The Congress of University Academics (CONUA) has strongly criticised the leadership of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU).
CONUA accuses them of orchestrating a campaign of intimidation against its members.
The dispute centres on the payment of the Consolidated Academic Tools Allowance (CATA) to lecturers in the nation’s public universities.
In a statement signed by its National President, Dr ‘Niyi Sunmonu, and made available to Nigerian Tribune on Thursday, CONUA declared that ASUU’s alleged attempts to block its members from receiving the allowance are completely illegal.
ASUU claims CONUA members are ineligible for the funding. CONUA dismissed this claim as entirely false and highly divisive.
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CATA is one of the components in the recently signed new agreement by ASUU with the Federal Government.
“And CONUA had already reached an understanding in principle with the renegotiation committee on the implementation of approved CATA adjustments,” Sunmonu stated. He emphasized that union affiliation must never be used as a weapon to deny university staff their rightful, approved benefits.
The escalating tension comes as the Nigerian university system faces broader labour unrest.
CONUA has openly backed the National Association of Medical and Dental Academics (NAMDA). NAMDA recently announced its readiness to take industrial action if the ongoing government renegotiations fail.
CONUA explicitly recognised NAMDA’s legal right to strike under the Trade Union Act. While a proposed “Joint Action Front” between the unions is still being formalised, CONUA stands firmly with NAMDA. Both unions demand equitable treatment and an immediate end to systemic delays.
The union turned its attention to the Federal Government’s Renegotiation Committee.
The committee handles the long-delayed 2009 FGN-University-Based Unions Agreement.
CONUA urged the committee chairman, Alhaji Yayale Ahmed, who is a former Head of Service of the Federation, to finish the assignment immediately.
They want all academic unions invited to sign their respective agreements without further delay.
CONUA also appealed to the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, urging him to maintain his commitment to fairness and inclusion in the nation’s public university community.
Furthermore, CONUA issued a direct warning to Vice-Chancellors of federal universities across Nigeria. They demanded strict compliance with the Federal Ministry of Education’s directives to ensure all approved policies are administered without discrimination.
Closing the statement, Sunmonu, who teaches at Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile- Ife, reaffirmed that while CONUA prefers constructive engagement to maintain campus peace, the welfare and dignity of its members remain non-negotiable.
The union vows to defend its rights through every lawful means available.
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