The Congress of University Academics (CONUA) has distanced itself from the ongoing nationwide strike declared by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), reaffirming its commitment to maintaining academic stability through dialogue and engagement.
ASUU had on October 13 commenced a two-week warning strike, citing longstanding unresolved issues with the Federal Government. The Ministry of Education, in response, accused ASUU of being uncooperative despite ongoing negotiations and warned that it may enforce the “no work, no pay” policy.
In a statement issued on Friday, CONUA President, Dr. Niyi Sunmonu, dismissed reports suggesting that the union was part of the industrial action, stressing that CONUA had no basis to embark on a strike.
“It is important to emphasize that CONUA has no basis at this time to declare a dispute or embark on any strike action,” Sunmonu stated.
He urged members of the union across universities to continue performing their academic and administrative duties as expected, noting that constructive engagement remained the most effective path toward resolving challenges in the university system.
The union also addressed its earlier exclusion from the renegotiation committee for the 2009 agreement between university lecturers and the Federal Government, inaugurated in October 2024. According to Sunmonu, CONUA formally protested the exclusion, which led to a meeting with the Minister of Education on September 11, 2025.
“We are pleased to note that the Ministry of Education has recently expanded the committee, fulfilling that promise,” the statement added.
Following the meeting, nationwide congresses were held between September 18 and 24, 2025, where members unanimously resolved that CONUA would not participate in any strike action.
Sunmonu further appealed to university vice-chancellors to ensure the protection and safety of CONUA members who continue to discharge their duties, while encouraging students to remain focused on their academic activities without fear of disruption.
Formed in 2018 after splitting from ASUU, CONUA has consistently opposed the use of strikes as a negotiation strategy, advocating instead for dialogue and institutional stability within Nigeria’s higher education system.
