R
Richard Ogunsile
Guest
The National Association of Academic Technologists (NAAT) has threatened to embark on an indefinite strike over outstanding issues with the Federal Government.
On Wednesday, the association presented a 14-day ultimatum to the government, urging prompt action on addressing the outstanding issues.
During a peaceful demonstration at the University of Maiduguri in Borno State, NAAT President Comrade Ibeji Nwokoma expressed his dissatisfaction with the Minister of Finance’s decision to withhold salaries despite receiving approval from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
He characterized the delay as “unfortunate and regrettable,” raising concerns about the government’s dedication to resolving NAAT’s concerns.
“The refusal by the Honourable Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy to effect this approval raises more questions than answers regarding the Federal Government’s sincerity in resolving these issues and alleviating the suffering of Nigerians, particularly NAAT members,” Nwokoma said.
Represented by the University of Maiduguri’s Acting Chairman of the National Association of Academic Technicians and Allied Technicians (NAAT), Yusuf Zangoma, Nwokoma presented the demands put forth by the union.
These demands encompass the reimbursement of withheld salaries, the complete execution of the 2009 FGN/NAAT Agreement, the resolution of Earned Allowances arrears, and the enhancement of public university laboratories.
The National Association of Academic Technicians and Allied Technicians (NAAT) has directed its branches to organize protests and congresses.
Should the government not fulfill its obligations by November 13, 2024, the union is prepared to launch a national protest and an indefinite strike.
This ultimatum is in line with previous actions taken by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), which has also mandated the Federal Government to respond to its demands within a 14-day period.
These demands include the renegotiation of the 2009 FGN/ASUU Agreement and the release of withheld salaries from the strike that occurred in 2022.
Yusuf Bulus, the National Internal Auditor of NAAT, has called upon concerned Nigerians and stakeholders to intervene in order to avert disruptions to the academic calendar, research, and laboratory activities.
He emphasized the significant impact a strike could have on students, expressing a desire to avoid such a scenario.
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