The President of the Congress of University Academics (CONUA), Comrade Niyi Sunmonu, has called on the Federal Government to expedite the conclusion of its proposed agreement with the union and settle outstanding salaries, promotion arrears and other entitlements owed to university lecturers.
Comrade Sunmonu also urged the Federal Ministries of Education and Labour and Employment, alongside relevant negotiating authorities, to conclude the collective bargaining process without further delay to promote industrial harmony in Nigeria’s universities.
He made the call while addressing newsmen after a National Executive Council (NEC) meeting of CONUA held at the University of Abuja.
Comrade Sunmonu said it had reviewed the latest draft of the proposed Federal Government agreement with CONUA, dated September 2026, and expressed concern over what it described as unfair treatment in the negotiation process.
He maintained that official recognition of a trade union must translate into meaningful collective bargaining and a concluded agreement that provides an effective framework for representing its members.
“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,” Comrade Sunmonu stated.
The CONUA President called on the relevant authorities to demonstrate their commitment to democratic processes and sustained industrial harmony by concluding the negotiations.
He however, reaffirmed its commitment to dialogue, while reserving the right to pursue lawful trade union actions if necessary to protect its members’ welfare.
The academics’ union also demanded the prompt settlement of outstanding entitlements, including three and a half months of withheld salaries, promotion arrears, irregular payments of recently approved benefits and arrears arising from the 25 per cent and 35 per cent wage awards.
Comrade Sunmonu urged government authorities and university managements to ensure transparent records, timely payments and clear communication with affected staff.
According to CONUA, academics should not be subjected to indefinite delays, administrative uncertainty or inconsistent implementation of approved entitlements.
“The welfare and legitimate entitlements of academics are obligations to be honoured, not favours to be granted,” Comrade Sunmonu said.
The Union acknowledged the reported resolution of the pension-entitlement issue and commended the Federal Government for the steps taken.
Comrade Sunmonu also cited a collaborative programme organised by CONUA and the National Pension Commission (PenCom) on September 26, 2024, as an example of practical intervention to help members access pension information and benefits.
He further called for fairer representation of academics in education-related programmes and consultative structures, particularly those associated with the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) and the NEEDS Assessment.
The President argued that excluding relevant academic stakeholders from critical processes undermines fairness and institutional accountability.
He said the Union would pursue the issue through appropriate administrative channels and, where necessary, lawful means.
On the state of university education, Comrade Sunmonu urged the Federal Government to increase sustainable public investment, modernise infrastructure and accelerate digital transformation across the university system.
He identified reliable electricity, internet connectivity, functional laboratories, contemporary equipment, appropriate digital platforms and continuous professional development for academic and technical personnel as essential requirements for effective teaching, learning, research and administration.
“Nigeria cannot build a competitive knowledge economy on inadequately funded and poorly equipped universities,” the Union President stated.
He also expressed concern over reported practices involving the temporary hiring or renting of academic staff and equipment for accreditation exercises.
He called on university managements and regulatory authorities to ensure that accreditation reflects institutions’ genuine capacity to deliver quality programmes rather than superficial compliance.
Meanwhile, the Secretary-General of the Trade Union Congress, TUC, Comrade Nuhu Toro said TUC remained in solidarity with CONUA, insisting that the interests of university academics must be defended as part of the wider struggle for workers’ rights.
Comrade Toro emphasized that collective bargaining agreements were serious commitments that must be respected and implemented in accordance with the law.
“Arguments 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,” Toro said.
He warned that underfunding universities, neglecting academics and undermining collective bargaining would weaken the foundation of national development.
He called for immediate action by government agencies and university authorities to conclude the agreement without further delays.
Comrade Toro also pledged the support of the labour movement in defending CONUA members’ rights and interests.
“Any attack on CONUA is an attack on the entire Nigerian labour movement,” Toro said, adding that the congress would deploy all legitimate means to protect workers’ rights.
Beyond university-related matters, the Union called for free, fair, credible and peaceful elections in Nigeria, urging political parties, candidates and their supporters to conduct issue-based campaigns and reject violence, intimidation and inflammatory rhetoric.
The union said public debate should focus on security, affordable electricity, fuel affordability, education, employment and economic development.
It also urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), in collaboration with law enforcement agencies, to ensure an impartial electoral process whose outcomes reflect the will of the electorate.
The Union also called on the media to uphold its public-interest responsibility through independent scrutiny, factual reporting and fair coverage of political actors.
On national security, the union expressed concern over terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, communal violence and other threats to lives, property and livelihoods.
It urged all tiers of government and security agencies to strengthen intelligence gathering, inter-agency coordination, preventive measures and timely responses to security threats while upholding professionalism, accountability and the rule of law.
The union also called for sustained efforts to address the underlying causes of insecurity and provide adequate protection and support for affected communities.
