The National Association of Academic Technologists (NAAT) has voiced serious concerns over the recent shift from the Integrated Personnel and Payroll Information System (IPPIS) to the Government Integrated Financial Management Information System (GIFMIS) for salary disbursements in federal tertiary institutions.
In a comprehensive statement, NAAT President Comrade Ibeji Nwokoma condemned the transition, highlighting issues such as delayed salary payments, inconsistencies in salary figures, and irregular remittance of statutory and third-party deductions—including check-off dues—since the change was implemented.
The federal government initiated the switch to GIFMIS in 2024 with the aim of granting universities greater autonomy and improving payroll management efficiency. However, according to NAAT, the expected benefits have been overshadowed by a host of challenges. “The Nigerian public may recall that during the high-level stakeholders meeting held at the National Universities Commission on January 11th, 2024, NAAT expressed fears over the decision taken by the Federal Government to exempt tertiary institutions from IPPIS,” the statement noted. Instead, since the transition, experiences have been marred by delays and disparities in salary disbursement.
In addition to these payroll issues, NAAT criticized the federal government’s frequent dissolution of university governing councils and the arbitrary removal and replacement of vice-chancellors without adherence to due process.
The association warned that such actions disrupt university administration, hinder research and development, and ultimately compromise the quality of graduates. “NAAT expresses deep concern over the rampant dissolution of duly appointed and inaugurated University Governing Councils, the removal of Vice-Chancellors, and the swapping of Pro-Chancellors by the Federal Government without recourse to the laid-down procedures enshrined in the Universities (Miscellaneous Provisions) (Amendment) Act 2003,” the statement read.
NAAT has called on the relevant government agencies—including the Federal Ministry of Finance, the Budget Office of the Federation, the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation, and the administrators of GIFMIS—to streamline the payment process and ensure timely, accurate salary disbursements.
The union also demanded the immediate release of outstanding salaries and allowances, including three and a half months of withheld salaries, 12 months of arrears for the 25% and 35% salary increases, wage awards, occupational hazard allowances, and the prompt implementation of CONTISS 14 and 15 for academic technologists.
On broader fiscal matters, NAAT aligned itself with the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) in opposing the proposed tax reform bills before the National Assembly, arguing that they would impose additional financial burdens on Nigerians. The association further condemned the recent increase in telecommunication tariffs on calls and data, urging that these tariffs be reversed immediately until comprehensive consultations can be held.
Overall, NAAT’s statement underscores its commitment to protecting the interests of academic technologists and ensuring that both financial and administrative practices in Nigeria’s tertiary institutions adhere to principles of fairness, transparency, and accountability.
