The National Association of Academic Technologists (NAAT) has raised concerns over the Federal Government’s reported intention to disburse N50 billion in Earned Allowances solely to the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), warning that such a move could trigger industrial unrest.
In a letter addressed to the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, NAAT urged a suspension of the planned disbursement until all four university-based unions, along with the Ministry, convene to agree on an equitable sharing formula.
NAAT stressed that any deviation from a fair process could jeopardize peace on campuses.
Following its 58th National Executive Council (NEC) meeting in Abuja, NAAT issued a statement signed by its President, Comrade Ibeji Nwokoma, criticizing what it described as a selective approach by the government. The union pointed to the Minister’s comments regarding the allocation in the 2025 budget for Earned Academic Allowances (EAA), which typically benefits only teaching staff under ASUU, while non-teaching staff—including NAAT, SSANU, and NASU—fall under Earned Allowances.
The statement read: “The National Association of Academic Technologists (NAAT) held her 58th regular National Executive Council (NEC) meeting on 9th and 10th of April, 2025 and deliberated on National issues and those that have to do with the welfare of her members.”
It continued: “In the course of the meeting, the attention of NEC-in-Session was drawn to a letter written and signed by Mr. Abel Enitan, the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Education (FME), Abuja.
“In the said letter addressed to the National President, Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) captioned ‘Outcome of the meeting of the Honourable Minister of Education with the Technical Committee on the Non-regular Earned Allowances’ dated 4th April 2025 informing the Union that;
‘N50 Billion for the payment of Earned Academic Allowances (EAA) for University Staff should be released for payment in the next one week;
‘The N150 Billion Revitalisation funds of NEEDS Assessment is still being discussed with the Honourable Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy; and ‘The Chairman of the Re-negotiation Committee of the 2009 Agreement, Dr. Mahmud Yayale Ahmed, has submitted the Committee’s report which is being reviewed. The Ministry will announce its official position upon completion of the review.’”
NAAT described the move as discriminatory and a direct threat to the current peaceful industrial climate in higher institutions.
“NEC-in-Session seriously frowned at this selective and discriminatory action of the Federal Government through FME and viewed it as a threat to industrial harmony being enjoyed in our campuses.”