Dr. ‘Niyi Sunmonu, National President of the Congress of University Academics (CONUA), detailed the arduous journey of the union’s registration, which spanned five years. CONUA emerged after over 700 academics were expelled from ASUU at Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) in 2018. Facing multiple rejections, legal battles, and opposition from ASUU, CONUA finally received its official registration in January 2023. The National Industrial Court of Nigeria (NICN) later ruled in favor of CONUA, affirming that multiple trade unions could exist within the university system, rejecting ASUU’s attempt to nullify its registration.
Despite its recognition, CONUA continues to face discrimination from various government agencies, including exclusion from key committees such as the TETFUND National Research Fund Screening and Monitoring Committee. Additionally, ASUU’s propaganda and opposition from the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) have added to its challenges. However, CONUA secured affiliation with the Trade Union Congress (TUC) in October 2023, marking a significant step toward institutional stability and legitimacy.
The union has expanded rapidly, starting from OAU and growing to about 30 chapters across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones. The idea of forming CONUA was not intended to split ASUU but was a response to ASUU’s internal conflicts, election annulments, and undemocratic practices. The tipping point was ASUU-OAU’s leadership interference in the selection of a vice-chancellor in 2016 and subsequent expulsion of members in 2018. This led to the creation of CONUA as an independent union dedicated to academic staff welfare.
CONUA has also fought for its rightful place in negotiations concerning the 2009 agreement, initially being excluded from discussions. After appeals to the Minister of Education, the government approved CONUA’s inclusion, acknowledging its legitimacy as a distinct union representing university academics. This move aligns with the government’s goal of maintaining an uninterrupted academic calendar.
Another major contention is the withheld salaries of CONUA members. The union argues that its members neither declared nor participated in ASUU’s strike and should not be penalized under the “no work, no pay” policy. CONUA maintains that withholding their salaries violates labor laws and the NICN judgment recognizing it as an independent union. It continues to advocate for fair treatment, positioning itself as a viable alternative to ASUU in Nigeria’s university system.td.).