Members of the National Association of Academic Technologists (NAAT) at Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, staged a peaceful protest on Wednesday over five months of unpaid salaries and arrears. The protesters gathered on campus, displaying placards with messages like “We Say No To Unfair Treatment” and “Respect Our 2009 Agreement.” They accused the Federal Government of failing to honor commitments made in a 2009 agreement.
OAU NAAT Chairman, Mr. Matthew Oluwaniyi, represented by Vice Chairman Aminu Rotimi, noted that salaries were initially withheld when members went on a five-and-a-half-month strike in 2022. Although one month of withheld salaries was released in October, the government has yet to fulfill promises on back pay or communicate further on the matter.
Oluwaniyi highlighted ongoing issues, including unpaid occupational hazard allowances and unresolved arrears. Former union secretary Dr. Taoreed Adesiyan voiced additional concerns over a critical shortage of laboratory staff nationwide, with existing staff facing overwhelming workloads that impact their health.
The union vowed to persist in their demands until all entitlements are met.