The National Association of Academic Technologists (NAAT) at the University of Maiduguri (UNIMAID) Branch has decided to join a nationwide strike to express their demands.
The UNIMAID Branch Chairman, Comrade Yusuf Bulus Dalhatu, made this announcement during a press conference and rally held at the El Kenami Hall on the university premises and at gate one of the campus, attended by association members and journalists.
Comrade Yusuf explained that the decision to join the strike came after a virtual conference on March 13, 2024, and a branch congress resolution on March 18, 2024.
Despite interventions from notable figures like the Speaker of the Ninth National Assembly, Chief Femi Ghajabiarsila, and concerns from parents and students, the association felt compelled to call off a previous strike on August 25, 2022, due to lack of progress.
However, promises made by the government, including a waiver on withheld salaries at the start of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, have not been fulfilled.
“As we speak, the executive waiver refuses to see the light of day up till today despite repented subtle reminders, in form of written correspondence from the association, sadly, federal government remains insensitive to our plights”.
As a result, the UNIMAID branch of NAAT has decided to embark on a three-day warning strike from March 20 to March 22, 2024.
During this time, all laboratories will be closed, practical teaching and research activities suspended, and project works halted.
“Left us with no choice than to down tool our working kits and apparatus, close all laboratories, and suspend all practicals among others for three days as warning strike,” Dalhatu said.
The association’s demands include the full implementation of the 2009 agreement, payment of outstanding earned allowances, release of circulars for career advancement, upgrading of equipment, and improvement of laboratory infrastructure.
Comrade Yusuf expressed gratitude to the members of the association for their solidarity, especially during the Ramadan fasting period.
The press conference and peaceful demonstration featured solidarity songs, rallies, protests, and photographs.
