The National Association of Academic Technologists (NAAT) has threatened industrial action over alleged plans by the Federal Government to release N50 billion Earned Allowances to the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU).
In a letter to the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, the union urged the government to put a hold to the release of the N50 billion Earned Allowances pending when the leadership of the four university based unions and the minister would meet to draw up modalities for its fair and equitable distribution.
NAAT said anything contrary to the above, may not guarantee industrial peace on our campuses.
The association in a statement issued in Abuja after its National Executive Council (NEC) meeting and signed by its President, Comrade Ibeji Nwokoma, drew the attention of the Minister of Education to a statement he made that the N50 billion contained in the 2025 budget proposal was meant for payment of Earned Academic Allowances (EAA).
Based on the university system, any Earned Academic Allowances go to the teaching staff, ASUU, while Earned Allowances involve the non-teaching staff, comprising NAAT, the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities, SSANU, and the Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions (NASU).
The statement reads: “The National Association of Academic Technologists (NAAT) held her 58th regular National Executive Council (NEC) meeting on 9th and 10th of April, 2025 and deliberated on National issues and those that have to do with the welfare of her members.
“In the course of the meeting, the attention of NEC-in-Session was drawn to a letter written and signed by Mr. Abel Enitan, the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Education (FME), Abuja.
“In the said letter addressed to the National President, Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) captioned “Outcome of the meeting of the Honourable Minister of Education with the Technical Committee on the Non-regular Earned Allowances” dated 4th April 2025 informing the Union that;
“N50 Billion for the payment of Earned Academic Allowances (EAA) for University Staff should be released for payment in the next one week;
“The N150 Billion Revitalisation funds of NEEDS Assessment is still being discussed with the Honourable Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy; and
“The Chairman of the Re-negotiation Committee of the 2009 Agreement, Dr. Mahmud Yayale Ahmed, has submitted the Committee’s report which is being reviewed. The Ministry will announce its official position upon completion of the review.
“NEC-in-Session seriously frowned at this selective and discriminatory action of the Federal Government through FME and viewed it as a threat to industrial harmony being enjoyed in our campuses.”
(The Nation)
