The National Association of Academic Technologists, NAAT, has given the Federal Government a 14-day ultimatum, demanding immediate resolution of pending issues or face an indefinite strike.
In a peaceful protest held at the University of Maiduguri in Borno State on Wednesday, NAAT President, Comrade Ibeji Nwokoma expressed dissatisfaction over the Minister of Finance’s failure to release withheld salaries, despite approval from President Bola Tinubu.
Nwokoma criticized the delay, describing it as “unfortunate” and casting doubt on the government’s seriousness in addressing NAAT’s grievances.
“The refusal of the Finance Minister to implement the approval raises significant questions about the government’s commitment to resolving these issues and alleviating the suffering of Nigerians, especially NAAT members,” Nwokoma stated.
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Represented by Yusuf Zangoma, the Acting Chairman of the University of Maiduguri branch, Nwokoma reiterated the union’s demands, which include the payment of withheld salaries, full implementation of the 2009 FGN/NAAT Agreement, settlement of Earned Allowances arrears, and the upgrading of public university laboratories.
NAAT has directed its branches to organize protests and congresses across the country, and if the government fails to act by November 13, 2024, it will proceed with a national protest and an indefinite strike.
NAAT’s move follows similar threats made by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), which has also given the Federal Government a 14-day deadline to address issues like the renegotiation of the 2009 FGN/ASUU Agreement and the payment of salaries withheld during the 2022 strike.
Yusuf Bulus, NAAT’s National Internal Auditor, appealed to Nigerians and stakeholders to intervene and prevent disruptions to the academic calendar, research, and laboratory activities, emphasizing that a strike would have far-reaching consequences for students. “We hope it does not come to that,” he added.
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