The National Association of Academic Technologists has warned that it may embark on industrial action over the federal government’s reported intention to allocate N50 billion in Earned Allowances to the Academic Staff Union of Universities.
In a letter addressed to the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, the association demanded a suspension of the N50bn release, insisting that disbursement should only happen after a joint meeting between the minister and the leadership of all four university-based unions to determine a fair and just method of sharing the funds.
NAAT cautioned that any decision contrary to this request could disrupt industrial harmony across the nation’s university campuses.
In a statement released in Abuja after its National Executive Council meeting, NAAT, under the leadership of its President, Ibeji Nwokoma, voiced alarm over remarks made by the Minister of Education about the N50 billion earmarked in the 2025 budget for the disbursement of Earned Academic Allowances.
The association noted that, according to the university structure, Earned Academic Allowances are designated for teaching personnel, specifically ASUU.
Nonetheless, Earned Allowances, as recognized by NAAT, also cover non-teaching university workers, including members of NAAT, the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities, and the Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions.
The association stated: “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.”
