Academic Technologists Urge FG to Conclude 2009 Agreement Renegotiation and Address Salary Arrears Amidst Warning of Systemic Collapse

The Federal Government has been issued a fresh demand by the National Association of Academic Technologists (NAAT) to immediately fast-track and conclude the stalled renegotiation of the 2009 FGN/NAAT Agreement and resolve all outstanding salary arrears owed to its members. The call was contained in a strong-worded communique issued on Monday, December 15, 2025, at the end of the union’s 61st National Executive Council (NEC) meeting held at the Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University (COOU) in Anambra State.

Presided over and signed by NAAT President, Comrade (Hon.) Ibeji Nwokoma, the communique expressed deep concern over the persistent delays in concluding the renegotiation process. The union stressed that an acceptable outcome is crucial to improving the welfare and working conditions of academic technologists, which, in turn, is directly linked to strengthening technological development and practical learning in the tertiary education sector.

Beyond salaries and agreements, NAAT’s NEC also highlighted severe operational challenges hindering academic excellence. The union lamented the persistent erratic power supply across the country, noting that it has crippled laboratory operations, severely impacting students’ practical learning and vital research activities. Consequently, NAAT urged the Federal Government to urgently provide alternative power solutions, specifically citing solar and wind energy, to support critical teaching and research infrastructure in tertiary institutions.

In addressing the financial burden on its members amidst current economic realities, the union advocated for a major overhaul of the tax system. NAAT called for the annual income tax exemption threshold to be increased from the current ₦800,000 to ₦2 million and insisted that only the basic salaries of academic technologists should be subjected to taxation, with allowances and other components exempted.

The NEC acknowledged the government’s efforts in addressing national insecurity but called for expanded, intelligence-driven strategies and increased deployment of resources to ensure the safety of citizens and create an environment conducive for learning.