cent salary increase, the arrears of wage award, National Minimum Wage and Occupational Hazard Allowance.

    Former President Muhammadu Buhari withheld the salaries of university workers who went on strike in 2022. But President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, in October 2023, ordered a partial release of four months of the withheld eight-month pay of all lecturers.

    The government paid members of Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) four of the eight months salaries. This led to a protest by the three university-based unions – the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU), Non-Academic Staff Union (NASU), and NAAT.

    “NAAT, therefore, demands the immediate payment of arrears of three and half months withheld salaries, 12 month arrears of 25 per cent and 35 per cent salary increase, payment of arrears of wage award, National Minimum Wage and Occupational Hazard Allowance, release of enabling circular for the implementation of CONTISS 14 & 15 for Academic Technologists for sustainable industrial harmony in Nigerian universities,” the union said.

    It expressed “deep concern over the trend of the rampant dissolution of duly appointed and inaugurated university governing councils, removal of vice chancellors and the swapping of pro-chancellors by the Federal Government without recourse to the laid-down procedures as enshrined in the universities (Miscellaneous Provisions) (Amendment) Act 2003…”

    It added: “Whereas NAAT is not in support of incompetence, indiscipline and corruption by any public servant, especially in the university system, it is interested in observance of due process.

    Read Also: NAAT demands payment of withheld salaries, others 

    “Our universities are a citadel of learning where the nation’s manpower and leaders are produced. The frequent dissolution of governing councils can hamper the good management, growth and development of universities. These include the disbursement of funds to take care of personnel cost, overhead cost, capital cost, research and development and the balance in expenditure between academic, vis-a-vis non-academic activities.

    “The attendant consequences of the above cascades down to smooth running of laboratories, workshops and studios as well as the general welfare of academic technologists, especially as it relates to promotions and trainings. These can dampen the morale of academic technologists that would have negative effects on their capacity to discharge their duties effectively in teaching and research. Hence, the quality of graduates produced under such conditions may be compromised.

    “NAAT as a critical stakeholder in Tertiary Education System cannot seat back and pay lip service to these anomalies and its attendant implications on the Education system.

    “NAAT, therefore, advises the Federal Government to always ensure the appointment of credible and competent Nigerians into Governing Councils of Nigerian Tertiary Institutions and shall be free to discharge its functions and exercise of its responsibilities, as this will allow for the appointment of Vice-Chancellors and other principal officers through a credible and transparent process.”

  • NAAT gives Fed Govt two-week strike notice over withheld salaries

    NAAT gives Fed Govt two-week strike notice over withheld salaries

    • Union threatens to withdraw service November 6

    The National Association of Academic Technologists (NAAT) has given the Federal Government two weeks to pay the withheld salaries of its members or face a nationwide strike.

    The union asked its members to embark on a nationwide protest on November 6 to press home its demands.

    It directed all of its branches in universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education to mobilise their members to press home their demands.

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had directed that 50 per cent of the withheld salaries of university-based unions be paid to them, following their strike in 2022.

    The union had issued a three-week ultimatum on September 30, which expired on October 21.

    Read Also: Nine things to know about acting COAS Olatubosun Oluyede

    NAAT President Ibeji Nwokoma, who declared the ultimatum after the union’s National Executive Council (NEC) meeting yesterday in Abuja, urged the Federal Government to resolve their grievances before the end of the ultimatum.

    The union leader said earlier ultimatums ended without any acknowledgment from government agencies, including the Federal Ministries of Education and Labour and Employment.

    Addressing reporters after the union’s NEC meeting, Nwokoma said: “Several efforts were made in the past, including series of letters, protests, visits, notices of ultimatums and several Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) freely entered between NAAT and Federal Government (that is, MoUs of 2017, 2020, 2021, and 2022) as the result of efforts by Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, as conciliator of the Federal Government, but all to no avail.

