*CONUA Rejects Action, Says Committed To Academic Stability
BY GODWIN IJEDIOGOR
THE Federal Government, on Sunday night, October 12, threatened to invoke the ‘no work, no-pay’ policy on the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU).
Recall that university lecturers, under the umbrella of ASUU, had earlier on Sunday declared a total and comprehensive warning strike from midnight on Monday, October 13.
The union is demanding conclusion of the renegotiated 2009 FGN-ASUU agreement, the release of the withheld three and a half months’ salaries, sustainable funding of public universities and revitalisation of public universities; payment of outstanding 25-35 per cent salary arrears; payment of promotion arrears for over four years; and release of withheld third-party deductions (cooperative contributions, union check-off dues), etc.
However, Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, and Minister of State for Education, Suwaiba Sai’d Ahmed, in a joint statement released on Sunday by the Federal Ministry of Education, reaffirmed government’s commitment to resolving ASUU’s grievances through dialogue, saying: “The Federal Government has demonstrated demonstrable sincerity, patience and goodwill in its dialogue with the union.”
The ministers noted that most of ASUU’s concerns, such as increased teaching allowances and improved conditions of service, have been addressed, while other issues fall under the jurisdiction of university governing councils, which have been reconstituted to handle them.
The ministers, while insisting that government had met its deadline for presenting its position, stated: “Despite these efforts, ASUU has opted for strike action. This action does not reflect a spirit of cooperation or fairness to the students and the public.”
The ministry’s statement issued by its spokesperson, Folasade Boriowo, accused ASUU of not being cooperative, despite government’s efforts to avert the strike, adding: “The ministers further stressed that the government has continued to prioritise the welfare of university staff and the stability of the academic calendar under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
“According to them, dialogue remains the most effective and sustainable path to resolving disagreements, and government remains open to engagement at any level to prevent unnecessary disruption in the education sector.
“They, however, emphasised that the “no work, no pay” policy remains an extant labour law of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and the government will be guided by this law should academic activities be disrupted in the nation’s universities.
“While the government continues to demonstrate goodwill and flexibility, it will not abdicate its responsibility to uphold fairness and accountability in the use of public resources.”
The statement reassured Nigerian students, parents and the public that the Federal Government was firmly committed to maintaining industrial harmony in the tertiary education system.
It added: “Ministers appealed to all academic unions to embrace partnership and dialogue, rather than confrontation, in the collective interest of the nation’s higher education system.
“They reiterated that the government’s education reform agenda is designed to enhance teaching and research conditions, promote institutional autonomy through strengthened university governance and ensure that the academic community thrives in an environment of mutual respect, productivity and innovation.”
The statement urged ASUU to reconsider its stance and return to dialogue, stressing that government remained open to engagement at any level to prevent unnecessary disruption in the education sector.
Meanwhile, the leadership of Congress of University Academics (CONUA) has distanced the rival academic union from the strike.
CONUA, in a statement signed by its National President, Niyi Sunmonu, dismissed social media reports suggesting its involvement in the industrial action, stating: “CONUA wishes to categorically clarify that it has not declared any strike action and is not part of any ongoing strike.”
Sunmonu reaffirmed the union’s commitment to maintaining academic stability, promoting excellence and ensuring the smooth running of the university system through constructive dialogue and peaceful engagement with the government and other stakeholders.
He, therefore, urged members to continue to go about their academic and administrative duties diligently by reporting to work, engaging with students and discharging their professional responsibilities as expected.
The statement noted: “It is important to emphasise that CONUA has no basis, at this time, to declare a dispute or embark on any strike action. When the renegotiation committee of the 2009 Agreement was inaugurated in October 2024, CONUA was conspicuously and deliberately omitted.
“The union formally protested this exclusion, which eventually culminated in a meeting with the Minister of Education on September 11, 2025.
“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 becomes subjects of dispute, there is no foundation whatsoever for any strike action by CONUA.
“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 September 18 and 24, 2025.
“At these congresses, members unanimously reaffirmed CONUA’s principled stance that no strike action should be taken and that engagement, not disruption, remains the best path forward for the Nigerian university system.”
Sunmonu, however, appealed to vice chancellors to ensure the safety and protection of CONUA members in continuing their legitimate duties within their respective institutions and encouraged students to remain focused on their academic pursuits without fear of interruption.
While reiterating its commitment to quality education, national development and peaceful industrial relations in the university system, he added: “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.”
