The National Association of Academic Technologists (NAAT) has issued a strong warning of an impending nationwide strike, urging Nigerians to hold the Federal Government accountable for any disruption to academic activities in public universities.

Rising from its 62nd National Executive Council (NEC) meeting held on Thursday, April 16, 2026, at the National Secretariat Complex of Yakubu Gowon University, Abuja, the union expressed deep frustration over what it described as prolonged neglect of its members’ welfare and the education sector.

Contained in a communiqué signed by the President of NAAT, Comrade (Hon.) Ibeji Nwokoma, and made available to journalists in Abuja, NAAT declared: “Hold Federal Government Responsible for Imminent Disruption of Academic Activities in Universities.”

The union said Its NEC meeting “deliberated on issues as they affect the welfare of its members, poor funding of Nigerian universities, and the negligence of the education sector by the Government.”

NAAT recalled that it has been engaged in a protracted renegotiation process with the Federal Government since 2017 over the 2009 agreement, which was originally due for review in 2012.

According to the union: “It will be recalled that the National Association of Academic Technologists (NAAT) has engaged the Federal Government of Nigeria (FGN) since 2017 via multiple committees to renegotiate the FGN/NAAT 2009 Agreement, originally due for review in 2012 per its three-year cycle.”

The process, NAAT noted, has dragged on for nearly a decade, passing through several government committees.

“This process, spanning nine years, has involved Dr B. O. Babalakin, SAN, OFR (2017); Professor Munzali Jibril (2020); the late Professor Nimi Briggs (2022); and the current committee under Alhaji Mahmud Yayale Ahmed (inaugurated in 2024).”

While acknowledging the efforts of the current committee, the union expressed disappointment with the outcome of recent negotiations. “The Yayale Ahmed Committee has demonstrated commitment, as evidenced by agreements signed with other tertiary unions.”

However, NAAT said its NEC “rejected the committee’s paltry offer from March 31, 2026, at the National Universities Commission,” stressing that the proposal fails to reflect current economic realities.

“This offer fails to address economic realities, including soaring costs of premium motor spirit (PMS), cooking gas, and electricity.”

The union also raised concerns over what it described as unilateral government actions that undermine the ongoing negotiation process.

“Of greater concern are letters dated March 30, 2026, including one from the Office of the Head of the Civil Service to the Salaries, Income and Wages Commission, approving a 30% allowance increase for non-teaching staff.”

NAAT argued that such decisions, taken without concluding its negotiations, threaten industrial harmony. “Issued without NAAT’s concluded agreement, these actions undermine the renegotiation process, violate collective bargaining principles, and foster wage disparities.”

Rejecting the move outright, the union warned against attempts to divide university unions. “NAAT rejects this award and will resist it through all legal means, thwarting any divide-and-rule strategy.”

The association called on key stakeholders across the country to intervene and compel the government to act swiftly.

“NAAT urges well-meaning Nigerians, clergy, civil society, the Nigeria Labour Congress, students, and parents to press the FGN to reconvene promptly and conclude renegotiations honourably.”

It warned that failure to do so would inevitably lead to disruptions in the university system.

“Absent this, the government bears responsibility for impending academic disruptions and loss of institutional peace.” (Nigerian Tribune)