| dc.description.abstract | The National Association of Academic Technologists (NAAT) has declared plans to begin a nationwide protest from August 6, 2025, following the Federal Government’s failure to address longstanding grievances. These include the non-payment of withheld salaries, unequal distribution of earned allowances, and neglect of critical agreements dating back to 2009. NAAT members, key actors in university laboratories and workshops, warn that unless urgent intervention occurs, a full blown strike could ensue, disrupting academic and research activities across Nigeria’s public universities.
The union specifically contests the Federal Government’s plan to allocate 80% of a ₦50 billion earned allowance disbursement to ASUU, leaving just 20% for non-teaching unions (NAAT, NASU, and SSANU), a move they deem grossly inequitable. Further concerns include unpaid minimum wage arrears, outstanding third-party deductions, and stalled career progression frameworks. To prevent a major educational crisis, the National Assembly may wish to: action is critical to mediate this dispute, restore industrial harmony, and uphold the integrity of university-based practical education and research.
● Convene an emergency joint public hearing with NAAT, ASUU, NASU, SSANU, the NUC, and the Ministry of Education to address systemic inequities in university labour relations;
● Commission a legislative audit of all MoUs and MoAs signed with university unions to ensure enforceability and timely implementation;
● Pressure the executive via resolutions and consultations to fulfil obligations on salary arrears, allowances, and other entitlements;
● Call on the immediate release of occupational hazard allowances, responsibility allowances, minimum wage arrears for omitted staff, and third-party deductions withheld since payment resumption.
This pending strike threatens to derail Nigeria’s already fragile higher education sector. Legislative action is critical to mediate this dispute, restore industrial harmony, and uphold the integrity of
university-based practical education and research. | en_US |
