The Congress of University Academics (CONUA) has distanced itself from the two weeks warning strike embarked upon by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) .
This is contained in a statement by the National President of CONUA, Comrade ‘Niyi Sunmonu, issued to newsmen on Monday in Lagos.
Recall that ASUU had on Sunday declared a two-week total and comprehensive warning strike across all public universities in Nigeria.
The announcement was made by the National President of the Union, Prof. Chris Piwuna.
Members of the union are agitating withheld salaries and promotion areas among other demands.
On their part, members of the CONUA c declared its position on the development, stating that “it was not on strike”.
“Clearing the air, CONUA is not going on strike . The leadership of the congress wishes to categorically clarify that CONUA has not declared any industrial action and is not part of any proposed strike.
“Recent misinformation circulating across some platforms has created unnecessary confusion within the academic community and among students. This clarification is therefore issued to set the record straight.
“CONUA remains deeply committed to academic stability, excellence and the smooth functioning of Nigeria’s universities through constructive dialogue and peaceful engagement with government and all stakeholders.
“Our members are hereby urged to continue performing their academic and administrative duties diligently, to report to work, engage with students, and carry out their professional responsibilities as expected.
“Your steadfastness and integrity remain vital to sustaining standards in our higher education system,” the president stated.
According to him, it is important to emphasise that CONUA has no basis at this time to declare a dispute or embark on any strike.
The unionist noted that when the renegotiation committee of the 2009 Agreement was inaugurated in October 2024, CONUA was conspicuously and deliberately omitted.
He explained that the union formally protested this exclusion, which eventually culminated in a meeting with the minister of Education on September 11.
“At that meeting, the minister acknowledged CONUA’s concerns and assured that the Yayale Ahmed Renegotiation Committee, would be expanded to include all the academic unions in Nigeria’s federal tertiary institutions.
“We are pleased to note that the Ministry of Education has recently expanded the committee, fulfilling that promise. Until CONUA is formally brought to the table and any of the issues it has presented to the Federal Government become subjects of dispute, there is no foundation whatsoever for any strike by CONUA.
Speaking further, Sunmonu noted that resolutions from nationwide congresses following the September 11 meeting, the national leadership reported the outcome to members across universities, after which congresses were held between Sept. 18 and Sept 24.
He explained that at these congresses, members unanimously reaffirmed CONUA’s principled stance that no strike should be taken and that engagement, not disruption, remained the best path forward for the Nigerian university system.
“However, CONUA respectfully calls on Vice Chancellors, to ensure the safety and protection of CONUA members as they continue their legitimate duties within their respective institutions.
“We equally encourage students to remain focused on their academic pursuits without fear of interruption.
“The union stands by its commitment to quality education, national development, and peaceful industrial relations in the university system.
“CONUA’s unwavering focus, is on building a sustainable, innovative, and productive academic environment that serves the interests of students, scholars and the nation.
“We appreciate the understanding and cooperation of all stakeholders in supporting this constructive approach to advancing higher education in Nigeria.
