The National Association of Academic Technologists (NAAT) has strongly rejected the Federal Government’s proposed Tertiary Institutions Staff Support Fund (TISSF) loan scheme, branding it a “trap” that would “perpetually enslave” university workers.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, NAAT’s National President, Ibeji Nwokoma, expressed concern over the loan, initiated by the Ministry of Education and funded by TETFund, noting that the scheme was unacceptable for the association’s members.
“Our members do not need loans that amount to taking their salaries in advance,” Nwokoma said. “We already have cooperative societies in place to cater to their short-term financial needs. This scheme will only lock them into perpetual debt.”
Rather than offering loans, NAAT insisted that the government focus on settling outstanding arrears owed to its members. These include withheld salaries, arrears of Occupational Hazard Allowances, third-party deductions, and delayed responsibility and wage awards, as well as unresolved issues regarding the N30,000 minimum wage.
In addition, the union called for the release of supplementary funds to clear outstanding Earned Allowances claims.
On another note, NAAT condemned the recent revocation of University of Abuja land by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, describing it as an illegal and unilateral act that undermines the institution’s master plan. The union has called on the National Assembly to intervene and reverse the decision.
NAAT further urged the government to redirect TISSF funds to address workers’ entitlements instead of offering them in the form of loans.
