NAAT blames mass failure of students on low budget for education

  • Urges govt to pay earned allowances 
The National Association OF Academic Technologists (NAAT) has blamed the abysmal performance of secondary school students on the dwindling allocation of resources to the education sector. The union in a communiqués reached at the end of its 37th National Executive Council (NEC) meeting, held at Obafemi Awolowo University (O.A.U), Ile-Ife, noted that despite the existence of ‘special centres’, the results of the Senior Secondary Certificate Examination (SSCE) keeps dropping year on year. 

The union observed that the abysmal performance is equally to blame for the falling standard of education across the tertiary levels. The communiqué read in part: “In spite of the worrisome existence of ’special centres’, the results of SSCE keep dropping – implying poor quality of secondary school graduates. This may not be unconnected with the poor allocation of financial and human resources to the education sector.

“Indeed, it is a well-known fact that budgetary allocations for education at both federal and state government levels have been well below the UNESCO benchmark recommendation of 26% over the years. This has resulted in deplorable condition of classrooms, laboratories, libraries and other teaching and learning facilities in Nigerian Public Schools. NAAT therefore urges government at all levels to give more resources and attention to the Education sector, including strengthening supervision and evaluation.”

The national umbrella body of technologists in the universities also lamented the non-payment of the earned allowances arrears owe members of the non-academic staff in the federal universities.

The communiqué, which was jointly signed by NAAT President, Sani Suleiman and General Secretary, Hamilton Iyoyo, while urging the Federal Government to offset the allowances, said members of the three unions are growing frustrated. 

The union also urged the University of Ibadan to prosecute a lecturer who was recently sacked over sex for mark scandal, saying such action will serve as deterrent to others.The NAAT also urged state governments that are yet to implement the earned allowances for workers in State-owned universities to do so, adding that this is in line with the 2009 Agreements signed with the unions.

Reacting to the ongoing minimum wage negation, the union stated the early in the year; the Federal Government had told Nigerian workers that a new National Minimum Wage would come into effect by September, 2018.

The union then expressed dismay about the body language of the Federal Government, which suggests it is no longer keen to begin the implementation of a new national wage floor before the end of the year. 

It added: “NAAT is aware that NLC and TUC have jointly made a submission of N66, 500.00 as new NMW, and that tripartite    meetings in this regard are on-going. As an affiliate of NLC, NAAT is in agreement with NLC and TUC on the submission made. However, the union urges parties in the NMW negotiations to fast track the process to ensure implementation this year, 2018. Undue delay would be unacceptable.”