The Congress of University Academics (CONUA) has distanced itself from reports suggesting its participation in any ongoing or planned strike action within Nigeria’s university system.
EpeInsights reports that the union made it clear that it has neither declared a strike nor joined any industrial action, reaffirming its commitment to academic stability and constructive engagement with government authorities.
In a statement titled “Clearing the Air: CONUA Is Not on Strike,” the leadership of the union said recent misinformation circulating across some media platforms had created unnecessary confusion within the academic community and among students, prompting the need for clarification.
“CONUA has not declared any strike action and is not part of any ongoing strike. Our members are hereby urged to continue performing their academic and administrative duties diligently to report to work, engage with students, and carry out their professional responsibilities as expected,” the statement read.
The union reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining academic excellence and the smooth functioning of universities through dialogue, professionalism, and peaceful engagement. It urged members to remain steadfast in upholding integrity and standards within Nigeria’s higher education system.
“CONUA remains deeply committed to academic stability, excellence, and the smooth functioning of Nigeria’s universities through constructive dialogue and peaceful engagement with government and all stakeholders,” the statement added.
Providing context to its position, CONUA explained that it currently has no basis to declare any form of dispute with the Federal Government.
The union recalled that when the renegotiation committee of the 2009 Agreement was inaugurated in October 2024, CONUA was “conspicuously and deliberately omitted,” a move it formally protested.
The leadership noted that this protest led to a meeting with the Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, on September 11, 2025, during which the Minister acknowledged CONUA’s concerns and assured the union that the Yayale Ahmed Renegotiation Committee would be expanded to include all academic unions in Nigeria’s federal tertiary institutions.
“We are pleased to note that the Ministry of Education has recently expanded the committee, fulfilling that promise. 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,” the union stated.
The union further disclosed that following the September 11 meeting with the Minister, its national leadership briefed members across various universities. Subsequently, nationwide congresses were held between September 18 and 24, 2025, where members unanimously resolved not to embark on any strike action.
“At these congresses, members reaffirmed CONUA’s principled stance that no strike action should be taken and that engagement, not disruption, remains the best path forward for the Nigerian university system,” the statement noted.
CONUA called on university Vice Chancellors to ensure the safety and protection of its members as they continue their legitimate duties within their respective campuses. The union also appealed to students to remain focused on their studies and not be distracted by speculation or misinformation.
“We equally encourage students to remain focused on their academic pursuits without fear of interruption. The union stands by its commitment to quality education, national development and peaceful industrial relations in the university system,” the statement said.
Reiterating its long-term vision, CONUA said its unwavering goal is to build a sustainable, innovative, and productive academic environment that serves the interests of students, scholars, and the nation at large.
“CONUA’s unwavering focus is on building a sustainable, innovative, and productive academic environment that serves the interests of students, scholars and the nation. We appreciate the understanding and cooperation of all stakeholders in supporting this constructive approach to advancing higher education in Nigeria,” the statement concluded.
