By JOAN NWAGWU

The National Association of Academic Technologists (NAAT) has issued a 14-day ultimatum to the Federal Government to address outstanding demands, including unpaid allowances and salary delays.

This was contained in a statement signed by NAAT President, Mr. Ibeji Nwokoma, at the end of the Association’s 60th regular National Executive Council (NEC) meeting in Abuja on Monday.

Nwokoma said the meeting reviewed the outcome of earlier engagements with the Ministers of Labour and Employment, as well as Education, but lamented that key issues remained unresolved.

He recalled that the conciliation meeting convened by the Minister of Labour on July 30, and a follow-up with the Minister of Education on Sept. 11, had not yielded results.

According to him, the pending issues include the non-completion of the renegotiation of the 2009 FGN/NAAT Agreement, mainstreaming of earned allowances, and the release of the enabling circular for CONTISS 14 and 15.

The president said the renegotiation committee led by Mahmud Yayale Ahmed met NAAT only once in December 2024 but reportedly submitted a report to the government without further consultation.

“NAAT rejects and cannot accept the idea of disparity and distortions in the salary tables of university staff. Salary increment should be comprehensive and all-encompassing,” he said.

Nwokoma said the association insisted on fair treatment of its members, stressing that salary delays had compounded the economic hardship facing them.

He added that the NEC warned that if the demands were not met at the expiration of the ultimatum, the union would have no option but to embark on industrial action.

According to him, NAAT remains open to dialogue but expects government to act in good faith to avert disruption in the university system.

He appealed to the Federal Government to avoid actions that could trigger fresh crisis in the education sector. (NAN)