…Seeks Action on Other Pending Issues

By Adesina Wahab

The Congress of University Academics (CONUA) has applauded the Federal Government for releasing long-delayed third-party deductions owed to its members.

In a statement signed by its National President, Dr. Niyi Sunmonu, the union described the move as a welcome development and a significant step toward addressing long-standing concerns it had raised.

CONUA noted that the payment would help rebuild trust and strengthen relations between the government and academic unions.

The union had formally protested the non-remittance of these deductions in a letter dated April 2, 2025, addressed to the Accountant-General of the Federation, accompanied by a detailed list of affected members and outstanding sums.

The matter was later escalated to the Minister of Education through several communications, including a face-to-face meeting on September 11, 2025. It was also presented before the Yayale Ahmed Renegotiation Committee on October 13, 2025.

While welcoming the settlement of what it described as one of the “low-hanging issues,” CONUA urged the government to expedite action on other unresolved matters crucial to maintaining industrial harmony. These include:

Promotion arrears:

The union acknowledged the approval of ₦2.3 billion for clearing outstanding promotion arrears but said the amount is insufficient based on verified reports from universities. It called for the release of additional funds to ensure no eligible academic is excluded.

Unpaid 25%/35% wage award arrears (January–December 2023):

CONUA noted that the approved wage award for the period remains unpaid and that both the Minister of Education and the Yayale Ahmed Committee had acknowledged the issue during previous engagements in September and October 2025.

Withheld three-and-a-half months’ salaries:

The union condemned the continued withholding of salaries belonging to its members, stating that they neither called for nor participated in any strike action.

It argued that the action violates: — Section 43(1b) of the Trade Disputes Act, which protects workers during employer-initiated lockouts. — A National Industrial Court judgment delivered on July 25, 2023, affirming CONUA as an independent union whose members cannot be punished for actions taken by another union.

CONUA urged the Federal Government to release the withheld salaries as a matter of fairness, justice, and respect for the rule of law.

The union also highlighted the urgency of concluding negotiations on academic salaries and conditions of service, warning that Nigeria’s university system is facing severe threats, including brain drain, declining recruitment of young academics, and widening mentorship gaps.

“If this trend continues, the university system faces the real risk of collapse within the next decade,” the statement warned.

CONUA stressed that academic remuneration must reflect current socio-economic realities, be globally competitive, and meet at least the African continental average to restore dignity and stability to the profession.

The union reaffirmed its commitment to constructive engagement and peaceful advocacy, describing the settlement of third-party deductions as a demonstration of goodwill by the Federal Government.

It expressed hope that the momentum would continue until all outstanding issues are fully resolved.