Education
NAAT Blames FG For Unpaid University Salaries, Warns Of Crisis
The release of four months’ withheld salaries exclusively to the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has ignited controversy within the academic community.
The National Association of Academic Technologists (NAAT) is pointing fingers at the Federal Government, warning of a potential industrial crisis.
Recall that President Bola Tinubu had sanctioned the release of four months’ worth of withheld salaries for university-based unions that participated in the February to August 2022 strike.
The beneficiaries include ASUU, NAAT, SSANU, and NASU.
However, tension mounts as the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation reportedly initiates payment exclusively to ASUU, sidelining the other three unions from the financial resolution.
NAAT has strongly criticized the government’s selective approach and issued a directive for its branches to initiate immediate mobilization of members for a nationwide protest if the withheld salaries are not promptly paid.
The association’s President, Ibeji Nwokoma, conveyed in a statement on Sunday that the exclusion of NAAT members from the payment is deemed unfair and unjust.
The statement read: “The leadership of the National Association of Academic Technologists (NAAT) is compelled to issue this press statement as a response to the worrisome information available to the Union on the selective payment by Government in the payment of withheld salaries to members of Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), while excluding members of NAAT and two other University Based Unions (NASU & SSANU).
“This indeed is a recipe for industrial crisis and a total breakdown of academic activities at such a time peace was returning to our campuses. The federal Government should therefore be held responsible for any industrial disharmony due to their actions and inactions.
“It is important to draw the attention of the general public to the fact that, the struggle the Union embarked upon was for the betterment of University Education which was spearheaded by all the University Based Unions, National Association of Academic Technologists (NAAT), Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Non Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions (NASU) and Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU).
“Therefore, NAAT wonders the rationale behind the selective treatment. This is a calculated attempt to deny our members their entitlements and create disaffection within the system that will further plunge the Universities into more avoidable crises. These divide and rule tactics of the Government will not and must not be allowed to stand. Equity, fairness and justice should be the guiding principles expected of Federal Government.
“It is worthy to note that the Honourable Minister of Education, Professor Tahir Mamman, SAN at the high-level stakeholders meeting held at the NUC Auditorium on 11th January, 2024, where Vice-Chancellors, Union leaders and all stakeholders were present stated that nobody will be short-changed.
“He stated further that the approval by Mr. President on the payment of the withheld salaries covers all the University Based Unions and that Federal Government is determined to do everything humanly possible to avoid any disruption of academic activities in our campuses.
“Moreover, the laboratory/ workshop and studio work lost during the strike has been covered by Academic Technologists as students had since graduated and some completed the mandatory National Youth Service program.
“Meanwhile, NAAT National leadership has directed all Branches nationwide to commence sensitization and mobilisation in anticipation of a nationwide protest on a date to be announced soon, if these issues at stake are not adequately addressed.
“Lastly, NAAT once again, wishes to call on the general public, stakeholders and well- meaning Nigerians to intervene and prevail on the Federal Government to ensure payment of the withheld salaries in full and implementation of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) of 17th August, 2022 signed freely by the then Honourable Minister of Education, Mal. Adamu Adamu on behalf of the Federal Government and NAAT for a sustainable industrial harmony.”
In a bid to restore industrial harmony in universities, NAAT has formally written to the Minister of Education, urging prompt intervention.
The letter seeks the minister’s involvement to address the ongoing issue and safeguard the existing level of industrial peace within the academic institutions.
The letter partly reads “The leadership of the National Association of Academic Technologists (NAAT) commends the good efforts of the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR in repositioning the Country towards economic growth and prosperity through the Renewed Hope Agenda and his commitment towards uplifting the Educational sector through infrastructural and human capital development, especially with regard to recent release of about Six Hundred and Thirty Billion Naira (N630bn) only intervention to Universities and other Tertiary Institutions, as approved by the President and announced by the Executive Secretary of TETFund.
“The leadership of NAAT wishes to state that information available to us as a Union, indicates that Federal Government directed the Office of Accountant General of the Federation (OAGF) to effect payment of the withheld salaries to ONLY members of a sister Union to the exclusion of members of NAAT and two other University Based Unions.
“It should be noted that at the high-level stakeholders meeting held on the 11th January, 2024 at the National Universities Commission (NUC) Auditorium, on the modalities, of exiting from IPPIS, one of the major highlights and take-home message was the statement made by Honourable Minister of Education, Professor Tahir Mamman, SAN to the effect that all arrangements were concluded by Federal Government on the payment of withheld salties to all members of University Based Unions in Federal Universities and the implementation of the new salary structure of 25% and 35% salary increase for all workers in Educational Tertiary Institutions to the delight of everybody present including the Vice-chancellors and the Union leaders.
The Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), in partnership with Techico Resource Solutions Limited, has provided educational materials and teaching tools to Ugbuwangue Secondary School in Warri, Delta State.
The intervention was formally handed over to the school on Tuesday, September 22, 2026, at a ceremony attended by representatives of NCDMB, Techico Resource Solutions Limited, the school leadership, teachers, students, and members of the Ugbuwangue community.
READ ALSO: NCDMB Woos Chinese Manufacturers
A statement from the partners on Thursday has it that the support was provided under the “Back to the Creeks” initiative, which was designed to address practical challenges facing students and teachers by providing resources to improve the learning environment and support more effective teaching and learning.
Speaking at the ceremony, Chief Executive Officer of Techico Resource Solutions Limited, Omolola Bolushire, expressed appreciation to NCDMB for supporting the vision behind Back to the Creeks and investing in the future of young people.
She said the initiative demonstrated the importance of moving beyond conversations about development to taking practical steps that respond to the needs of communities.
