University workers to begin nationwide protest August 6 - UABS

The National Association of Academic Technologists (NAAT) has threatened to embark on nationwide protests over three and a half months of withheld salaries, the non-implementation of consequential adjustments for the minimum wage, and other unresolved issues.

NAAT had earlier issued a 21-day ultimatum to the Federal Government concerning the welfare of its members and the need for a conducive academic environment, which expired without any response.

At its 59th National Executive Council (NEC) meeting held at Yobe State University, the union expressed disappointment at the government’s lukewarm attitude toward addressing these concerns.

In a statement by NAAT President, Comrade Ibeji Nwokoma, the association emphasized it remains open to dialogue before the August 6 deadline. Among the grievances fueling the planned protests is the sharing formula of a recently disbursed ₦50 billion, where 80% reportedly went to ASUU, leaving NAAT, SSANU, and NASU to share the remaining 20%.

The statement criticized the modalities used by the government in distributing the Earned Allowances and Earned Academic Allowances arrears. NEC also reviewed its declaration of a trade dispute against the Federal Ministry of Education, the National Universities Commission, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, and the University of Nigeria Nsukka.

Other unresolved issues include mainstreaming allowances such as field trip support, student/technologist staff ratio supplementation, students’ work experience programme (SWEP), and call duty allowances. NAAT is also demanding the release of ₦50 billion to settle outstanding claims of Earned Allowances for its members.

Additional demands include completing the renegotiation of the FGN/NAAT 2009 Agreement, implementing the consequential adjustment of the national minimum wage, paying withheld salaries, settling arrears of occupational hazard and responsibility allowances, releasing third-party deductions for withheld months, issuing a circular for career progression to CONTISS 14 and 15 for technologists, and recognizing NEC-approved branch executives at NAU and UNN.

If the government fails to act, NAAT plans to hold its first nationwide protest on August 6, a second on August 13, and a national protest in Abuja on August 20. All NAAT branches have been directed to begin sensitizing and mobilizing members ahead of these actions.

While preparing for industrial action, NAAT reiterated its commitment to dialogue and urged the public, traditional and religious leaders, lawmakers, and well-meaning Nigerians to prevail on the government to address these issues and maintain peace on university campuses.

A memo to all NAAT branch chairmen, signed by General Secretary Comrade Abubakar Yusuf, formally commenced preparations for the protests.