CONUA demands settlement of outstanding entitlements, accountable university governance

The Congress of University Academics (CONUA) has demanded the payment of its outstanding entitlements and called for representation in education-related programmes and consultative structures, particularly those associated with the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) and the NEEDS Assessment.

CONUA National President, Professor Niyi Sunmonu, made the demands while delivering a speech titled “CONUA Demands Fair Collective Bargaining, Settlement of Academics’ Entitlements and Accountable University Governance” at the union’s National Executive Council (NEC) meeting held at the University of Abuja over the weekend.

According to Sunmonu, the council reviewed the latest draft of the proposed FGN-CONUA Agreement, dated September 2026, and condemned what it described as the Federal Government’s failure to treat CONUA fairly.

He, however, called on the Federal Ministries of Education and Labour and Employment, as well as all relevant negotiating authorities, to conclude the process as a demonstration of the government’s commitment to democratic processes and sustained industrial harmony in Nigerian universities.

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While demanding the prompt payment of outstanding entitlements, including three and a half months of withheld salaries, promotion arrears, irregular payments of recently approved entitlements, and arrears arising from the 25 per cent and 35 per cent wage awards, the CONUA leader commended the Federal Government for resolving the pension entitlement issue.

He made reference to the collaborative programme organised by CONUA and the National Pension Commission (PenCom) on September 26, 2024.

He said, “CONUA has consistently pursued constructive engagement and believes that dialogue must lead to tangible outcomes.

“The recognition of a trade union must translate into meaningful collective bargaining and a concluded agreement that provides an effective framework for representing its members.

“While CONUA remains committed to dialogue, the union reserves the right to pursue appropriate lawful trade union actions in pursuit of the welfare of its members, should the circumstances warrant it.

“University academics must not be subjected to indefinite delays, the trauma resulting from the trivialisation of their well-being, and inconsistent implementation or administrative uncertainty.”

Sunmonu added, “NEC considered CONUA’s participation in education-related programmes and consultative structures, particularly those associated with the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) and the NEEDS Assessment. The operations of the university system cannot be said to be effective if critical aspects exclude academics who are stakeholders within the system.

“CONUA calls on the relevant authorities to address outstanding representation concerns, as the current practice does not reflect fairness, institutional accountability and the realities of the university sector. The union will pursue this objective through appropriate administrative and, where necessary, lawful channels.”

On university education, Sunmonu said Nigeria could not build a competitive knowledge economy on inadequately funded and poorly equipped universities. He called for sustainable public investment in university education, modern infrastructure and deliberate digital transformation.

“Universities require reliable electricity, internet connectivity, functional laboratories, contemporary equipment, appropriate digital platforms and continuous development of academic and technical personnel. Digital education must be supported by the infrastructure and resources necessary for effective teaching, learning, research and administration,” the union leader added.

Also speaking, the Secretary-General of the Trade Union Congress (TUC), Dr Nuhu Toro, called for immediate action to finalise the agreement with CONUA.

Toro, who declared the congress’s support for CONUA, said the TUC would not tolerate unnecessary delays by the relevant university authorities and government agencies responsible for concluding and signing the agreement.

The TUC scribe said, “CONUA must not stand alone in defending university academics, and university academics must not stand apart from the wider struggle for the national working class. On collective bargaining, agreements are not political favours or administrative conveniences; they are serious commitments that must be respected and implemented in accordance with the laws of the land.

“On the responsibility of government, a nation that underfunds its universities, neglects its academics and undermines collective bargaining undermines the very foundation of its own development.

“The TUC will not tolerate any unnecessary delay by the relevant university authorities and government agencies responsible for concluding and signing the collective agreement with CONUA.

“We therefore demand immediate action to finalise the process without further excuses or procrastination.”

He added, “The Trade Union Congress, under the leadership of Comrade Festus Osifo, and all its affiliates stand firmly with CONUA to defend the rights and interests of all its members. Any attack on CONUA is an attack on the entire Nigerian labour movement. We shall deploy all legitimate means to protect workers’ rights. We firmly believe that an injury to CONUA is an injury to all TUC affiliates and Nigerian workers.”