Anti-corruption war: NAAT tasks FG to sustain probe of VCs

The National Association of Academic Technologists (NAAT) has urged the Federal Government to sustain the extension of the war against corruption to tertiary institutions, especially as it involves some vice chancellors and other principal officers of universities.

The association gave the advice as it also commended the recent release of over N2.7 trillion by the Federal Government for payment of salary arrears and pension of federal workers.

General Secretary of NAAT, Comrade Iyoyo Hamilton, who spoke on the outcome of NAAT National Executive Council (NEC) meeting held at the University of PortHarcourt commended the Federal Government for extending the war against corruption to tertiary institutions.

“On the anti-corruption war in tertiary institutions; NAAT commends the Federal Government for extending the war against corruption to tertiary institutions, as exemplified by recent and on-going cases involving some vice chancellors and other principal officers of universities.

“Indeed, NAAT had specifically requested FG to take this action in the communiqué issued at the end of its 32nd NEC meeting held at University of Calabar on 30th March, 2017. So, it is a welcome development which should be sustained.”

While also commending the release of N2.7 trillion for the payment of salary arrears and pension of federal workers, the NAAT General Secretary, said the move would serve as a good example for the state governments, which are heavily indebted to workers and pensioners to follow.

He, therefore, advised state governments to ensure that the bulk of the N243 billion of the Paris Club Refund to the states as second tranche is used for payment of workers’ salaries, gratuities and pension in line with guidelines for the release.

“We commend the Federal Government for the recent release of N243 billion to the states as second tranche of the Paris Club Refund.

“However, against the background of mis-application and misappropriation of the fund released in the first tranche, NAAT strongly advises state governments to ensure that the bulk of the money is used for payment of workers’ salaries, gratuities and pension in line with guidelines for the release.”

He warned that workers would not accept anything short of this expectation.

Comrade Hamilton called for the full implementation of the 2009 Federal Government/NAAT Agreement.

“It is rather unfortunate and unacceptable that since 2009, the Federal Government and most state governments have not fully implemented the 2009 Federal Government of Nigeria (FGN)/  (NAAT) Agreement.