By JOAN NWAGWU

The National Association of Academic Technologists (NAAT) has issued a 14-day ultimatum to embark on nationwide strike over five months withheld salaries and non-implementation of other demands.

Mr Ibeji Nwokoma, President of NAAT, said this while addressing newsmen on Wednesday in Abuja.

The union’s demands also include full implementation of the 2009 FGN/ NAAT Agreement, release of enabling circular for the implementation of CONTISS 14 and 15 for Academic Technologists.

Others are implementation of Students’ Work Experience Programme (SWEP) allowance, field trip allowance and students’ technologist staff ratio supplementation allowance.

Nwokoma said that several efforts were made in the past including series of letters, protests, visits, notices of ultimatums and several Memoranda of Understanding (MOUS) freely entered into by NAAT and Federal Government, to no avail

“It is unfortunate that in spite of President Bola Tinubu’s approval to pay five and half month salaries owed, the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy is yet to effect it,” he said.

According to him, consequent upon the above, the union, having reviewed the situation critically, decided to give the Federal Government additional two weeks ultimatum, with effect from Oct 30.

“Meanwhile, the National Executive Council (NEC) has directed all its branches in universities, Polytechnics and Colleges of Education to hold a nationwide protest to drive home our demands.

“Within the two weeks ultimatum, branches have been directed to hold congresses and conduct referendum to decide if the Union will proceed on strike once the 14 days’ ultimatum expires on the Nov

30.

“If at the end of the 14-day ultimatum there is no positive response from government, the union will embark on a national protest which will culminate into a total and indefinite strike without recourse to Government.

“It is hoped that government will avail itself of this window to resolve the issues on ground, with the view to averting any industrial action,” he said.

He said that the decision was in line with our concern for the Tertiary Education system, so as not to disrupt the academic calendar, as this will eventually affect research and practical teaching.

He called on all well-meaning Nigerians, traditional rulers, religious leaders, members of the National Assembly, civil society organisations and student leadership to prevail on the Federal Government on the above demands. (NAN)