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Tag: NAAT

  • NAAT rejects Wike’s plan to revoke UNIABUJA’s land

    NAAT rejects Wike’s plan to revoke UNIABUJA’s land

    The National Association of Academic Technologists (NAAT) has called for constructive engagement and adherence to due process following reports of a proposed revocation of 7,000 hectares of land allocated to the University of Abuja (UNIABUJA).

    The land in question is part of the 11,000 hectares originally granted to UNIABUJA, recently renamed as Yakubu Gowon University.

    Mr Ibeji Nwokoma, National President of NAAT, made the appeal in a statement issued to journalists on Wednesday in Abuja.

    It would be recalled that there were recent reports alleging that the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr Nyesom Wike, was considering reclaiming part of the university’s land.

    Nwokoma stated that NAAT’s attention had also been drawn to a Federal Government publication regarding the Tertiary Institutions Staff Support Fund (TISSF), which coincided with the reported revocation notice.

    While expressing concern over the development, Nwokoma emphasised that land allocated to institutions of learning was a strategic national resource intended to support future growth, innovation, and research.

    “The land is not merely a physical asset. It is a foundation for long-term academic expansion, including the establishment of research centres, new faculties, hostels, and other critical infrastructure to serve the growing student population,” he said.

    He urged that any decision regarding the university’s land must be guided by the rule of law and in alignment with the university’s master plan, which was developed with national development goals in mind.

    “Such actions require legal backing, including amendments by the National Assembly. We believe in the strength of institutions and the need for due process in governance,” Nwokoma added.

    On the issue of the Tertiary Institutions Staff Support Fund (TISSF), recently introduced by the Federal Ministry of Education to enhance staff welfare and professional development, NAAT expressed reservations about the current structure of the scheme.

    After reviewing the terms of the loan-based intervention, Nwokoma said NAAT considered it a well-intentioned initiative but believed its design needed to be restructured to avoid creating long-term financial burdens for staff.

    “We appreciate the government’s effort to support tertiary institution workers, but loans are not the answer to systemic issues.

    “Our members need the government to prioritise payments of outstanding entitlements, not credit schemes that feel like salary advances,” he said.

    He outlined several pending arrears owed to NAAT members, including: Three and a half months of withheld salaries, seven months’ arrears of Occupational Hazard Allowance (OHA) and two months of unreleased third-party deductions.

    He said others included eleven months’ arrears of Responsibility Allowance (RA), twelve months of 25 per cent and 35 per cent salary increase arrears, four months of wage award arrears

    Others, he said were unpaid N30,000 Minimum Wage arrears for affected members (since 2019) and outstanding Earned Allowances.

    Nwokoma called on the Federal Government to channel the TISSF funds toward settling those legitimate financial obligations, which he said would have a more immediate and meaningful impact on the lives of academic technologists and their families.

    He also urged the National Assembly, especially its committees on tertiary education and TETFund, to engage with relevant stakeholders, including the FCT Minister, to ensure that actions regarding university infrastructure aligned with national educational priorities.

    “NAAT remains committed to the advancement of Nigeria’s tertiary education sector. We are hopeful that through dialogue and collaboration, these issues will be resolved in the interest of our students, staff, and the future of education in Nigeria,” Nwokoma said.

  • FG signs MOU with NAAT to avert strike

    FG signs MOU with NAAT to avert strike

    The Federal Government and the National Association of Academic Technologists (NAAT), have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to avert a planned nationwide strike by the union.

    Mr Muhammad Dingyadi, Minister of Labour and Employment disclosed  this on Thursday in Abuja. after a conciliation meeting between the Federal Government representatives and the leadership of NAAT

    It would be recalled that the union had threatened to commence a nationwide protest on August 6, over the non implementation of all outstanding issues reached with the Federal Government.

    Dingyadi said the meeting resolved to set up a technical committee to address the issue of  mainstreaming of allowances of NAAT members.

