Confusion as CONUA Distances Self From ASUU Strike

The Congress of University Academics (CONUA) has disowned reports linking it to any strike action currently affecting Nigerian universities, creating confusion among students and the public.

In a statement released by its National President, Dr Niyi Sunmonu, the academic union described the claims circulating on social media as “false and misleading.” 

He emphasised that CONUA had not joined, declared, or supported any form of industrial action.

“Our members are fully at their duty posts across campuses,” Dr Sunmonu said. “We remain committed to dialogue and peaceful engagement with the government, not disruption of academic activities.”

According to Sunmonu, CONUA’s focus is on sustaining stability in Nigeria’s higher education system. 

The union, he explained, prefers constructive conversations with stakeholders as a more effective path toward addressing concerns affecting lecturers.

He further stated that CONUA had no reason to embark on a strike since the federal government had already addressed one of its major concerns, its exclusion from the renegotiation of the 2009 Agreement.

Dr Sunmonu recalled that CONUA had earlier protested being left out of the renegotiation committee set up in October 2024. 

That protest, he said, led to a meeting with the Minister of Education on September 11, 2025, during which assurances were given that the Yayale Ahmed Renegotiation Committee would be expanded to include all academic unions.

He confirmed that the ministry had since fulfilled that commitment.

“The government has kept its word. With our issues already addressed, there’s absolutely no justification for any strike,” he explained.

Following a series of nationwide congress meetings held between September 18 and 24, CONUA members unanimously voted against any industrial action. 

The union resolved to continue promoting dialogue and professionalism within universities.

Sunmonu encouraged members to remain dedicated to their teaching and administrative duties, stressing that the group’s philosophy centres on engagement rather than confrontation.

He also urged Vice-Chancellors to safeguard the welfare of CONUA members across institutions, assuring students that the union would keep supporting uninterrupted academic calendars.

“Students should stay focused on their studies,” Sunmonu advised. 

“We are committed to ensuring that Nigeria’s universities run smoothly while contributing to national development through quality education.”

CONUA, a breakaway academic body formed by lecturers who parted ways with the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), has repeatedly positioned itself as a pro-dialogue alternative. 

Its latest statement aims to separate its identity from ongoing disputes linked to ASUU’s industrial actions.

Education analysts say CONUA’s firm stance may help reduce strike fatigue in universities, though challenges around welfare and policy consistency remain unresolved.