NAAT opposes immunity for lawmakers

Seeks implementation of 2009 agreement
THE National Association of Academic Technologists (NAAT) will collaborate with other industrial unions to oppose granting of immunity clause to lawmakers.

In a communiqué issued at the end of its 27th National Executive Council (NEC) regular meeting held in Federal University of Technology Minna by the General Secretary of the union, Hamilton Iyoyo, NAAT said it rejects the move to insulate lawmakers from prosecution while serving.

The meeting presided over by the President of the union, Sani Suleiman, noted with discomfort the non-implementation of the tenets of the 2009 agreement in full six after negotiations were concluded.

It added: “NAAT calls on Federal and State Governments to fully implement the agreement and put machinery in place for its re-negotiation. To stop further accumulation of arrears, NAAT urges the Federal Government to capture all allowances in the 2016 budget. NAAT also calls on the Federal Government to provide bailout to states for the implementation of the agreement.”

NAAT also urged the Federal Government to focus attention on the education sector with special emphasis on the laboratories, workshops and studios to ensure that institutions utilize research findings for the development of the society and produce skilled graduates.

Suleiman said while some aspects of the 2009 agreement had been implemented, some universities are yet to implement the raising the bar of Technologists from the present level 13 to 15.

“There are some universities that have implemented this by ensuring that Technologists move from level 13, which is our bar now to levels 14 and 15, which are Senior Chief Technologist and Principal Chief Technologist. Even though some universities are implementing this, the FUT Minna is yet to begin the implementation but we now have an assurance from the Vice Chancellor that this will be done very soon,” he stated.

The NAAT boss said recording technological advancement is dependent on the creation of conducive atmosphere for practical learning to fester in the country.

His words: “The major breakthrough in technological advancement by Nigeria is hampered by lack of inadequate funding and provision of conducive environment for Technologists in the country. If the laboratories, workshops and studios are well equipped, Technologists are well trained to deliver qualitative practical training to students. Our job is to conduct the practical aspect of teaching after the lecturers have finished teaching the theoretical aspect. And this practical aspect of teaching is even more important in our country today because the white-collar jobs are no longer there. Graduates are increasingly relying on practical ability to sustain themselves after graduation.