The leadership of the Congress of University Academics (CONUA) has declared that it is not part of any ongoing strike in Nigerian universities.
In a statement signed by its National President, Dr. Niyi Sunmonu, the union dismissed reports circulating on social media suggesting its involvement in the industrial action.
“CONUA wishes to categorically clarify that it has not declared any strike action and is not part of any ongoing strike,” Sunmonu stated.
He reaffirmed the union’s commitment to maintaining academic stability, promoting excellence, and ensuring the smooth running of the university system through constructive dialogue and peaceful engagement with the government and other stakeholders.
Sunmonu also urged members of the Congress to continue performing their academic and administrative duties diligently, report to work, engage with students, and discharge their professional responsibilities as expected.
“It is important to emphasize that CONUA has no basis at this time to declare a dispute or embark on any strike action. When the renegotiation committee of the 2009 Agreement was inaugurated in October 2024, CONUA was conspicuously and deliberately omitted. The Union formally protested this exclusion, which
eventually culminated in a meeting with the Honourable Minister of Education on 11 September 2025.
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“At that meeting, the Honourable Minister acknowledged CONUA’s concerns and assured that the Yayale Ahmed Renegotiation Committee would be expanded to include all the 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 becomes subjects of dispute, there is no foundation whatsoever for any strike action by CONUA.
“Resolutions from Nationwide Congresses following the 11 September meeting, the national leadership reported the outcome to members across universities, after which congresses were held between 18 and 24 September 2025. At these congresses, members unanimously 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,” it read.
CONUA boss, however, appealed to Vice Chancellors to ensure the safety and protection of CONUA members in continuing their legitimate duties within their respective institutions.
He equally encouraged students to remain focused on their academic pursuits without fear of interruption, adding that the Union stands by its commitment to quality education, national development, and
peaceful industrial relations in the university system.
“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 orting this constructive approach to advancing higher education in Nigeria,” he added.