- Urges govt to act fast, save varsity system
The National Association of Academic Technologists (NAAT) has given the Federal government a 14-day ultimatum to resolve outstanding issues related to unpaid allowances and delayed salaries.
The NAAT President, Ibeji Nwokoma, announced the decision after the association’s National Executive Council (NEC) meeting held in Abuja on Monday, October 6, 2025.
He said the NEC reviewed previous engagements with the Ministers of Labour and Employment, as well as Education, but expressed disappointment that key concerns had yet to be addressed.
Nwokoma recalled that despite a conciliation meeting convened by the Minister of Labour on July 30 and a follow-up session with the Minister of Education on September 11, no tangible progress has been made.
Among the unresolved issues, he listed the non-completion of the renegotiation of the 2009 FGN/NAAT Agreement, the failure to mainstream earned allowances, and the delayed release of the circular for CONTISS 14 and 15.
He noted that the renegotiation committee, chaired by Mahmud Yayale Ahmed, met with NAAT only once in December 2024 before submitting its report to the government without further consultation.
“NAAT rejects any form of disparity or distortion in the salary structures of university staff. Any salary review must be comprehensive and inclusive,” Nwokoma stated.
He added that persistent salary delays have worsened the financial hardship faced by members, stressing that the union expects fair treatment from the government.
The NEC, according to him, resolved that if the government fails to meet the union’s demands within 14 days, NAAT would be left with no option but to embark on industrial action.
While reaffirming the union’s openness to dialogue, Nwokoma urged the Federal government to act swiftly and in good faith to prevent another crisis in the university system.