    “This include Field Trip, Student Technologist Staff Ratio Supplementation, Student Work Experience Programme (SWEP), and call duty allowances,” he said.

    The minister said that the committee comprises of the Budget Office of the Federation, Office of the Accountant General of the Federation, two representatives each from NAAT, National Universities Commission (NUC).

    The minister said others were the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission (NSIWC) and Federal Ministry of Education.

    He said the committee has two weeks to submit its report.

    Dingyadi said the meeting also directed the same committee to handle the payment of three and a half months’ withheld salaries

    He said others issues were, the release of third-party deductions of the two-month withheld salaries, payment of seven and 11 months arrears of Occupational Hazard and Responsibility Allowances respectively.

    He further said that the meeting directed the NUC to revisit for possible resolution of the omitted payment of arrears of 30,000 Minimum Wage to members of NAAT that was implemented in 2019.

    He said the meeting agreed that the committee handling the mainstreaming of allowances should also look into the payment of one year arrears of 35 per cent and 25 per cent salary increment.

    On the release of the N50bn to settle outstanding claims of earned allowances of NAAT members, Dingyadi said the meeting directed the Federal Ministry of Labour to follow up with the Federal Ministry of Education to ensure possible supplementary payment to NAAT.

    He also said the meeting mandated the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment to follow up with the Federal Ministry of Education to ensure early completion of the protracted FGN/NAAT 2009 Agreement renegotiation exercise.

    Furthermore, he said the meeting noted that the consequential adjustment of the New Minimum Wage has been implemented as negotiated by the Joint Public Negotiating Council.

    On the release of enabling circular for career progression to CONTISS 14 and 15 for Academic Technologists, he said the meeting directed the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment to write to the Head of Civil Service of the Federation to expedite action on it.

    He said the meeting agreed that another conciliation meeting would be held in three weeks to review the situation and consider the report of the committee.

    Signatories to the MOU on the government side include Mr Harry Ogugua, Acting Head of Industrial and Labour Relations Division, NUC; Emmanuel Onung, Representative of Federal Ministry of Education and Mr Falonipe Amos, Director, Trade Union Services and Industrial Relations, Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment

    Mr Ibeji Nwokoma, President of NAAT and Mr Abubakar Yusuf, General Secretary, signed on behalf of the union.

  • NAAT announces date to commence nationwide protest

    NAAT announces date to commence nationwide protest

    The National Association of Academic Technologists (NAAT) says it will commence a nationwide protest on August 6, over the non implementation of all outstanding issues reached with the Federal Government.

    Mr Abubakar Yusuf, General Secretary of NAAT said this in a letter addressed to  branch chairmen of the association.

    A copy of the letter titled, “Commencement of Sensitisation and mobilisation on preparation for an impending industrial action” was made available to newsmen on Sunday in Abuja.

    Yusuf said the decision to embark on the nationwide protest was taken at the end of the National Executive Council (NEC), at the 59th regular meeting held at the Yobe State University, Damaturu from July 2 to July 3.

    “The NEC in-session, after reviewing the progress on the trade dispute declaration, took into consideration, the non-action by government and the expiration of the 21-day ultimatum on July 4, 2025, indicating total neglect of our plight by the federal government.

    “Consequent upon the above, NEC haa approved embarking on an industrial action to press home our demands.

    The first nationwide protest by all branches will hold on Wednesday, Aug. 6, 2025.

    “The 2nd nationwide protest by all branches will hold on wednesday, Aug. 13, 2025, while the third national protest in Abuja will hold on Wednesday, Aug.  20,  2025..

    “All Branch Chairmen are hereby directed to commence sensitisation and mobilisation of NAAT members in their Branches towards actualisation of the above plan of action,” he said.

    According to Yusuf,  the protest is on the need for the federal government to address all NAAT’s outstanding issues as contained in the document for declaration of Trade Dispute by NAAT against the Federal Ministry of Education.

    He said the issues in contention include, mainstreaming of allowances of NAAT members into salaries e.g., field trip, student/technologist staff ratio supplementation, Students Work Experience Programme (SWEP) and call duty allowances.