    “Consequent upon the above, the union, having reviewed the situation critically, decided to give the Federal Government additional two weeks’ ultimatum, with effect from October 30, 2024. Meanwhile, the National Executive Council (NEC) has directed all her branches in universities, polytechnics and colleges of education to hold a nationwide protest to drive home our demands.

    “Within the two weeks’ ultimatum, branches have been directed to hold congresses and conduct referendum to decide if the union will proceed on strike once the 14 days’ ultimatum expires on November 13, 2024. If at the end of the 14-day ultimatum there is no positive response from government, the union will embark on a national protest, which will culminate in a total and indefinite strike without recourse to government.

    “It is hoped that the government will avail itself of this window to resolve the issues on the ground with the view to averting any industrial action.

    “This decision is in line with our concern for the tertiary education system so as not to disrupt the academic calendar, which will eventually affect research and practical teaching; laboratory, workshop, farm and studio practices, and the attendant monumental loss of resources.”

  • ‘We are running out of patience’

    The National Association of Academic Technologists (NAAT) has said that the three non-teaching staff of Nigerian universities are running out of patience with the federal government over failure by government to implement its agreement entered into between them and the government in March which led to the suspension of their strike.

    The union asked the government to expedite action towards the release of the fund approved for part payment of arrears of Earned Allowances to the Joint Action Committee (JAC) Unions of NAAT, NASU and SSANU – applicable to Federal Universities.

    In a communique at the end of its 37th National Executive Council (NEC) meeting, the union said their members are running out of patience, urging the federal government to urgently implement all elements of the M.O.U it signed with JAC of NAAT, NASU and SSANU on 8th March, 2018.

    The communiqué jointly signed by NAAT President, Comrade Sani Suleiman and General Secretary, Comrade Chief Iyoyo Hamilton, the union also called for the prosecution of Prof. Richard Akindele, the OAU professor who was recently sacked over sex for marks scandal.

    Read Also: Running on the wheel of fate

    The union said that prosecuting the lecturer will serve as deterrent to others, even as it urged other universities and indeed all institutions of learning to follow the O.A.U example, saying this will entrench sanity in the system.

    The NAAT also urged states governments, who are yet to implement the Earned Allowances for workers in State-owned universities, to do the needful in line with the 2009 Agreements signed with the unions.

    The union meanwhile expressed concern over poor funding of the education sector, saying this has led to drop the quality of graduates being churned out.

    The communique reads further, “In spite of the worrisome existence of “special centres”, the results of SSCE keep dropping – implying poor quality of secondary school graduates. This may not be unconnected with the poor allocation of financial and human resources to the education sector.

    “Indeed, it is a well-known fact that budgetary allocations for education at both federal and state government levels have been well below the UNESCO benchmark recommendation of 26% over the years. This has resulted in deplorable condition of classrooms, laboratories, libraries and other teaching and learning facilities in Nigerian Public Schools. NAAT therefore urges government at all levels to give more resources and attention to the Education sector, including strengthening supervision and evaluation.

    Reacting to the ongoing minimum wage negation, the union stated the  early in the year, the federal government had told Nigerian workers that a new National Minimum Wage would come into effect by September, 2018.

    It however expressed concern over remarks credited to the minister of Labour and Employment saying September would no longer be feasible and with no other date given.

    The NEC of the union stated that “NAAT is aware that NLC and TUC have jointly made a submission of N66, 500.00 as new national minimum wage and that tripartite meetings in this regard are on-going. As an affiliate of NLC, NAAT is in agreement with NLC and TUC on the submission made. However, the union urges parties in the NMW negotiations to fast track the process to ensure implementation this year, 2018. Undue delay would be unacceptable.”

  • LASU: Life returns to admin block,non-academic staff resume

    Life on Thursday gradually returned to many offices that had been affected by the three-month old strike of the Non-Academic Staff Union of Universities at the Lagos State University ( LASU ), Ojo.

    The Newsmen reports that non-academic activities commenced in the university following the suspension of the nationwide strike embarked by the Joint Action Committee ( JAC ) of NASU.

