By NewsDesk
The Congress of University Academics (CONUA) has strongly condemned its exclusion from the ongoing renegotiation of the 2009 agreement between the Federal Government and university-based unions, describing the development as disappointing and unfair.
In a statement issued to journalists on Monday in Lagos, CONUA’s National President, Dr. Niyi Sunmonu, expressed shock that despite receiving a formal invitation from the Minister of Education in December 2024, the union was completely sidelined in the process.
“It is both surprising and disappointing,” Sunmonu stated. “The Congress of University Academics (CONUA) expresses deep concern at the recent circulation of a letter addressed to the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), indicating that the Yayale Ahmed-led committee has submitted its report without any form of engagement with CONUA.”
According to him, the 2009 agreement was entered into on behalf of all academic staff in Nigerian universities, and it is unacceptable for any renegotiation process to be conducted without the input of all recognised academic unions.
“With three registered academic unions currently in existence, it is imperative that all stakeholders be carried along, especially in matters affecting the welfare and service conditions of their members,” he said.
Sunmonu stressed that excluding CONUA from such a crucial process contradicts international labour conventions, which advocate fairness, inclusiveness, and democratic engagement.
“The exclusion of CONUA undermines principles of fairness and contradicts ILO conventions ratified by Nigeria. It is inappropriate for one union to speak for others in a plural union environment,” he added.
He called on the current Minister of Education, Dr. Olatunji Alausa, to intervene swiftly and address what he described as a serious oversight.
“Failure to include CONUA could erode the fragile stability in the academic system and trigger avoidable discontent among university staff,” Sunmonu warned. “The smooth academic calendar we’ve enjoyed in the last two years is partly due to CONUA’s principled stance on non-disruptive unionism.”
Sunmonu reaffirmed CONUA’s commitment to dialogue, academic excellence, and reforms that strengthen Nigeria’s university system.
“CONUA remains committed to constructive engagement and sustainable reforms that will ensure long-term stability and growth in the education sector,” he said.
The Federal Government had inaugurated a seven-man committee on October 15, 2024, to renegotiate the 2009 agreements with university-based unions. The committee was tasked with producing realistic and actionable recommendations to address the challenges plaguing Nigeria’s higher education system. However, CONUA’s exclusion from the engagement has now cast a shadow over the inclusiveness and legitimacy of the process.