FG Working On Outstanding Demands Of University-Based Unions, Says Education Minister

*NAAT Proposes N350,000 As New Living Wage For Workers Amidst Economic Challenges

The minister of education, Prof Tahir Mamman said on Wednesday, April 24, that the federal government is working out the outstanding demands of university-based unions.

The minister therefore urged university-based unions to embrace negotiations instead of confrontation.

Mamman said negotiations were more effective than shutting the institutions.

He spoke at the 5th Delegate Conference of the National Association of Academic Technologists at the University of Abuja on Wednesday with the theme: “Technology, a recipe for national development and socioeconomic growth in the 21st century: the Nigeria quest for a better tomorrow.”

Some of the demands of the unions included the non-payment of their withheld salaries during the last strike, non-implementation of the increase in salaries of teaching and non-teaching staff, and lack of progress in the renegotiation of the 2009 agreement with the unions, among others.

The minister said: “On our part (as government) in the area of supporting growth and development and welfare, this government is determined to ensure that you are properly supported in all aspects. That is why this government took the decision to take university workers from IPPIS. On payment of your enhanced percentage – 25% and 35% we are working on it. We are also working on other things which are outstanding. Everything that is outstanding we are working on it.

“We are doing this because we have a President in Nigeria who walks his talks. Once he makes a commitment, you can take it to the bank.

“So I urge you to continue on the course of negotiations and back-door conversations. They are very very effective. It is much more effective than confrontation. Much more effective than shutting the institutions.”

Mamman said the government would soon introduce a policy that would make skill acquisition compulsory for primary and secondary schools.

The minister said that NAAT was very important in the present education curriculum, pointing out that the present world is driven by technology which is used to solve problems.

He added: “Skills and technology are key components of the programme the Federal Ministry of Education is working on to be part of the education training in Nigeria from primary to tertiary level. We have plans to bring on skills in digitisation right from primary to secondary and tertiary education in the country. Because to us in the ministry, this is part of the solution to the problem of unemployment in the country. At the centre of this, is the work of technologists in the academic sector. Skills and digitisation are at the centre of your work at NAAT.

“Therefore you better brace up for this very important sector with revolutionary changes coming into the education sector. We have already established the national framework. We should be rolling them out in the next academic session. So, you are occupying one of the most important arms of service in tertiary education.”

President of NAAT, Comrade Ibeji Nwokoma said the union has proposed N350,000 as a new living wage for workers.

He said what workers need should be a living wage that should take care of their immediate needs.

Nwokoma said the union based the recommendation on the present economic situation in the country occasioned by the removal of fuel subsidy, high inflation, and the attendant hardship.

While differentiating between minimum wage and living wage, Comrade Nwokoma said: “Nigeria must transcend the concept of a mere minimum wage to embrace the notion of a living wage, commensurate with the rising cost of living.

“Comparatively, other African countries have made strides in this regard, recognizing the fundamental right of workers to earn wages that afford them dignity and a standard of living.

“According to the Wisevoter report, Seychelles boasts the highest estimated gross monthly wage in Africa, standing at $465.4, while South Africa’s monthly wage stands at $240. The naira equivalent of the wages of these countries would depict the sorry state of the Nigerian worker.

“On this note, I proposed a minimum of Three Hundred of Fifty Thousand Naira (N350, 000) for the Nigeria worker as monthly wage.”

Nwokoma, who chronicled the achievements of the leadership in the past four years, said that he encountered persistent challenges despite notable achievements.

He mentioned the issue of CONTISS 14 and 15 circular delays as one of the challenges his leadership had encountered.

He said: “Despite concerted efforts, the release of circulars for CONTISS 14 and 15 remained elusive, hampering the career progression of our members. To address this, we will intensify advocacy efforts, engaging relevant stakeholders and leveraging all available channels to expedite the release of these crucial circulars in the next dispensation of our leadership. It is a task that must be achieved.”

On the lingering FGN/NAAT 2009 Agreement, Comrade Nwokoma said: “The lingering non-completion of the FGN/NAAT 2009 Agreement posed a significant hurdle. Despite collaborative efforts with sister unions, unresolved issues persisted, hindering the full realization of the agreement’s provisions. current leadership pledges to redouble efforts, fostering stronger alliances with sister unions and employing strategic negotiation tactics to drive progress towards a satisfactory resolution.”

Speaking on the backlog salary payments, NAAT said: “The non-payment of backlog salaries remained a pressing concern, impacting the financial stability of our members and causing disaffection and low morale.

“To address this challenge, the leadership in the next dispensation will pursue proactive measures, including dialogue with relevant authorities, recourse to necessary action within the ambit of the law, and sustained advocacy to ensure the prompt and fair resolution of outstanding salary arrears, prioriazing welfare of members.

“The dilapidated state of roads nationwide remains a glaring reflection of our infrastructure deficit. Inadequate road networks not only impede economic activities but also pose significant risks to safety and livelihoods. Urgent interventions are imperative to address this pressing infrastructure challenge.

“In light of these realities, the National Association of Academic Technologists (NAAT) pledges unwavering commitment to advocacy, dialogue, and appropriate action towards addressing these multifaceted challenges.

“Together, let us strive for a Nigeria where education in technology thrives, security prevails, the economy flourishes, and infrastructure serves as a catalyst for development and prosperity.”

He said as the country embarked on the journey towards harnessing technology for national development and socioeconomic growth, the citizens should remain steadfast in their commitment to innovation, collaboration, and progress.

He said: “Together, we possess the power to shape a brighter future for Nigeria, leveraging technology as a catalyst for transformation. I therefore urge each delegate to actively engage in robust discussions, share insights, and forge pathways towards a better tomorrow as reflected in the theme of the conference.”