Varsity Workers Order Protest Over Unfulfilled Promises

National Association of Academic Technologists (NAAT) has directed its branch chairmen to commence mobilisation for a nationwide protest from August 6, 2025.

The decision followed the expiration of the 21-day ultimatum given to the federal government to resolve their long-standing grievances.

The union’s demands include the mainstreaming of several allowances into the salaries of its members. These are field trip allowances, call duty allowances, Students’ Work Experience Programme (SWEP) allowances and supplementation for student-to-technologist staff ratios.

NAAT also demanded the immediate release of N50 billion to settle the overdue earned allowances owed specifically to NAAT members, stating that the recent disbursement process was unjust and skewed against its members.

NAAT is pressing for the completion of the renegotiation of the 2009 FGN/NAAT agreement.
The union also demanded the implementation of the consequential adjustment of the new national minimum wage, as well as the payment of three and a half months of withheld salaries, among other others.

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Rising from its 59th National Executive Council (NEC), NAAT said it would no longer tolerate what it described as total neglect and injustice by the federal government in addressing its members’ welfare and professional demands.

According to a statement signed by the union’s president, Comrade Ibeji Nwokoma, NAAT expressed dissatisfaction with the federal government’s handling of critical welfare and career-related demands.

The first nationwide protest is set for Wednesday, August 6, 2025, to be followed by a second protest on August 13, and a final mass demonstration in Abuja on August 20.

In a follow-up circular dated July 9 and signed by NAAT’s General Secretary, Comrade Abubakar Yusuf, all branch chairmen were directed to begin immediate sensitisation and mobilisation of members to ensure full participation in the planned protests.

“The NEC in session frowned at the modalities used by the federal government in the sharing formula and disbursement of the N50 billion Earned Allowances.

At the expiration of the ultimatum, the union would be left with no option but to embark on industrial actions”.

“NAAT remains committed to dialogue and constructive engagement… but will not fold its arms in the face of continuous injustice.

“We call on traditional rulers, religious leaders, lawmakers, and well-meaning Nigerians to prevail on the Federal Government to avoid another disruption in our universities,” Nwokoma said.