NAAT demands release of N495bn varsities’ intervention fund

The National Association of Academic Technologists has called on the Federal Government to  immediately release the N495bn Needs Assessment Intervention funds to the universities.

The association said the non-release of the second tranche of the fund will make it impossible to meet the target of the project.

While the Academic Staff Union of Universities had said the release of the funds for the first quarter of 2016 was in respect of the revitalisation of public universities, NAAT observed with dismay the shortfall in personnel and overhead costs in the universities and other institutions of higher learning in recent months.

The position of NAAT which is contained in a communiqué obtained by journalists on Friday in Abuja, was issued after its National Executive Council meeting held at the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi. The communiqué, which was signed by its General Secretary, Iyoyo Hamilton, read: “NAAT commends the Federal Government on the establishment of the Needs Assessment Intervention Fund for the universities which has assisted greatly in the renovation of dilapidated structures and building of new lecture theatres and laboratories.

“However, the non-release of the second tranche of the fund is greatly affecting the set goals of the project. NAAT therefore, urges the government to release the funds without further delay.”

Hamilton said the situation had forced the institutions to “go extra-mile” to augment the deficit being experienced in the payment of salaries.

“NAAT demands that the deductions should be stopped and payment of outstanding arrears made so as to cushion the effect of the harsh economy currently being experienced,” he said.

While calling for “the full implementation of the 2009 Federal Government/NAAT agreement”, Hamilton said the organisation considered it unacceptable that seven years after the Federal Government freely entered into the agreement, it has yet to be fully implemented.

According to him, the agreement should be fully and uniformly implemented while action should be on course for the renegotiation processes.

The association commended the bold step taken by the Federal Government in dissolving governing councils of federal universities, but however, advised the government to dissolve councils of the remaining universities and reconstitute them with industrialists and credible personalities who are conversant with the university system.

Hamilton said NAAT believed that such calibre of persons would be able to hold the bull by the horn, with a view to finding lasting solution to the financial problems of the universities.

 PUNCH.