University staff represented by the National Association of Academic Technologists (NAAT) have rejected a condition set by the federal government regarding the release of withheld salaries for its members.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu recently granted partial relief, allowing staff in tertiary institutions to receive four months’ worth of their salaries, which had been withheld by the government due to its “No Work, No Pay” policy.
The government specified that this relief was granted under the principles of presidential prerogative of mercy, contingent upon the Federal Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Labour and Employment developing a Document of Understanding (DoU) before releasing the withheld salaries.
In response to this, NAAT, in a statement signed by its president, Ibeji Nwokoma, expressed its dissatisfaction with the federal government’s condition, considering it harsh and an infringement on the fundamental human rights of workers to freedom of expression and association, as guaranteed by the 1999 Constitution.
In the statement, NAAT added:
NAAT urged Tinubu to rescind on his decision and approve unconditional payment of the withheld salaries immediately.
