National Association of Academic Technologists (NAAT) of the University of Ibadan (UI), on Wednesday January 27, 2021, held an emergency congress to deliberate on various issues affecting the union.
The Union extensively deliberated on the referendum of nationwide strike action being collated by its national body and the sharing of the N529million Earned Allowance expected to be shared among the non-academic staff.
At the congress, the congress member overwhelming voted in favour of strike action to press home their demands from the federal government following the failure of the federal government to implement the MoU it signed with the union on November 18, 2020.
The UI chapter of the Union demands that the strike action should be declared as soon as possible and it must be total and comprehensive.
According to the MoU, the federal government, within two weeks of signing MoU, was to pay the arrears of minimum wage and the federal government shall clearly spell out the sharing formula of earned allowance among the unions, but the government is yet to oblige any of these agreements.
However, the congress mandated the executive to ensure that members are not shortchanged in the sharing of the Earned Allowance this time around in the Premier University.
A member said, “NAAT members have sacrificed their rights to illegal sharing template the University of Ibadan has been using in the previous sharing of the EA which out rightly and totally negates the Federal government good intention”.
The Union alleged that the institution’s Acting Bursar, Abimbola Olayiwola Akanbi and Acting Vice Chancellor, Professor Adebola Ekanola have concluded plans to make the Earned Allowance a bonus, contrary to the position of Minister of Labour and productivity, Dr. Chris Ngige and the 2009 Agreement of the Unions, adding, “NAAT members in UI are exposed to various laboratory, workshop and studio hazards on daily basis, handling of over 100 students repeatedly in our various laboratories. They are also involved in Field trips, among others”.
The Union called the Acting Bursar and Acting VC to order to display the motto of UI which is “For Knowledge and Sound Judgement” and avoid crisis, Illegality, corruption and impunity in the First and still the Best premier University.
