National Association of Academic Technologists (NAAT) Urges Education Minister to Address Withheld Salaries Issue
The union expressed concern over the government's plan to pay only one university-based union, which contradicts the information provided by the Minister of Education during a recent high-level stakeholders meeting at the National Universities Commission.
AKACHI NOEL 
The National Association of Academic Technologists (NAAT) has called on the Minister of Education, Professor Tahir Mamman, to intervene urgently and ensure the inclusion of its members in the Federal Government's plan to pay withheld salaries to one university-based union.
According to NAAT, over five months' salaries of its members have been withheld by the Federal Government. The union expressed concern over the government's plan to pay only one university-based union, which contradicts the information provided by the Minister of Education during a recent high-level stakeholders meeting at the National Universities Commission.
In a statement jointly signed by NAAT's National President, Comrade Ideji Nwokoma, and General Secretary, Comrade Abubakar V. Yusuf, the union described the plan as unjust and unfair to other university-based unions whose members' salaries are also withheld. The statement highlighted the potential disruption of academic activities and called for fairness in the disbursement of withheld salaries.
The union emphasized the economic hardship experienced by its members and other Nigerians, citing the removal of petroleum subsidy and the erosion of the purchasing power of the currency. It urged the Federal Government to honor agreements made through collective bargaining and implement salary increases and allowances as stipulated in agreements and memorandums of understanding.
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NAAT also commended President Bola Tinubu for efforts to reposition the country's educational sector, particularly the recent release of about N630 billion intervention to universities and other tertiary institutions by TETFund.
The union appealed to the Minister of Education to address the plight of its members promptly by releasing withheld salaries, implementing approved salary increases, and honoring agreements to ensure industrial harmony in the university sector.