    Others, according to him are, the release of N50bn to settle the outstanding claims of Earned Allowances of NAAT and other unions members in view of the injustice meted against the unions.

    He called for the completion of the renegotiation of the FGN/NAAT 2009 agreement exercise, payment of the three and half months withheld salaries, release of enabling circular for career progression to CONTISS 14 and 15 for Academic Technologists, among others.

    Yusuf appreciated the support and cooperation of all NAAT members and assured members of timely resolution of all the issues at stake.

  • Academic technologists kick over salaries arrears

    Academic technologists kick over salaries arrears

    The National Association of Academic Technologists (NAAT) has demanded the immediate payment of three and a half months of withheld salaries and allowances.

    Mr Ibeji Nwokoma, NAAT President, made the demand in a communiqué issued at the end of an emergency meeting of the National Executive Committee (NEC) of the association on Sunday in Abuja.

    According to Nwokoma, NAAT is calling for the immediate settlement of arrears, including three and a half months of withheld salaries, as well as 12-month arrears of the 25 per cent and 35 per cent salary increase.

    “We also demand the payment of arrears for the wage award, national minimum wage, and Occupational Hazard Allowance.

    “We also call for the release of an enabling circular for the implementation of CONTISS 14 and 15 for Academic Technologists to ensure sustainable industrial harmony in Nigerian universities,” he said.

    Nwokoma further expressed concern over the growing trend of the dissolution of duly appointed and inaugurated University Governing Councils.

    He also raised concerns about the removal of vice-chancellors and the arbitrary swapping of pro-chancellors by the federal government, without adherence to the Universities (Miscellaneous Provisions) (Amendment) Act 2003.

    He noted that the frequent disruptions in university governance had negatively impacted management, growth, and financial disbursements, affecting research, development, and the balance between academic and non-academic activities.

    These disruptions, he said, hindered the smooth operation of laboratories, workshops, and studios, which directly affected academic technologists’ welfare, training, and career progression.

    Additionally, Nwokoma expressed concern over the federal government’s decision to exempt tertiary institutions from the Integrated Personnel and Payroll Information System (IPPIS).

    He explained that since the transition to the Government Integrated Financial Management Information System (GIFMIS), members had experienced salary delays, disparities, shortfalls, and irregular remittance of statutory deductions.

    “We call on the Federal Ministry of Finance, the Budget Office of the Federation, the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation, and GIFMIS administrators to improve payroll processes for timely and accurate salary payments,” he added.

  • NAAT set to begin three-day warning strike over salary payment delays

    NAAT set to begin three-day warning strike over salary payment delays

    The National Association of Academic Technologists (NAAT) on Thursday held an emergency meeting at the College of Medicine, University of Ibadan and a decision to go on three-day warning strike meant to begin on Wednesday, March 28 was reached.

    The union decided to embark on strike due to non-payment of salaries to members, despite the Federal Government’s approval.

    Ibeji Nwokoma, the President of the union, highlighted that despite numerous engagements with university managements nationwide, there has been little progress in addressing their concerns.

    NAAT raised the issue of non-implementation of approved career elongation grade levels 13 to 14 and 15, as agreed with the Federal Government.

    In addition they said that  despite the government’s approval for promotion, some members have remained on the same grade level for over a decade due to the reluctance of university management to adhere to agreements made with NAAT.

    The union also noted that the warning strike would serve as a means to underscore the members’ demands and compel action from relevant authorities to address the longstanding issues faced by academic technologists in Nigerian universities.

     

  • Workers reject Tinubu’s conditional payment of withheld salaries

    Workers reject Tinubu’s conditional payment of withheld salaries

    The National Association of Academic Technologists (NAAT) has appealed to President Bola Tinubu to approve unconditional payment of the withheld salaries.

    Mr Ibeji Nwokoma, President of NAAT, made the appeal in a statement in Abuja.

