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Nationwide Strike Looms: Academic Technologists Protest Unpaid Salaries
Nationwide Strike Looms: Academic Technologists Protest Unpaid Salaries
By Tobouke JEMINE
The National Association of Academic Technologists (NAAT) has planned an indefinite strike starting November 14th, 2024, over five months of withheld salaries by the Federal Government.
This comes as SSANU and NASU are already on strike. NAAT’s President, Comrade Ibeji Nwokoma, confirmed the action, citing the government’s disregard for ultimatums.
Despite President Bola Tinubu’s approval to pay owed salaries, the Finance Minister has failed to act. Nwokoma questions the government’s commitment to resolving issues and alleviating NAAT members’ suffering.
He said, “It may interest you to note that several efforts were made in the past including series of letters, protests, visits, notices of ultimatums and several Memorandum of Understanding (MOUS) freely entered between NAAT and Federal Government (i.e MOU of 2017, 2020, 2021 and 2022) as the result of efforts by Federal Ministry of Labour & Employment as conciliator of the Federal Government but all to no avail especially the last ultimatum in respect of withheld salaries and other issues which was not even acknowledged by the Federal Government (Federal Ministries of Education and Labour & Employment) which elapsed on the 21 M October, 2024.
“This is the highest level of insensitivity on the part of the relevant Agencies of Government.
“Consequent upon the above, the Union having reviewed the situation critically decided to give Federal Government additional two (2) weeks ultimatum, with effect from 30th of October 2024.
“The National Executive Council (NEC) has directed all her Branches in Universities, Polytechnics and Colleges of Education to hold a nationwide protest to drive home our demands.
“Within the two weeks’ ultimatum, branches have been directed to hold congresses and conduct referendum to decide if the union will proceed on strike once the 14 days’ ultimatum expires on the 13th of November 2024.
“If at the end of the 14-day ultimatum there is no positive response from government, the union will embark on a national protest which will culminate into a total and indefinite strike without recourse to government.
“It is hoped that government will avail itself of this window to resolve the issues on ground, with the view to averting any industrial action.
“This decision is in line with our concern for the tertiary education system so as not to disrupt the academic calendar which will eventually affect research and practical teaching; Laboratory, Workshop, Farm and Studio practices and the attendant monumental loss of resources.”
Recall that the grievances of NAAT stem from several unresolved issues, including unpaid salaries of five and a half months and unimplemented agreement or partial execution of the 2009 FGN/NAAT Agreement.
Other grievances include delayed circular release, CONTISS 14 & 15 implementation for academic technologists, unimplemented allowances for students’ Work Experience Programme (SWEP), Student-Technologist Staff Ratio Supplementation, unpaid arrears, minimum wage for omitted members (April 2019 – January 2020), underfunded university infrastructure and among others.
These longstanding issues have prompted NAAT’s planned indefinite strike.
HIGH CHIEF SUNNY GBEGHA JP CELEBRATES DAUGHTER’S ACADEMIC MILESTONES
By: Daire Perez
Okija, Anambra State – Father and community leader, High Chief Sunny Gbegha JP, the Egbakarewei of Iduwini Kingdom, Delta State, has expressed immense joy and gratitude to God as his daughter, Miss Gbegha Tamarauikiye Favour, successfully completed notable academic milestones at Madonna University, Okija.
Miss Favour graduated with a Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) Degree in Banking and Finance, earning an impressive Second-Class Upper (2.1) classification. Going a step further in her academic pursuit, she has also obtained a Master of Science (M.Sc.) Degree in Banking and Finance from the same institution.
This has received warm reactions from family and friends with many congratulating the young lad. I a message filled with joy, High Chief Gbegha described his daughter’s achievements as a testament to hard work, discipline, and divine grace. He noted that her academic excellence brings honour not only to their family but also to the wider community.
Community members, friends, and well-wishers have continued to congratulate Miss Favour for her outstanding accomplishments, celebrating her as an inspiration to young scholars across the region.
IduwiniVoice joins in this congratulations to our shining young lady.
(c) IduwiniVoice
By: Divine Perezide
Former leader of Burutu Legislative House, Rt. Hon. Joseph Alubeze, has expressed heartfelt birthday felicitations to the his former boss and leader, Rt. Hon. Julius Gbabozor Pondi, Member Representing Burutu Federal Constituency and the Chairman, House Committee on the South-South Development Commission.
In his congratulatory message, Alubeze described Pondi as an astute leader whose antecedent smarcks of nothing but people-oriented service and dedication that continue to inspire many within and beyond the Constituency.
“Happy Blessed Birthday to you, my Dear Leader, Rt. Hon. Julius Pondi – Member Representing Burutu Federal Constituency and Chairman, South-South Development Commission,” he started.
He prayed for renewed wisdom, strength, and greater achievement for the federal lawmaker as he marks a new year. “May this new year of yours be filled with wisdom, strength, and greater accomplishments as you continue to serve with dedication and grace,” he added.
Hon. Alubeze, a former leader of Burutu House wished his principal Pondi, whose was his predecessor, many more fruitful years in good health, acknowledging his commitment to the advancement of the South-South region and the nation at large, closing his message with a heartfelt best wishes to the celebrant on his special day.
News
Good News: Presidential Amnesty Office Commences Second Phase of Laptop Distribution to Scholarship Delegates
By: Divine Perezide
Abuja – The Otuaro-led Presidential Amnesty Office, popularly known as PAP, has commenced the second phase of laptop distribution to its scholarship beneficiaries across Nigerian Universities for the 2024/2025 academic year.
According to a statement signed by Mr. Igoniko Oduma, Special Assistant on Media to the Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme, the initiative is part of efforts to enhance learning and research amongst students under the programme.
The exercise, which began following the directive of the Administrator, Chief (Dr.) Dennis Otuaro, makes a continuation of the first phase carried out between April and May 2025, during which over 663 final-year scholarship beneficiaries received laptops.
Dr Otuaro explained that the decision to promoting academic excellence and research productivity. He noted that the gesture also fulfills a promise he made to students during his tour of partner Universities in 2024.
“The laptops are intended to aid the beneficiaries in their studies and research activities” Otuaro state, urging the students to use the devices responsibility and to justify the Federal Governmtent’s modest investment in their education.
He also advised the beneficiaries to remain focus on their academic pursuit and avoid behaviours that could undermine their future prospects.
Reaffirming his administration’s objectives, Dr. Otuaro said the PAP will continue to achieve academic succes, contributing to the socio-economic advancement of the Niger Delta region.
He expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his consistent support for the programme, describing it as a demonstration of commitment to bridging the human capital development gaping the region.
Dr. Otuaro further urged the youths and people of the region to reciprocate the President’s gesture by supporting his administration’s policies and programmes.
He reaffirmed the PAP’s dedication to consolidating on its achievements in alignment with the Renewed Hope Agenda of the Tinubu administration.
(c) IduwiniVoice