Technologists’ Union Rejects FG Loan Scheme, Demands Payment of Debts

The National Association of Academic Technologists (NAAT) has turned down the Federal Government’s Tertiary Institutions Staff Support Fund, calling it a needless loan that would burden members with debt.

NAAT president, Ibeji Nwokoma, said the union sees the scheme as “taking salaries in advance” and prefers its existing cooperative system for short-term financial needs.

He urged the government to focus instead on clearing all outstanding entitlements, including withheld salaries, unpaid allowances, and wage awards.

The union also criticised the Federal Capital Territory Minister’s decision to revoke land belonging to the University of Abuja. It argued that the property was essential for future research centres, new academic programmes, and additional student accommodation, warning that the move violates laws protecting the institution’s assets.

NAAT called on the National Assembly to step in, reverse the land revocation, and direct the government to use the proposed loan fund to settle all debts owed to its members.