    He said the association rejects the idea of a document of Understanding (DoU) as a pre-condition for payment of the withheld salaries of its members.

    Recall the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) and others had embarked on a eight months strike in which government had invoke no work, no pay in 2022.

    Subsequently, Mr Ajuri Ngelale, the Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to President Bola Tinubu revealed the president had granted a partial waiver to the staff of tertiary institutions.

    Ngelale said this was based on the principles of presidential prerogative of mercy, subject to Ministry of Education and that of Labour and Employment developing a Document of Understanding (DoU).

    The document was a pre-condition, before the payment of the withheld salaries would be effected.

    Nwokoma however, described the development as a great concern and worrisome to the union. He, meanwhile, commended the President for his magnanimity in granting the partial waiver.

    “We view the condition of DoU as draconian and undermines our Fundamental Human Right to freedom of expression and association.

    “This is as guaranteed by the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as amended.

    “Hence, NAAT rejects in its entirety the idea of DoU as a pre-condition for payment of the withheld salaries of our members,” he said.

    He added that, it must be noted that the work loss as a result of the strike action has since been covered through extra work hours and students graduated.

    Nwokoma noted that the students were currently undertaking their mandatory National Youth Service programme as a result, nothing had been lost.

    “NAAT called on well-meaning Nigerians to intervene and ensure payment of the withheld salaries are paid in full for a sustainable industrial harmony,” he said.

  • NAAT expresses concern over fees hike in tertiary institutions

    NAAT expresses concern over fees hike in tertiary institutions

    The National Association of Academic Technologists (NAAT) has expressed concern over the recent increment in school fees and charges in tertiary institutions across the country.

    A statement issued on Sunday by NAAT President, Mr Ibeji Nwokoma, said their reaction followed a decision reached at the 52nd National Executive Council (NEC) meeting.

    The meeting was held at the Aliko Dangote University of Science and Technology, Wudil, Kano State.

    Nwokoma stated that the development had become worrisome as most federal institutions, particularly universities have increased their fees exorbitantly.

    “This development may compel many of our students to drop out of school, occasioned by the current economic hardship facing parents and lack of adequate resources to meet up with economic demands.

    “We are aware that over 200 per cent increase in fees and charges are now being imposed by authorities of various universities.

    “NAAT, therefore, appeal to government to consider the plight of the poor and rescind the decision by returning to the status quo until the loan issue is properly addressed,” he said.

    Nwokoma also said that NAAT was against the recent introduction of the Core Curriculum and Minimum Academic Standards (CCMAS) by the National Universities Commission (NUC).

    He said that members of NAAT had observed obvious errors of omission and commission as contained in the current CCMAS document under review.

    “For example, on page 70, under Engineering and Technology which is similar to all other disciplines, the role/place of Academic Technologists was not given any consideration as one of the critical stakeholders in the university system,” he said.

    He also noted that the document under review was prepared and circulated without an input of NAAT members who are the critical stakeholders in the laboratories, workshops and studios.

    According to Nwokoma, the name of Academic Technologist is conspicuously missing, going by the document in reference.

    “Technologists’ jobs were assigned to Academics support personnel who are alien to the university system.

    “To add salt to injury, these non-existing staff members are also being recommended to be engaged as temporary staff according to the CCMAS document under review (pages 70-117).

    “This is an aberration capable of destroying the values of any academic programme in the area of laboratory, workshop, studio or research farm practices.

    “The document is also silent on the minimum number of Academic Technologists to man Laboratory, Workshop, Studio or Research farm, for effective and efficient running of an academic programme.

    “It was also noted that, contrary to the existing provision of minimum office space for Academic Technologists in the NUC document, no provision was made under the draft CCMAS among others.”

    Nwokoma also stated that the association frowned at the decision of the Federal Government to dissolve the Governing Council of all Federal Government owned institutions of higher learning in the country.

    He said the decision would cripple the activities of the tertiary institutions especially in the areas of promotion, motivation, welfare, contracts and project documentation as well as laboratory facilities, for practical and research.