    A Newsman correspondent who visited the university campus in Ojo reports that life was bouncing back at the Administrative Block, Examination and Record Office and Faculty Offices, among others.

    Services such as electricity and water supply that had also been partially affected had also been restored in areas visited.

    Mr Albert Aguso, Chairman, Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions ( NASU ), LASU chapter, told the Newsmen that his members had resumed their duties.

    Aguso said the resumption was in compliance to the national directive to suspend the three month old strike on Wednesday evening.

    “We have resumed and all offices that were under lock have been re-opened, but because the national did not get across to us on the development until late night on Wednesday, some of our members could not resume.

    “We have, however, scheduled our congress for Friday, for proper transmission of information to our members on further directives,” he said.

    Read Also:  Land dispute: ‘LASU’s claim spurious’

    Aguso said the Federal Government’s offer to pay 11 per cent out of the outstanding arrears within five weeks of the suspension of the strike was not the best, but had been accepted by the non-academic staff.

    “It is good for us to always value time. Since the Federal Government knows what they ought to do, they would have done so, rather than allow the strike linger for so long.

    “Though the 11 per cent offered to us is unfair compared to what ASUU was offered, our national union thought it wise to accept it, just to allow the system running,” he said.

    Aguso urged the Federal Government to fulfil its promise within the stipulated time, to prevent the union resuming its suspended strike, which is unpalatable to the education system.

    Newsmen reports that the non-academic unions of universities embarked on the strike since Dec. 4, 2017 due to the inability of the Federal Government to implement a 2009 agreement with them. ‎

    The affected unions are the National Association of Academic Technologists ( NAAT ), NASU and the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities ( SSANU ).‎ ‎

    They bemoaned poor governance and administrative lapses in the university system, shortfall in payment of staff salaries and other issues which needed to be addressed holistically.

    The JAC Chairman of the unions, Samson Ugwuoke, announced the decision of the unions to suspend its strike at a briefing in Abuja on Wednesday.

    Ugwuoke said: “Based on extensive consultations with our various organs, we hereby announce the suspension of the strike action embarked upon by JAC with effect from March 14″.

    NAN

  • Unilag postpones candidates’ screening

    Unilag postpones candidates’ screening

    Strike by non-academic staff of universities  has compelled the University of Lagos ( Unilag ) to postpone screening of Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination ( UTME ) candidates which was billed to start on Monday.

    The screening, earlier scheduled to end on December 15, is for the 2017/2018 academic session.

    In a statement signed in Lagos by Mrs Taiwo Oloyede, a Senior Assistant Registrar of the institution, Unilag said that the screening was postponed indefinitely.

    It said that the strike disrupted academic and administrative activities in the university.

    JAC began the strike also on Monday.

    “The postponement is indefinite; a new date will be announced. “Candidates are enjoined to check the university’s website regularly for updates,” it said.

    Reports say the strike was embarked on by the three non-academic labour unions in the university.

    The unions are Senior Staff Association of Nigeria Universities ( SSANU ), Non Academic Staff Union of Universities and Associated Institutions (NASU) and National Association of Academic Technologists ( NAAT ).

    The three unions downed tools under the aegis of the Joint Action Committee ( JAC ).

    Read also: Buhari urges universities to justify governments’ investment

    Meanwhile, the National President of SSANU, Mr Samson Ugwoke, said the strike was comprehensive, total and indefinite.

    According to him, the strike resulted from Federal Government’s failure to take action on the September 20 Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) it signed with the unions.

    “It is not just the issue of allowance that we are talking about but also the issue of implementation of a court judgment on our staff schools as well as the issue of acute shortfall in workers’ salaries.

    “Most of our people were laid off unjustifiably; they are yet to be reinstated in the university’s payroll.

    “We are tired of being tossed around or seen as not important in the running of the university. We are as important as any other union within the system and need to be given that recognition.

    “After several negotiations with the government, we expected that it sees the need to honour whatever agreement reached, but the reverse is the case,” he said,’’ Ugwoke, also the Chairman of the JAC, said.

