NAAT slams FG over frequent dissolution of varsity governing councils

.Demands immediate payment of members’ withheld salaries

THE National Association of Academic Technologists (NAAT) has condemned the Federal Government’s persistent dissolution of university governing councils and the arbitrary removal of vice-chancellors, warning that such actions threaten the stability and development of the nation’s tertiary institutions.

Rising from an emergency National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting held on February 13th and 14th, 2025, in Abuja, NAAT’s National President, Comrade Ibeji Nwokoma, expressed deep concern over what he described as a flagrant disregard for due process in the management of universities.

NAAT insisted that while it does not condone incompetence or corruption within the university system, the dissolution of governing councils and the swapping of pro-chancellors without adherence to the Universities (Miscellaneous Provisions) (Amendment) Act 2003, disrupt smooth university administration. The union warned that such interference affects critical areas such as personnel cost disbursement, research, and overall institutional development, ultimately jeopardizing the quality of education in Nigeria.

NAAT also sounded the alarm over the Federal Government’s transition from the Integrated Personnel and Payroll Information System (IPPIS) to the Government Integrated Financial Management Information System (GIFMIS), citing widespread salary delays, shortfalls, and irregular remittances of statutory deductions, including check-off dues.

The union called on the Ministry of Finance, Budget Office of the Federation, the Office of the Accountant General, and GIFMIS operators to urgently address these lapses to ensure timely and accurate salary payments.

In solidarity with the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC), NAAT rejected the recent hike in telecommunication tariffs on calls and data, describing it as an unjust burden on Nigerians. The union urged the Federal Government to compel telecom providers to revert to previous tariffs until a final agreement is reached by the ongoing 10-man committee set up for review.

Similarly, NAAT demanded broader consultations on the Tax Reform Bills currently before the National Assembly, warning that without input from all relevant stakeholders, the proposed reforms could further burden an already struggling populace.

NAAT reiterated its demand for the immediate payment of outstanding salaries and entitlements, including three and a half months of withheld salaries, twelve months’ arrears of the 25 percent and 35 percent salary increase, wage award arrears, and the Occupational Hazard Allowance.

The union further urged the government to release the necessary circular for the implementation of CONTISS 14 and 15 salary structures for Academic Technologists, emphasising that failure to do so could disrupt industrial harmony in Nigerian universities.

Comrade Nwokoma stressed that NAAT would not stand by while its members continue to suffer the consequences of government’s policy inconsistencies, warning that failure to address these grievances could lead to further industrial action.

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