The Congress of University Academics (CONUA) says it is not part of the one-week warning strike declared by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), reaffirming its commitment to a stable academic calendar across Nigeria’s public universities.
In a statement on Sunday signed by its National President, Dr. Niyi Sunmonu, CONUA said it “has not declared any strike action and is not part of any ongoing strike,” adding that its members will report to work, teach, and carry out administrative duties as usual. The union urged vice-chancellors to ensure the safety and protection of CONUA members as they continue “legitimate duties within their respective institutions.”
ASUU announced a nationwide warning strike last week, citing the Federal Government’s failure to address long-standing demands contained in the 2009 agreement and subsequent memoranda. But CONUA—formed as a breakaway academic union and formally recognised by the Federal Government in 2022—argued that disruption is not the answer.
“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,” the statement said.
The union explained that its position followed internal consultations after a September 11 meeting with the Minister of Education. Congress meetings held between September 18 and 24 “unanimously reaffirmed” that no strike should be undertaken, it added.
CONUA also highlighted its contention over exclusion from the government’s renegotiation of the 2009 agreement. According to the union, it protested being left out when the renegotiation committee was inaugurated in October 2024. The Education Minister, it said, later assured that the Yayale Ahmed-led committee would be expanded to include all academic unions in federal tertiary institutions—an expansion CONUA says has now taken place.
“It is important to emphasize that CONUA has no basis at this time to declare a dispute or embark on any strike action,” the union noted, stressing that until it is “formally brought to the table” and its proposals become subjects of disagreement, engagement—not industrial action—remains its path.
The group assured students and parents that lectures and academic services would continue during ASUU’s warning strike. It appealed for calm on campuses and reiterated its preference for negotiations aimed at addressing funding, welfare and governance issues without disrupting the university calendar.
