The Congress of University Academics (CONUA) has denied any participation in the nationwide strike by university lecturers.
In a statement issued by its President, Dr Niyi Sunmonu, CONUA rebutted circulating claims of its involvement in the industrial action.
He declared: “It is important to emphasize that CONUA has no basis at this time to declare a dispute or embark on any strike action.”
Dr Sunmonu further urged members to maintain their responsibilities, including fulfilling their academic and administrative duties; to remain dedicated to teaching, research, and institutional services; and to uphold the integrity of university operations.
CONUA’s statement recounted its exclusion from the renegotiation committee of the 2009 Agreement, inaugurated in October 2024.
“The union formally protested this exclusion, which eventually culminated in a meeting with the minister of education on 11 September 2025,” the statement said.
It added: “We are pleased to note that the Ministry of Education has recently expanded the committee, fulfilling that promise.”
Dr Sunmonu emphasised that until CONUA is formally included in negotiations, and until any issues it raises become matters of disagreement, there is no justification for it to resort to strike.
He recalled that between 18 and 24 September 2025, nationwide congresses among its membership reaffirmed the union’s stance that “no strike action should be taken” and that “engagement, not disruption, remains the best path forward for the Nigerian university system.”
Dr Sunmonu also appealed to vice‑chancellors to protect CONUA members who choose to remain at their posts, and called on students “to remain focused on their academic pursuits without fear of interruption.”
The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has declared a two‑week warning strike beginning 13 October 2025, pressing demands that include a revised 2009 Agreement, payment of salary arrears, university revitalisation funding, and resolution of promotion matters.
In response, the Federal Government has directed vice‑chancellors to enforce a “no work, no pay” policy against striking lecturers.
On the first day of the strike, some CONUA members defied the ASUU directive and held lectures at the University of Abuja.
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