CONUA Opts Out of Nationwide University Lecturers’ Strike, Upholds Dialogue over Disruption
The Congress of University Academics (CONUA), a splinter group and competitor to the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), has officially declared its non-participation in the two-week warning strike initiated by university lecturers nationwide.
Dr. Niyi Sunmonu, the President of CONUA, issued a press release today, emphatically rejecting claims of the union’s involvement in the industrial action. He stressed that CONUA is committed to ensuring academic stability by pursuing constructive dialogue and peaceful engagement with the government and other relevant bodies. “It is paramount to assert that CONUA currently has no legitimate reason to declare a dispute or engage in any form of strike,” Dr. Sunmonu stated.
The union, formed in 2018 as a faction opposed to the use of strikes as a bargaining tool, directed its members to continue performing their academic and administrative responsibilities.
CONUA highlighted its previous formal complaint over its initial exclusion from the committee established in October 2024 to renegotiate the 2009 agreement between academics and the Federal Government. This protest led to a crucial meeting with the Minister of Education on September 11, 2025.
“We are gratified to observe that the Ministry of Education has recently expanded the committee, thereby honouring that pledge,” the statement noted.
CONUA affirmed that until its concerns are formally addressed and its presented issues become subjects of dispute at the negotiation table, “there is no basis whatsoever for any strike action by CONUA.”
Following the September 11 meeting, the national leadership reported back to members, who subsequently held nationwide congresses between September 18 and 24, 2025. The resolutions from these meetings saw members unanimously reaffirming the union’s core principle: that engagement, not disruption, remains the optimal way forward for the Nigerian university system.
Dr. Sunmonu appealed to university Vice-Chancellors to guarantee the safety and protection of CONUA members who are maintaining their legitimate duties. He also encouraged students to remain focused on their studies without fear of interruption.
The declaration comes as the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) commenced its two-week warning strike on October 13, citing a prolonged failure by the government to meet its demands.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Education has accused ASUU of being uncooperative despite ongoing negotiation efforts.
The Ministry also reiterated its threat to implement a “no work, no pay” policy, maintaining that dialogue remains the most effective path to resolving disagreements.
