The Congress of University Academics (CONUA) has called on the Federal Government to conclude and sign its proposed agreement with the union, warning that unresolved salary and welfare issues could undermine industrial harmony in Nigerian universities.
The union made the demand in a communiqué issued after its National Executive Council meeting at the University of Abuja, where it reviewed members’ welfare, collective bargaining, university funding and conditions for effective teaching and research.
CONUA said outstanding issues included three-and-a-half months of withheld salaries, promotion arrears and irregular payment of recently approved benefits in some universities. It also demanded the payment of arrears arising from the 25 per cent and 35 per cent wage awards, insisting that members should receive their legitimate entitlements without further delay.
The Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) backed the demand, calling for fair representation of CONUA and the immediate conclusion of negotiations. TUC General Secretary Nuhu Toro said the government’s recognition of the union should lead to meaningful engagement and a signed agreement that protects members’ interests.
Toro, who spoke after the TUC’s National Executive Council meeting, stressed that collective bargaining was central to workers’ rights and industrial peace. He warned that undermining the rights of one union could affect the wider labour movement.
In its communiqué, read by Niyi Sunmonu, an associate professor of physics at Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, CONUA urged the Ministries of Education and Labour and Employment, alongside other relevant authorities, to resolve the outstanding matters. It said it remained open to dialogue but reserved the right to pursue lawful trade union action if negotiations failed to produce results.
The union clarified that it had neither declared nor commenced a strike. It also called for transparent records, timely payments and clearer communication about outstanding entitlements, indicating that its immediate demands centred on resolving disputes through engagement rather than announcing industrial action.
Beyond remuneration, CONUA raised concerns about its representation in committees and consultative structures linked to the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) and needs assessment initiatives. It argued that excluding relevant academic stakeholders could weaken accountability and fairness in decisions affecting university development.
The union also urged the government to increase investment in university infrastructure, including reliable electricity, internet access, functional laboratories and modern equipment. It said academic and technical personnel needed continuous professional development, alongside digital facilities that could support contemporary teaching, research and administration.
CONUA further criticised reports that some institutions temporarily hired or rented academic personnel and equipment for accreditation exercises. It argued that accreditation should reflect universities’ actual staffing and facilities, rather than resources assembled temporarily for assessment.
On pension matters, the union acknowledged progress in addressing members’ concerns and commended steps taken by the Federal Government. It also cited a joint programme with the National Pension Commission held on September 26, 2024, which it said helped members obtain information about their pension entitlements.
The communiqué also addressed broader national concerns, including the need for credible and peaceful elections, improved security and respect for the rule of law.
The dispute over CONUA’s proposed agreement comes amid wider concerns about university staff welfare, funding and working conditions. Whether negotiations can resolve the outstanding issues will be important for maintaining stable academic activities and ensuring that universities can sustain their teaching and research responsibilities.
