Nigeria’s university system may face fresh industrial unrest as the National Association of Academic Technologists (NAAT) has opposed the Federal Government’s alleged decision to allocate N50 billion in earned allowances solely to academic staff.
Raising concerns about fairness and inclusion, NAAT has asked the government to halt the disbursement until all four university-based unions, including those representing non-academic staff, agree on a shared formula. The union warned that any attempt to exclude technologists and other non-teaching staff could lead to a breakdown in campus stability.
The controversy stems from a recent letter reportedly sent by the Federal Ministry of Education to the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), stating that the funds would be released soon. NAAT, however, insists that earned allowances should not be viewed as the entitlement of teaching staff alone.
In a statement following its National Executive Council meeting, NAAT’s leadership described the move as discriminatory and a threat to the fragile peace in Nigerian universities. The union emphasised that allowances should also cover staff under SSANU, NASU, and NAAT itself, given their contributions to the university system.
The technologists’ union further criticised what it called the government’s “selective negotiations,” highlighting that the N150bn revitalisation fund and the report on the 2009 renegotiation agreement are still pending review.
NAAT has urged the Ministry of Education to immediately initiate joint talks with all affected unions or risk industrial action in the coming weeks.
