The National Association of Academic Technologists (NAAT) has called on telecommunications companies to revert to old tariffs pending the conclusion of the committee set up by the Federal Government to review the increase.
This demand is part of NAAT’s broader concerns about the impact of recent economic policies on the education sector.
In a statement issued after an emergency National Executive Committee meeting, NAAT President Ibeji Nwokoma expressed concerns over the frequent dissolution of university governing councils and the removal of vice-chancellors without due process. This practice, Nwokoma argued, disrupts the smooth running of universities and affects the quality of education.
NAAT also raised concerns about the transition from the Integrated Personnel and Payroll Information System to the Government Integrated Financial Management Information System. The association cited delays in salary payments, wage disparities, and irregular remittances of statutory deductions as major issues that need to be addressed.
In addition to its demands on telecom tariff hikes, NAAT aligned with the Nigeria Labour Congress in opposing the Tax Reform Bills. The association called for the immediate payment of withheld salaries, outstanding arrears, and occupational hazard allowances, stressing the need for industrial harmony in universities.
The Nigeria Labour Congress has also condemned the 50% tariff hike imposed by telecommunication companies, demanding an immediate reversal to the previous rates. The NLC has given telecom firms a March 1 deadline to revert to old tariffs or face a total shutdown of their operations.
NAAT’s demands come at a time when the education sector is facing numerous challenges, including withheld salaries and outstanding arrears. The association’s call for the payment of these debts and the reversal of the telecom tariff hike is seen as a critical step towards addressing these challenges and promoting industrial harmony in universities.