The National Association of Academic Technologists has threatened to take industrial action over the Federal Government’s alleged plan to release N50bn in Earned Allowances to the Academic Staff Union of Universities.
In a letter to the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, the union called for a halt to the planned release of the N50bn, urging that it should only proceed after the leadership of the four university-based unions and the minister meet to discuss and establish fair and equitable distribution modalities.
NAAT warned that any action contrary to this request may jeopardise industrial peace on the nation’s university campuses.
In a statement issued in Abuja following its National Executive Council meeting, NAAT, led by its President, Ibeji Nwokoma, expressed concern over comments made by the Minister of Education regarding the N50bn allocated in the 2025 budget for the payment of Earned Academic Allowances.
The union pointed out that, based on the university system, Earned Academic Allowances are meant for teaching staff, specifically ASUU.
However, Earned Allowances, which NAAT represents, also include non-teaching staff, such as those in NAAT, the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities , and the Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions.
The union said: “The National Association of Academic Technologists held its 58th regular National Executive Council meeting on April 9th and 10th, 2025, where national issues and matters relating to the welfare of our members were deliberated upon.
“During the meeting, the NEC-in-Session reviewed a letter signed by Mr. Abel Enitan, the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Education, addressed to the National President of the Academic Staff Union of Universities.
“The letter, dated April 4th, 2025, communicated that N50bn for the payment of Earned Academic Allowances to university staff should be released for payment within the next week. It also noted that the N150bn revitalisation funds for the NEEDS Assessment are still under discussion with the honourable Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy. Furthermore, the Chairman of the Re-negotiation Committee of the 2009 Agreement, Dr. Mahmud Ahmed, has submitted the committee’s report, which is currently under review. The ministry will announce its official position upon completion of the review.
“NEC-in-Session strongly condemned this selective and discriminatory action by the Federal Government through the FME and views it as a threat to the industrial harmony currently being maintained on our campuses.”