One of the university-based unions, the National Association of Academic Technologists (NAAT) has issued the Federal Government (FG) a 2 weeks ultimatum to pay five months of withheld salaries of its members, amongst other grievances or face a nationwide protest scheduled to commence on November 14, 2024.
Speaking to journalists on Wednesday, the union’s President, Comrade IbejaNwokoma said the leadership of the union has made several efforts such as series of letters, visits, notices of ultimatums and several Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) but without any tangible progress recorded.
He said, “This is the highest level of insensitivity on the part of the relevant agencies of government.
“Consequent upon the above, the union having reviewed the situation critically decided to give Federal Government additional two (2) weeks ultimatum, with effect from 30th of October 2024.
“The National Executive Council (NEC) has directed all her Branches in Universities, Polytechnics and Colleges of Education to hold a nationwide protest to drive home our demands.
"Within the two weeks’ ultimatum, Branches have been directed to hold congresses and conduct referendum to decide if the Union will proceed on strike once the 14 days’ ultimatum expires on the 13th of November 2024.
“If at the end of the 14-day ultimatum no positive response from Government, the Union will embark on a national protest which will culminate into a total and indefinite strike without recourse to Government.
“It is hoped that government will avail itself of this window to resolve the issues on ground, with the view to averting any industrial action.”
Apart from the five months withheld salaries, other grievances of NAAT includes non-full implementation of the 2009 FG/NAAT Agreement, Field Trip Allowance, non-payment of the arrears of Earned Allowances for its members, non-provision of funds for upgrade of Public Universities’ Laboratories, Workshops and Studios, amongst other issues.