The Congress of University Academics has distanced itself from the ongoing strike action affecting Nigerian universities, declaring its continued commitment to maintaining academic stability and constructive engagement with the government.
In a statement released on Monday and signed by its National President, Dr. Niyi Sunmonu, the union dismissed viral social media claims linking it to the industrial action, stressing that it had neither declared nor joined any strike.
“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 that the union remains focused on promoting academic excellence and ensuring uninterrupted learning in Nigerian universities.
“Our approach has always been dialogue and peaceful engagement with government and stakeholders to address challenges in the system,” he said.
Dr. Sunmonu directed all CONUA members to continue their academic and administrative duties as expected.
“Members are advised to report to work, engage with students, and discharge their professional responsibilities diligently,” he emphasized.
The union president explained that CONUA had no basis to embark on a strike since its concerns with the Federal Government were being addressed.
He recalled that when the Renegotiation Committee of the 2009 Agreement was inaugurated in October 2024, CONUA was initially excluded, prompting a formal protest that led to a meeting with the Minister of Education on September 11, 2025.
“At that meeting, the Honourable Minister acknowledged CONUA’s concerns and assured that the Yayale Ahmed Renegotiation Committee would be expanded to include all academic unions in Nigeria’s federal tertiary institutions,” he said.
Sunmonu confirmed that the Ministry of Education has since expanded the committee, fulfilling its earlier promise.
He said following nationwide congresses held between September 18 and 24, 2025, members unanimously reaffirmed that the union should not join any strike.
“The congresses 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,” he noted.
He urged vice-chancellors and university authorities to ensure the safety and protection of CONUA members who continue to work during the strike, while appealing to students to remain focused on their studies.
“CONUA’s unwavering focus is on building a sustainable, innovative, and productive academic environment that serves the interests of students, scholars, and the nation,” Sunmonu said.
“We appreciate the understanding and cooperation of all stakeholders in supporting this constructive approach to advancing higher education in Nigeria.”
Meanwhile, the Federal Government has restated its commitment to resolving pending issues with the Academic Staff Union of Universities.
The assurance came in a statement by the Director of Press and Public Relations at the Ministry of Education, Mrs. Boriowo Folasade, who said the Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, and the Minister of State for Education, Prof. Suwaiba Sai’d Ahmed, are engaging ASUU to ensure lasting peace in the university system.
