The National Association of Academic Technologists (NAAT) has strongly criticized the Federal Government over what it described as a discriminatory and divisive approach to the disbursement of the N50 billion earmarked for the payment of Earned Allowances within the university system.
NAAT expressed outrage at the directive by the Federal Ministry of Education (FME) and the National Universities Commission (NUC), which allocated 80% of the released funds to members of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), while NAAT, along with NASU and SSANU, was directed to share the remaining 20%.
Reacting to the development, which has triggered discontent across the university workforce, NAAT convened an emergency National Executive Council (NEC) meeting where the union unanimously rejected the allocation formula.
NAAT President, Comrade Ibeji Nwokoma, denounced the decision as unjust and lacking in transparency, saying:
> “The NEC of NAAT outrightly rejects the unfair and unjust sharing formula adopted by the Federal Ministry of Education and NUC. It is inconceivable how public officials entrusted with the welfare of all university staff could endorse such a lopsided arrangement.”
He described the allocation as a clear attempt to marginalize non-academic staff unions, warning that such actions could jeopardize industrial harmony in the university system.
> “This practice of promoting unequal distribution of funds meant for all university staff is unacceptable. NAAT condemns it in totality and calls for an immediate reversal in the interest of peace and equity,” he added.
Nwokoma further highlighted the critical role academic technologists play in supporting teaching, research, and innovation—the core pillars of university education. He cautioned that sidelining technologists would undermine the quality of graduates and weaken practical training in laboratories, workshops, studios, and farms.
> “Relegating academic technologists is a direct attack on the backbone of research and innovation in our universities. The long-term impact will be poorly skilled graduates who lack hands-on competence.”
Referencing the 2022 Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between the Federal Government and NAAT, Nwokoma reminded stakeholders that the agreement clearly stipulated a dedicated N50 billion for the earned allowances of members of all four university-based unions.
> “Item 7 of the MoU signed on August 17, 2022, stated unequivocally that the N50 billion was for the payment of Earned Allowances and Earned Academic Allowances to all unions. Yet, 80% was handed to only one union—this is discriminatory and reminiscent of apartheid-style governance,” he stated.
NAAT is demanding the immediate commencement of a separate disbursement process to allocate N50 billion specifically for its members, in line with the terms of the MoU.
The union further declared its intention to initiate a trade dispute against the Federal Ministry of Education and the NUC over the unfair allocation, as well as the non-payment of seven months’ arrears of Occupational Hazard Allowance and other outstanding entitlements.
> “We call on all well-meaning Nigerians and stakeholders to reject this injustice and support our call for fairness, equity, and justice in the university system. We will not relent in our demand for what is rightfully ours,” the union concluded in a communique.