    “NAAT is of the view that the action contravened the act that established Federal Institutions and does not conform with the miscellaneous Act of 2003 as amended which provides a statutory tenure of Governing Council of Tertiary Institutions and so, cannot be dissolved at will like other boards.

    “Therefore, we urge the government to reinstate them immediately so as not to create a vacuum in the management of tertiary institutions,” he said.

    On the issue of Student Loans for Tertiary Institutions, NAAT expressed concern that conditions attached to assessing the loan were too stringent such that it might be impossible for a student to access.

    The association therefore called for an urgent review of the conditions in order to make it accessible to the concerned students.

    “NAAT is strongly of the opinion that government should also consider giving grants, especially for indigent ones, as a viable alternative to students’ loan.”

  • Unions ground academic activities at EBSU

    Unions ground academic activities at EBSU

    Three unions at the Ebonyi State University (EBSU), Abakaliki began an indefinite strike on Thursday, paralysing activities at the institution.

    They are the university’s chapter of the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU), the Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and other Associated Institutions (NASU), and the National Association of Academic Technologists.

    The striking workers locked all entrances into the school over unpaid wages.

    Chairman of SSANU, Mr Elias Odigbo, said the indefinite strike was to protest against non-payment three months salaries.

    He said the last time the varsity paid salaries was in February.

    “We also want the government to actualise our promotion since 2016. Since 2016 no promotion has been made, especially for non-academic staff.

    “Another reason is that during the COVID-19 lockdown, there were 20 per cent deductions from our salaries with promises to refund the deductions.

    “Management refunded only five months deductions up till now.

    “We have 10 months deductions left and we have been begging for the refund to no avail.

    “We also need conversion of staff for those who have acquired additional qualifications.

    “We are not fighting government or the school management. All we are asking for is our right. The workers need their wages to work diligently,’’ he said.

    Also speaking, Mr Nwovu Origbo, NASU chairman begged the state government to pay outstanding three months salaries and refund the 20 per cent of COVID-19 deductions.

    Origbo noted that the strike would continue until the workers’ demands were met.

    “We are not going to call off the strike until all our demands are met. We are not beggars but workers,’’ he said.

    Responding to the strike, Commissioner for Education, Mr Sunday Nwangele disclosed he would address a news conference on the issue on Friday.

  • ASUU STRIKE: “We are making sacrifices for the coming generation to have access to quality education”- Prof Osodeke

    ASUU STRIKE: “We are making sacrifices for the coming generation to have access to quality education”- Prof Osodeke

    As lecturers and students in Nigerian Universities continue to stay at home, the President of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Prof Emmanuel Osodeke, has said the union would not relent in making sacrifices for the coming generation to have basic amenities in school and access to quality education.

     

    He stressed that the current strike by the members of the union will linger on till Federal Government is ready to accede to their terms.

     

    Osodeke spoke at Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun State during ASUU congress within the campus.

     

    In his words: “For anything to develop some people will make sacrifices, you will agree with me that Nigerian universities are on the verge of collapsing. This struggle is not just for them but the future generations.”

     

    He pointed out students are moving out of the country in large number because of the on-ongoing strike.

     

    According to him: “Large number of lecturers have moved out not because they hate this country but because of the way they are being treated. There’s no country in the world that their academics will go on strike and you think the best weapon to use is to seize their salary.

     

    “When we were on the strike lecturers in UK went on strike it didn’t take two day for them to resolve it, Ghanaian lecturers went on strike and they resolved it but here they felt nonchalant and you know why?because they have no commitments, their children are not here. We will go as far as we can on this strike to the point they are ready to agree to our demands.”

     

    TheNewsGuru.com reports that between 1999 and the end of 2021, ASUU went on strike for 60 months and seven days.

     

    As for 2022, it’s more than five months and still counting, unfortunately.

     

    ASUU affiliates namely Senior Staff Association of Nigeria Universities (SSANU), Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions (NASU), and National Association of Academic Technologies (NAAT) have also joined the strike; thereby turning Nigeria’s public universities into ghost towns.

