Rival union CONUA rejects participation in ASUU strike

The Congress of University Academics (CONUA) has clarified that it is not participating in the ongoing nationwide strike by university lecturers.

In a statement, CONUA President Niyi Sunmonu dismissed reports suggesting the union’s involvement, emphasizing its commitment to academic stability through dialogue and peaceful engagement with the government.

“It is important to emphasize that CONUA has no basis at this time to declare a dispute or embark on any strike action,” Sunmonu said, urging members to continue fulfilling their academic and administrative responsibilities.

The union had initially protested its exclusion from the renegotiation committee of the 2009 agreement between academic staff and the federal government, which was inaugurated in October 2024. Following meetings with the Education Ministry, the committee was later expanded to include CONUA.

“Until CONUA is formally brought to the table and any of the issues it has presented to the federal government become subjects of dispute, there is no foundation whatsoever for any strike action by CONUA,” Sunmonu stated.

He added that nationwide congresses held between 18 and 24 September 2025 reaffirmed the union’s stance that engagement, not disruption, remains the best approach for Nigeria’s university system. Sunmonu also urged university vice-chancellors to protect CONUA members in carrying out their duties and encouraged students to remain focused on their studies.

CONUA, formed in 2018 as a breakaway faction of ASUU, has consistently opposed strikes as a negotiating tool. Meanwhile, the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) announced a two-week warning strike beginning October 13, citing years of unmet demands.

The Education Ministry has accused ASUU of being uncooperative despite repeated negotiation efforts and warned that a “no work, no pay” policy could be enforced, emphasizing that dialogue remains the preferred path to resolving disputes.