We are not part of any strike action – Rival union condemns ASUU strike

We are not part of any strike action – Rival union condemns ASUU strike

The Congress of University Academics (CONUA) has distanced itself from the ongoing strike action affecting universities across Nigeria, making it clear that it is not involved in the industrial action.

In a statement signed by its National President, Dr. Niyi Sunmonu, the union dismissed rumours circulating on social media suggesting that it had joined the strike.

“CONUA wishes to categorically clarify that it has not declared any strike action and is not part of any ongoing strike,” Sunmonu stated.

The union emphasised its commitment to ensuring the smooth functioning of the academic calendar through dialogue and collaboration.

Sunmonu reiterated CONUA’s dedication to academic stability, excellence, and the peaceful resolution of disputes, urging members to continue their responsibilities without disruption.

He directed all members “to continue performing their academic and administrative duties diligently, report to work, engage with students, and discharge their professional responsibilities as expected.”

The union also addressed its earlier exclusion from the renegotiation of the 2009 Agreement, noting that CONUA was “conspicuously and deliberately omitted” when the committee was inaugurated in October 2024.

“The Union formally protested this exclusion, which eventually culminated in a meeting with the Honourable Minister of Education on 11 September 2025,” the statement read.

According to the union, the Minister acknowledged the concerns raised and promised to ensure broader inclusion.

“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,” the union stated.

CONUA expressed satisfaction with the Ministry’s recent steps to honour that commitment.

“We are pleased to note that the Ministry of Education has recently expanded the committee, fulfilling that promise.”

The union stressed that unless there is an unresolved dispute between CONUA and the Federal Government, “there is no foundation whatsoever for any strike action by CONUA.”

Following the Minister’s assurances, the union held a series of internal consultations and briefings with its members nationwide.

“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.