Barely two weeks after its registration, the Congress of University Academics (CONUA) has started gaining grounds across Nigerian universities.
CONUA, a union diametrically opposed to irresponsible unionism and incessant strikes, has continued to receive applications for membership from university lecturers. The Union has recently considered and approved requests from eight universities namely: Federal University, Wukari, Taraba State (FUW); Federal University Gashua, Yobe State (FUGA); Federal University Dutsinma; Umaru Musa Yar’Adua University, Katsina, Katsina State (UMYU); and Alex Ekwueme Federal University, Ndufu-Alike Ikwo, Ebonyi State (AE-FUNAI). Others are Ignatius Ajuru University of Education, Port Harcourt (IAUE), University of Uyo, and Federal University Otuoke, Bayelsa State (FUOB).
The affairs of the newly approved CONUA Branches are to be overseen by two officers namely Coordinator and Secretary. Dr. Saminu Dagari of Chemistry Department coordinates the Union’s affairs in Gashua, Dr. Petro Imadojemu coordinates Wukari, Dr. Abubukar Umar oversees UMYU, while Kabir Ibrahim supervises Federal University Dutsinma. Other approved Coordinators are: Dr. Chukwudi Chidume (Alex Ekwueme Federal University), Dr. Okwelle Austin (IAUE), Dr. Sampson A. Bassey (University of Uyo), and Dr. Etumidion Ndidi Asien (Federal University Otuoke).
As CONUA steadily plucks the low-hanging fruits of academics across Nigerian Universities, it is a matter of time that its presence will be felt in all Universities and Nigerians will begin to witness responsible unionism and smooth academic calendars.