“It is easy to talk about development. It is something else entirely to come into a community, listen, identify real needs and commit resources to making a difference,” Bolushire said.
Bolushire urged the school and Ugbuwangue community to take ownership of the intervention and protect the resources provided so that future generations could continue to benefit from them.
“These are not simply gifts to a community. They are an investment in a community. Please protect the facilities, protect the school and protect what has been provided,” she said.
Representing NCDMB, Mrs Khadija Jekine, who represented the Executive Secretary, said the Board was pleased to support an initiative focused on improving the learning experience of young people.
“Education is an investment in the future. By supporting schools and young people, we are helping to create opportunities that can have a lasting impact on communities,” Jekine said.
The Principal of Ugbuwangue Secondary School, Mrs Morrison Jemiyotan, also expressed appreciation for the intervention, noting that the resources would support both teachers and students.
“We are grateful for this support. These materials will make a meaningful difference to our school, and we are committed to ensuring that they are properly used and maintained for the benefit of our students,” the Principal said.
The Back to the Creeks initiative reflects the shared commitment of NCDMB and Techico Resource Solutions Limited to supporting communities and creating opportunities for young people through education.
As the indefinite strike at Taraba State University (TSU) continues, both students and lecturers have been caught in a standoff over unresolved issues between the state government, the University’s management, and the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU).
The strike, which has led to the suspension of exams and left the campus in disarray, stems from long-standing disputes regarding the welfare of lecturers and critical institutional concerns.
Students at TSU, Jalingo, are facing growing uncertainty as the academic calendar remains halted amid the ongoing crisis.
READ MORE: Journalist Adedayo Oderinu Advises Women Against Having Many Children
The Chairperson of ASUU-TSU, Dr. Garba Joshua, disclosed that the strike commenced after a 30-day grace period lapsed without meaningful action from the state government and university authorities to address key demands.
“The unresolved grievances include the lack of a pension scheme, non-payment of salary arrears, failure to constitute a Governing Council, non-payment of Earned Academic Allowances, exclusion from minimum wage implementation, and inadequate funding as stipulated by the University’s founding law,” Dr. Joshua explained.
He added, “ASUU-TSU has consistently engaged with the government to resolve these pressing issues. However, the lack of commitment and action has left us with no choice but to take this step in defense of our members’ welfare, the integrity of the institution, and the future of higher education in Taraba State.”
The strike has left students in limbo, with many expressing frustration over their interrupted academic progress. Some were seen leaving campus with no indication of when classes or exams would resume.
One student, speaking on the condition of anonymity, said, “We are the ones paying the price for a crisis we didn’t create. It’s disheartening to see our education put on hold because of these unresolved issues.”
The impasse has sparked concern among parents and education stakeholders, who are calling for urgent intervention to resolve the crisis.
However, as of the latest update, no resolution has been reached, leaving the future of academic activities at TSU uncertain.
Students and lecturers alike are now waiting for the state government and university management to take decisive action to end the strike and restore normalcy to the institution.
The Federal Government has dissolved the Governing Council of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, and removed its newly appointed Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Bernard Odoh, over alleged breaches of university laws and irregularities in his appointment.
This was announced on Wednesday by Folashade Boriowo, the Director of Press and Public Relations at the Federal Ministry of Education.
In a statement, the Ministry accused the Governing Council of failing to follow due process in the appointment of Prof. Odoh, resulting in widespread tension and unrest within the university community.
READ ALSO: Vinicius Jr. Honors Cameroonian Roots Ahead Of Brazil’s Clash With Uruguay
“The Federal Government has announced the dissolution of the Governing Council of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra State, following grave breaches of the laws governing the university and disregard for lawful directives from the Federal Ministry of Education,” the statement read.
The Federal Ministry of Education also revealed that the Council’s chairman had “unilaterally appointed a Vice-Chancellor who did not meet the minimum eligibility criteria for the position,” leading to the breakdown of law and order on campus.
The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) had earlier accused the Governing Council of misconduct and called for its dissolution.
The union alleged that the council’s actions undermined the institution’s integrity and violated established procedures.
Commenting on the government’s decision, the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, said urgent measures were necessary to restore stability to the university.
“The Honourable Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, emphasized that urgent measures were needed to prevent further deterioration of the situation at Nnamdi Azikiwe University, as the illegal decisions taken by the Governing Council posed a significant risk of further destabilizing the institution,” the statement added.
The Ministry also announced plans to appoint an Acting Vice-Chancellor and constitute a new Governing Council for the university.
“In accordance with the university’s founding act, an Acting Vice-Chancellor will be appointed, and a new Governing Council for the university will be constituted as soon as possible to ensure proper governance and adherence to the law,” the statement concluded.
State Govs, Wike Endorse One-Party State, Join APC Campaign Council
2027: ‘Tinubu Has Done Well’ – Wike Tells Opposition to Speak the Truth
‘Celebrate This Poor Man’ – Shettima Defends Tinubu Over Economic Crisis
FG Withdraws Charges Against ‘Fake Agency’ DG, Adeniyi Adeyemi
Shell Identifies Keys to Nigeria’s Energy Future
Nigeria Records Biggest Rise in Multidimensional Poverty Among Five Countries – UN
Trump’s Family Unveils New Cryptocurrency Platform
Senate Denies Receiving Petitions Against Tinubu’s Ambassadorial Nominees
Dangote Cement Lights Up Benue Host Communities With CSR Initiatives
Reps Recommend 3-year Jail Term For Aviation minister
Tems Sets New Record On Billboard Hot 100 Chart
