3 hours ago
17
ABUJA – The National Association of Academic Technologists (NAAT) has criticised the Federal Government for constant dissolution of University Governing Councils and removal of Vice Chancellors, lamenting that the situation has become counterproductive to smooth running of tertiary institutions.
NAAT’s President, Comrade Ibeji Nwokoma raised the concern at an emergency meeting of the National Executive Committee which held in Yakubu Gowon University (formerly University of Abuja).
Nwokoma argued that as citadels of learning where the nation’s manpower and leaders are produced such arbitrary dissolution of Governing Boards without recourse to due process can hamper the good management, growth and development of Universities.
“NAAT is deeply concerned over the trend of the rampant dissolution of duly appointed and inaugurated University Governing Councils, removal of Vice- Chancellors and the swapping of Pro-Chancellors by the Federal Government without recourse to the laid-down procedures as enshrined in the Universities (Miscellaneous Provisions) (Amendment) Act 2003.
“We are not in support of incompetence, indiscipline and corruption by any public servant especially in the University system, but is interested in observance of due process.
“The frequent dissolution of Governing Councils can hamper the good management, growth and development of Universities. These includes the disbursement of funds to take care of personnel cost, overhead cost, capital cost, research & development and the balance in expenditure between academic vis-a-vis non-academic activities.
“The attendant consequences of the above cascades down to smooth running of laboratories, workshops and studios as well as the general welfare of Academic Technologists especially as it relates to promotions and trainings. These can dampen
the morale of Academic Technologists that would have negative effects on their capacity to discharge their duties effectively in teaching and research.
“Hence, the quality of graduates produced under such conditions may be compromised. NAAT as a critical stakeholder in Tertiary Education System cannot seat back and pay lip service to these anomalies and its attendant implications on the Education system.
“NAAT therefore, advises the Federal Government to always ensure the appointment of credible and competent Nigerians into Governing Councils of Nigerian Tertiary Institutions and shall be free to discharge its functions and exercise of its responsibilities, as this will allow for the appointment of Vice-Chancellors and other principal officers through a credible and transparent process,” Nwokoma said in the communique released after the meeting.
The Academic Technologists also reacted to the hike in telecommunications tariff, saying it aligns with the position of the Nigeria Labour Congress in rejecting the 50 percent hike.
The NAAT leadership posited that before any hike in telecom tariff, stakeholders need to be duly informed and consulted for their inputs.
His words, “NAAT unequivocally aligns with the position taken by the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) in respect of the Tax Reform Bills currently before the National Assembly and the tariff hike imposed on Nigerians by the Telecommunication Companies on calls and data.
“In addition to the above, NAAT also call on Government to allow wider consultation by relevant stakeholders on the tax reform bills and direct the telecommunication companies to revert to the previous tariff pending the conclusion of the 10-man committee’s assignment where an agreement would be reached”.
Nwokoma equally asked the appropriate authorities to effect immediate payment of arrears of three and half months withheld salaries, twelve month arrears of 25% and 35% salary increase, including payment of arrears of Wage award, National Minimum Wage and Occupational Hazard Allowance, release of enabling circular for the implementation of CONTISS 14 & 15 for Academic Technologists for sustainable industrial harmony in Nigerian Universities
English (US) ·