By Edith Tsokar
The Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) has expressed solidarity with the Congress of University Academics (CONUA), demanding the immediate conclusion and signing of its proposed agreement with the Federal Government.
TUC General Secretary, Comrade Nuhu Toro, said this on Saturday after the congress’s National Executive Council (NEC) meeting at the University of Abuja.
Toro said CONUA deserved fair representation, improved welfare and effective collective bargaining, adding that any attack on the union amounted to an attack on the entire Nigerian labour movement.
He urged the Federal Government to translate its recognition of CONUA into meaningful negotiations and a signed agreement that protected members’ interests.
He said collective bargaining agreements were binding commitments, not political favours or administrative conveniences, stressing that their implementation was essential to protecting workers’ rights and maintaining industrial peace.
He also condemned inadequate university funding and the neglect of academics, warning that undermining collective bargaining threatened national development and workers’ welfare.
In a communiqué read by Niyi Sunmonu, an associate professor of physics at Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, CONUA said unresolved welfare issues threatened industrial harmony in Nigerian universities.
The union urged the Ministries of Education and Labour and Employment, alongside other relevant negotiating authorities, to conclude the proposed agreement without further delay.
CONUA warned that it reserved the right to pursue lawful trade union action if the government failed to address outstanding issues, while reaffirming its commitment to dialogue.
It clarified that it had neither declared nor embarked on a strike, calling for transparent records, timely payments and clear communication on outstanding entitlements.
The union listed three-and-a-half months’ withheld salaries, promotion arrears and irregular payment of recently approved benefits in some universities among the issues requiring urgent attention.
It also demanded payment of arrears arising from the 25 per cent and 35 per cent wage awards, insisting that academics should receive their legitimate entitlements without further delay.
CONUA acknowledged progress on pension entitlements and commended the Federal Government for steps taken to address concerns affecting its members.
It recalled a collaborative programme organised with the National Pension Commission on Sept. 26, 2024, which it said helped members access relevant pension information and entitlements.
On representation, CONUA expressed concern over its exclusion from committees and consultative structures associated with the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) and needs assessment initiatives.
It said excluding relevant academic stakeholders undermined fairness, accountability and effective governance, urging authorities to address the matter through appropriate administrative and lawful channels.
The union also called for sustained investment in university infrastructure, including reliable electricity, internet connectivity, functional laboratories and modern equipment to improve teaching, research and administration.
It urged continuous professional development for academic and technical personnel, alongside modern digital platforms and facilities to meet emerging educational and technological needs.
CONUA also criticised reported practices of temporarily hiring or renting academic staff and equipment for accreditation exercises, insisting that assessments should reflect institutions’ actual capacity.
On national issues, the union called for credible and peaceful elections, stronger security measures and restraint by political actors, urging security agencies to protect citizens and uphold the rule of law.
CONUA reaffirmed its commitment to academic unionism, accountability and collective bargaining, saying sustainable industrial harmony depended on mutual respect and the fulfilment of legitimate obligations. (NAN)
Edited by Tosin Kolade
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