NIGERIAN TEACHERS MAY HALT STRIKE

19/10/2009

There are growing signs Nigeria's National Association of Academic Technologists (NAAT) may call off its planned industrial action.

According to the Daily Champion, the NATT could suspend its three month strike following joint talks with the Non-Academic Staff Union and the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities.

The National Executive Council claims that the NAAT has instructed its branches to suspend the planned strike action for two weeks.

A statement co-signed by the association explained: "NAAT expressed dismay over the recent federal government's selective treatment of the staff unions in the university system, saying, the federal government's willingness to resume re-negotiations is a welcome development."

The staff are taking the industrial action following disagreements surrounding salary concerns, retirement plans and the need to increase funding for universities.

Meanwhile, the Daily Trust explains that Nigeria's younger school children have recently taken part in a national Hand Washing Day as the FCT Water Board seeks to stress the importance of good hygiene to prevent the spread of disease.

Written by Simon Bassett. VSO Canada