•TUC calls for speedy conclusion of collective bargaining settlement with congress
Kuni Tyessi in Abuja
The President of the Congress of University Academics (CONUA), Dr. Niyi Sunmonu, has warned that the union will pursue applicable lawful commerce union actions if the federal authorities fails to conclude its Collective Bargaining Agreement with out additional delay.
In the identical vein, the Secretary General of the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC), Dr. Nuhu Toro, has demanded speedy motion to finalise the collective bargaining settlement with CONUA.
Sunmonu gave the warning yesterday in Abuja whereas addressing journalists after the National Executive Council (NEC) assembly of the union held on the University of Abuja.
He mentioned NEC reviewed the most recent draft of the proposed FGN-CONUA Agreement of September 2026 and condemned the failure of the federal authorities to deal with CONUA pretty.
“CONUA has consistently pursued constructive engagement and believe that dialogue must lead to tangible outcomes. The recognition of a trade union must translate into meaningful collective bargaining and a concluded agreement that provides an effective framework for representing its members,” Sunmonu mentioned.
He known as on the Federal Ministries of Education and Labour and Employment, and all related negotiating authorities, to conclude the method as a mark of presidency’s dedication to democratic course of and sustained industrial concord in Nigerian universities.
“While CONUA remains committed to dialogue, the union reserves the right to pursue appropriate lawful trade union actions in pursuit of the welfare of its members, should the circumstances warrant it,” the CONUA President warned.
He additionally demanded the immediate settlement of excellent entitlements, together with three and a half months of withheld salaries, promotion arrears, irregular cost of not too long ago permitted entitlements and arrears arising from the 25% and 35% wage awards.
“University academics must not be subjected to indefinite delays, the trauma resulting from trivialization of its well-being and inconsistent implementation or administrative uncertainty,” he mentioned.
He recommended the federal authorities for resolving the pension-entitlement problem, recalling the collaborative programme organised by CONUA and PENCOM on 26 September 2024.
On illustration, Sunmonu mentioned CONUA’s exclusion from programmes related to TETFund and NEEDS Assessment was unfair.
On college schooling, the CONUA President mentioned Nigeria can not construct a aggressive information economic system on inadequately funded and poorly geared up universities.
He known as for dependable electrical energy, web connectivity, purposeful laboratories and digital transformation, whereas condemning reported practices of hiring or renting educational employees and gear for accreditation.
“Accreditation must reflect an institution’s genuine and sustainable capacity to deliver its programmes. It must not become an exercise in appearances that conceal deficiencies in staffing, facilities or equipment,” Sunmonu acknowledged.
Meanwhile, the Secretary General of the TUC, Dr. Toro, has demanded speedy motion to finalize the collective bargaining settlement with CONUA.
Toro, who spoke on behalf of the TUC management mentioned the congress wouldn’t tolerate any pointless delay by the related college authorities and authorities businesses chargeable for concluding and signing the settlement.
According to him, collective bargaining agreements aren’t political favours or administrative conveniences, however critical commitments that have to be revered in accordance with the legal guidelines of the land.
Toro additional declared the solidarity of the TUC with CONUA, saying the college teachers should not stand aside from the broader struggles of the Nigerian working class.
“CONUA must not stand alone in defending university academics and university academics must not stand apart from the wider struggles of the national working class,” he mentioned.