     

    The belated N2 million monthly salary and other allowances recommended for professors by the renegotiating committee led by Prof Nimi Briggs do not seem to impress ASUU and its affiliates.

     

    It would be recalled that When ASUU Chairman of the Federal University of Technology, Minna, Dr Gbolahan Bolarin, announced that the National Executive Council of ASUU would be meeting on August 1, 2022, he gave no assurances that the strike would be called off.

     

    ASUU Strike history 

    The earliest that anyone can remember of Nigerian university lecturers going on strike was in the early 1970s when military Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon, ordered the dons to vacate their official residences if they wouldn’t go back to work.

     

    The beef between the Federal Government and ASUU has been a seesaw of sorts, with series of Memoranda of Agreement and Understanding usually ending up being observed in the breach.

     

    A Memorandum of Agreement was signed so that between 2009 and 2011 each federal university would get N1.5trn annually, while state-owned universities will receive N3.6m annually per student.

     

    A Memorandum of Understanding agreed in 2013 dwelled on pretty much the same issues of condition of service, funding, university autonomy, academic freedom and administrative matters.

     

    The details were a separate salary structure, called Consolidation University Academic Salary Structure II, a reiteration of the N1.5trn payable to federal universities and the N3.6m payable to state universities for each student they admit.

     

    Others are autonomy of universities academic freedom and stringent criteria for would-be members of university councils, to include having a regular, and not an honorary, university degree, proven integrity, and being knowledgeable and familiar with affairs and traditions of the university system.

     

    The other agreed issues were an Implementation Monitoring Committee for the Agreement to enable the government to meet its obligations to ensure swift amendment to relevant enabling laws and the release of the funds.

     

    The Memorandum of Understanding of 2017 was on the funding of government universities, payment of Earned Academic Allowances of lecturers, government accepting responsibility for staff schools, payment of the pension of professors and salary shortfalls.

     

    The 2019 Memorandum of Agreement was on the full implementation of the 2013 Agreement, payment of salary shortfalls of the University of Agriculture, Makurdi, part-payment of arrears of EAA up to 2018, and mainstreaming of EAA into annual budgets, beginning from 2019.

     

    Other agreements were the strengthening of the Consultative Committee on state-owned universities, government approval for Nigeria Universities Pension Management Company, appointment of visitation committees to universities, documentation of guidelines on procedures and roles of partners in the process of renegotiating FGN-ASUU Agreement of 2009.

     

    The Federal Government, which serially fails to fulfil its part of the agreements soon after ASUU agrees to return to the classroom, appears to lack the wherewithal to consummate the agreements, or is just playing games with the union.

     

    One sore area of disagreement is the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System introduced by the Federal Government to pay the salaries of all government officials, and the alternative University Transparency and Accountability Solution offered by ASUU.

     

    IPPIS enrolls government workers for the payment of salaries from the Consolidated Revenue Fund of the Federation. Its justification is that it ensures high integrity and can prevent the enlistment of ghost workers.

     

    UTAS is ASUU’s argument that university lecturers’ jobs are peculiar and unlike other government employment. It captures employment, retirement, sabbatical leave, adjunct and part-time engagements and other issues unique to the university system.

     

    But the Federal Government, through the Director General of National Information Technology Development Agency, Kashifu Inuwa, claimed that UTAS failed its integrity test and could not be adopted to pay salaries.

     

    However, ASUU President, Prof Emmanuel Osodeke, countered that because NITDA confirmed that UTAS at least scored 85 per cent on the User Acceptance Test conducted by NITDA, it has, therefore, passed the integrity test.

     

    But if the Federal Government would like to invoke that law, it must be sure that it could not be held culpable for causing the strike. It’s a case of he who must come to equity must come with clean hands.

     

    ASUU’s grouse is that the Federal Government serially reneges on agreements it freely entered into to increase funding to the universities whose student population keeps ballooning as Nigeria’s population increases.