    According to the union leader, activities in Nigerian public universities would be paralysed until JAC achieves its aim.

    A former Chairman of the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities ( SSANU ), Prince Oriwaye Adefolalu, said JAC would not call of the strike until its demands would were met.

    “This morning, we had to shut the gate of the University of Lagos in compliance with a directive from our national executive committee.

    “We are indeed not happy with what is going in our universities. We should be seen as a very critical component in the administration of the universities.

    “While ASUU is in charge of research and academics, we are in charge of the administration, security, medical and general maintenance of infrastructure in the system.

    “We should be treated fairly as there is no way the university can work perfectly without us.’’

    NAN

  • Non-academic staff of universities threaten strike from Monday

    Non-academic staff of universities threaten strike from Monday

    Non teaching staff of Nigerian Universities under the auspices of Joint Action Committee is to embark on an indefinite strike action with effect from Monday, September 11 to press home their demand for the implementation of the 2009 agreement entered into with the unions by the federal government.

    The unions made up of the National Association of Academic Technologists, Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions (NASU) and the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) said the government was taking the non teaching staff of universities for granted.

    The unions said they have waited for eight years for the government to implement the agreement it freely entered into with them.

    Speaking at a joint Press Conference in Abuja, President of SSANU, Comrade Samson Ugokwe said eight years after the agreement, government t has not been responsive to the demands of the unions, pointing out that no action appear to have been taken on any of the issues which he said has been implemented in breach.

    The demand of the three University based non teaching staff unions include:

    The payment of Earned Allowances to our members, a review of the governance system in our universities, improved funding in line with UNESCO recommendations, provisions of infrastructures in universities and payment of salary shortfall being owed members.

    Other demand include implementation of the National Industrial Court judgement on University staff schools, registration of NUPEMCO, implementation of CONTISS 14 and 15 for Technologists, improvement of teaching and learning facilities in the universities, teaming the tide of corruption in the university system, showing more commitment and seriousness in the renegotiation of the 2009 FGN/University unions agreement and ensuring the headship of non teaching units by non teaching staff employed for the purpose of the units.

    Ugokwe said that during the strike, there will be no provisions of services, no matter how skeletal. Concessions shall not be granted while all our members are to stay at home till further notice unless as directed by JAC through their respective Presidents.

    According to him, the unions have engaged in various consultations and dialogues with government on the issues stake and have written several letters and embarked on several protest to no avail, pointing out that several representations made by the unions which have been ignored by the government.

    According to him, rather than address the demands of the union as contained in the agreement, universities have continued to deteriorate, while poor governance system has become the order of the day and has brought the universities to their knees.

    He alleged that corruption has taken its toll on the university system, while infrastructure and facilities are nothing to write home about, adding that while the unions supports government efforts at fighting corruption, they believe that there is more to be done to ensure that individuals found culpable should be dealt with in accordance with the law.

    Comrade Ugokwe said further that rather than obey the decision of the National Industrial Court on the funding of university staff schools, the government has kept mute despite series of communication in the issue, adding that it is an irony that the same government that promise employment to Nigerians will approve a circular that send people into the Labour market.

    He said “if an agreement was signed in 2009 and now in 2017, we are still de a ding for the implementation of such agreement, does it now show that we have have been exceedingly patient? Our patient however seems to ha r ur. To an end particularly when federal government to be toeing the dangerous path of taking non teaching staff unions for granted.

    “You would recall that the JAC of NAAT, NASU and SSANU directed a five day warning strike in January this year to drive home their demands. The strike was however suspended through the intervention of the Honorable Minister of Labour and Employment. Senator Chris Ngige who headed the Federal Government t team that interfaced with JAC of the three  unions. At the end, a memorandum of understanding was entered into by the two parties.

    “Unfortunately, seven months after, we are still at the sorry situation we were before the MOU as the issues in contention were not addressed and government t kept a dead silence despite letters and entreaties reminding the, of their commitment to the non teaching staff unions.”