NAAT gives FG 2-week ultimatum to pay outstanding arrears, salaries
By SADIQ ABUBAKAR, Maiduguri –
The Chairman of the National Association of Academic Technologists (NAAT) , University of Maiduguri (UNIMAID) branch, Comrade Yusuf Ali Zongoma has announced a two weeks ultimatum to the federal government to pay outstanding arrears and backlog of salaries of its members.
Comrade Zongoma stated this on Wednesday in Maiduguri while addressing the branch members and media on behalf of the National President of NAAT, President Comrade (Hon) Ibeji Nwakama.
He said,” 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.”
“These demands are as enumerated below: (a)Non-payment of five and half months withheld salaries.(b) Non-full implementation of the 2009 FGN/ NAAT Agreement such as (i) The refusal to release enabling circular For the implementation of CONTISS 14 & 15 for Academic Technologists, “(ii) Non-implementation of Students’ Work Experience Programme (SWEP) Allowance, Field Trip Allowance and NIAT Students’ Technologist Staff Ratio Supplementation Allowance
“(c)Non-conclusion of the FGN/ NAAT 2009 Agreement negotiation, (d) Non-payment of the arrears of Earned Allowances for our members (e)Non-provision of funds for upgrade of Public Universities’ Laboratories, Workshops and Studios
“(f) Non-payment of arrears of minimum wage of omitted members for the period April 2019 to January, 2020 and The demand to address the Proliferation and poor funding of Public Universities
” If at the end of the 14-day ultimatum if 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,” Yusuf said
The NAAT Chairman maintained that he hoped that Government will avail itself of this window period to resolve the issues on ground, with the view to averting any industrial action, hence, this decision is in line with our concern for the tertiary education system.
“So as not to disrupt the academic calendar which will eventually affect research and practical teaching; laboratory, workshop, farm and Studio practices and the attendant monumental loss of resources.
“NAAT calls on all well-meaning Nigerians, traditional rulers, religious leaders, members of the National Assembly, Civil Society Organizations and student leadership to prevail on Federal Government on the demands.
“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,” Yusuf said.