     

    The government needs to come clean and tell the dons what it can, or cannot, do, and get ASUU and other educational unions on a 10-year moratorium promising that there will be no strikes, while the government declares a Marshall Plan to rehabilitate the tertiary educational system.

     

    The state governments should negotiate with the unions and not be compelled to adopt agreements that they did not participate in making. Kudos to the Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, for engaging stakeholders on the participation of the Ladoke Akintola University of Technology’s Chapter of ASUU in the ongoing strike.

  • ASUU ends warning strike on Monday, to commence indefinite strike

    ASUU ends warning strike on Monday, to commence indefinite strike

    The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has said it would end its warning strike on Monday, as considerations on indefinite strike commence.

     

    TheNewsGuru.com reports that the national leadership of the union would make public its decision on Monday.

     

    In its Tweet on Sunday, the Union made it known that it will end the warning strike tomorrow (Monday).

    See Tweet below:

     

    It was gathered that the National Executive Committee (NEC) of the union had earlier given the go-ahead to the national leadership to call out members on indefinite strike if nothing tangible was achieved during the eight weeks of their warning strike.

     

    The union had earlier gone on a month warning strike on February 14 this year, and extended it by another eight weeks which comes to an end on Monday, May 9, 2022.

     

    While ASUU was into the second round of its warning strike, other staff unions in the university system also embarked on strike.

     

    The unions are the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities, SSANU, the National Association of Academic Technologists, NAAT, and the Non-Academic Staff Union of Education and Allied Institutions, NASU.

     

    Though the Minister of Labour and Employment, Dr Chris Ngige, had met with the leadership of SSANU, NAAT, and NASU, nothing concrete came out of the meetings.

     

    He is yet to meet with ASUU leadership, though he announced last weekend that he would meet with them.

     

    According to the National President of ASUU, Prof. Emmanuel Osodeke, the union had not got an invitation from the government’s team as of the weekend.

     

    “We too heard it in the news what the Minister of Labour said about meeting with us, but as we talk, nobody has reached out to us for any meeting. We don’t know when the meeting will be called. However, I think before going to the press to announce any proposed meeting, what ought to have been done is to inform us. Anyway, we are waiting for the meeting when it is called,” he said.

     

    On what would be the next line of action, Osodeke said the national leadership of the union would decide that.

     

    Speaking on the situation, the National President of the National Parent Teacher Association of Nigeria, NAPTAN, Alhaji Haruna Danjuma, expressed disgust with the continued closure of the universities.

     

    “We cannot continue to waste the time of our children. They are staying much at home than in school now. It is unfortunate that we are yet to get over the issue of the closure of our higher institutions incessantly. That is a minus for the system. How do we expect foreigners to respect our certificates?

     

    “Incidentally, it is not everybody that can afford to send their children abroad to study. We must make our education sector work and put an end to this rot. We plead with the government and the university workers to find a mid-course and resolve this issue and let academic activities resume in these institutions, ” he said.

     

    In a chat with our correspondent, the National President of the National Association of Nigerian Students, NANS, Comrade Sunday Asefon, said the association would study the situation and react appropriately.

     

    “We already have a plan of action in place regarding our demands for the reopening of the universities without further delay and we are keeping faith with that. However, if the strike is extended after the eight weeks of warning action, we will also react appropriately too.

     

    “Nigeria students have wasted more than enough time at home doing nothing. With this current situation now, students have wasted time that is enough for them to finish a semester. We are tired of things like this,” he said.

     

    Recall that NANS has said it would not allow any political party to hold its presidential convention in Abuja unless the universities are reopened.

     

    The All Progressives Congress, APC, and the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, among other parties have fixed their conventions for Abuja.

     

    ASUU has been on strike since February 14 this year, while non-teaching staff unions have also embarked on industrial action over a month ago.

     

    Students from various tertiary institutions have been on street protests in Ibadan, Benin, Abuja and Lagos calling for an end to the strike and for universities to reopen.