By Johnbosco Agbakwuru
The National Association of Academic Technologists (NAAT) has rejected the 30 percent salary increment offer, describing it as provocative.
The association also accused the Federal Government of promoting a culture of divide and rule in academic systems that are largely symbiotic in their operations.
In a communique issued at the end of its 62nd National Executive Council, NEC, meeting and signed by its President, Comrade Ibeji Nwokoma, NAAT said the offer failed to address economic realities, including soaring costs of premium motor spirit (PMS), cooking gas, and electricity.
According to the communique, the unilateral offer of 30 percent salary increase without the agreement from the union undermined renegotiation process, violated collective bargaining principles, and fostered wage disparities.
This is coming a few days after a sister union, the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU), also rejected a similar offer.
Recall that the Federal Government, in an effort to discourage strikes, approved a 40 percent salary increase for the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), a development that is brewing crisis among unions within the university system.
NAAT accused the government of abandoning renegotiation since 2017, only to come up with a circular indicating a 30 percent increase without the necessary negotiating procedures.
It said: “But rising from the 62nd NEC meeting, NEC-in-Session rejected the committee’s paltry offer from March 31, 2026, at the National Universities Commission. This offer fails to address economic realities, including soaring costs of premium motor spirit (PMS), cooking gas, and electricity.
“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. Issued without NAAT’s concluded agreement, these actions undermine the renegotiation process, violate collective bargaining principles, and foster wage disparities.
“NAAT rejects this award and will resist it through all legal means, thwarting any divide-and-rule strategy.
“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 honorably. Absent this, the government bears responsibility for impending academic disruptions and loss of institutional peace.”
Article NAAT to FG: Your 30% salary increase offer, provocative Live On NgGossips.
