By Adesina Wahab

The Congress of University Academics, CONUA, has called for the pursuit of justice, equity and excellence with the university system and the larger Nigerian society as the nation marks Democracy Day.

In a statement by the National President, Dr Niyi Sunmonu, the union said without equity and justice, harmony in the university system and the larger society would be difficult to achieve.

“As Nigeria marks another Democracy Day, the Congress of University Academics (CONUA) salutes the resilience of the Nigerian people and reaffirms its commitment to the pursuit of justice, equity, and excellence within the university system and the larger Nigerian society.

“We acknowledge the Federal Government’s twin policy decisions of fuel subsidy removal and the floating of the naira. While these reforms were presented as necessary steps to reposition the economy and plug financial leakages, their actual impact has been deeply troubling. The expected benefits have not trickled down. Instead, the policies have seemingly channeled more financial resources into the hands of the political class, with minimal or no improvement in the living conditions of the common Nigerian.

“We commend the Federal Government for the recent release of funds for the payment of the Earned Academic Allowance (EAA) to deserving academic staff. However, we strongly condemn emerging reports that some Vice Chancellors are attempting to selectively pay academics based on union affiliation. Such unethical practices are divisive, anti-democratic, and run contrary to the federal directive that the funds are meant for all deserving academics. We call on the Honourable Minister of Education to urgently investigate and stop such infractions.

“Moreover, inter-university centres were conspicuously excluded from the EAA disbursement. CONUA considers this a glaring oversight and demands immediate redress, as the affected academics play critical roles in national development and deserve equal treatment.

“We also sound a clear warning that the issue of academic remuneration remains unresolved. For over 16 years, salaries of Nigerian academics have remained almost stagnant, despite the changing economic realities and spiralling inflation. The motivation for academic work is at its lowest ebb, and unless the FG urgently addresses this situation, the university system may collapse under the weight of frustration, brain drain, and institutional decay.

“Furthermore, outstanding issues such as the January to December 2023 arrears of the Wage Award remain unpaid, alongside the third-party deductions for May-July 2022, which are yet to be remitted. These omissions have put unnecessary strain on academics and undermined the credibility of the government’s commitments.

“As we celebrate the ideals of democracy, we remind the Federal Government that democracy is not only about voting and representation – it is also about justice, fairness, and accountability. The university system is central to Nigeria’s future, and neglecting its welfare is a dangerous gamble.

“CONUA urges the government to match its rhetoric of reform with concrete actions that improve the lives of those who nurture the minds of future generations.”