The Congress of University Academics (CONUA), a breakaway union of university lecturers, has firmly declared that it is not part of any ongoing strike action in Nigerian universities.
In a statement released by the National President of CONUA, Dr. Niyi Sunmonu, the union dismissed rumours circulating on social media that it had joined the industrial action reportedly initiated by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU).
“CONUA wishes to categorically clarify that it has not declared any strike action and is not part of any ongoing strike,” Dr. Sunmonu stated.
He stressed that the union remains fully committed to maintaining academic stability, promoting excellence, and ensuring uninterrupted learning in the country’s universities. According to him, CONUA believes in resolving issues through peaceful engagement and dialogue rather than strikes.
Dr. Sunmonu also explained that there is currently no unresolved issue between CONUA and the Federal Government that would warrant a strike. He revealed that one of the concerns CONUA had in the past — its exclusion from the renegotiation of the 2009 Agreement had already been addressed.
It would be recalled that in October 2024, the Federal Government inaugurated the Yayale Ahmed-led Renegotiation Committee to revisit the long-standing 2009 Agreement with university-based unions. Initially, only ASUU was included, a move that CONUA strongly opposed.
However, Dr. Sunmonu noted that this concern was taken up during a meeting with the Minister of Education on September 11, 2025. “The Minister assured us that the renegotiation committee would be expanded to include all academic unions,” he said.
Following that meeting, the government fulfilled its promise by expanding the committee’s membership to reflect broader representation, including CONUA. “Since then, none of CONUA’s concerns have escalated into a dispute,” Sunmonu clarified.
To further reinforce its stance, CONUA held a series of congresses across the country between September 18 and 24, 2025. According to the union’s president, members unanimously resolved during those meetings that there would be no strike action.
“We believe that constructive dialogue, not disruption, is the best way forward for our university system,” Dr. Sunmonu insisted.
He urged CONUA members across universities to continue carrying out their academic and administrative responsibilities diligently. He also appealed to university authorities, especially Vice Chancellors, to guarantee the safety and welfare of CONUA members at their various institutions.
Addressing Nigerian students, Dr. Sunmonu encouraged them to remain focused and committed to their education. He reassured them of CONUA’s dedication to promoting quality education, national development, and peaceful labour relations.
CONUA was formed in 2018 as a breakaway faction from ASUU, following disagreements over leadership style and strike strategy. While ASUU is known for its frequent use of strikes to press home demands, CONUA has positioned itself as a pro-dialogue union that prefers engagement with government stakeholders.
