The Congress of University Academics (CONUA) has warned the Federal Government of potential industrial action following the stall of collective bargaining negotiations and the continued non-payment of outstanding salaries and entitlements owed to university lecturers across the country.
​The warning was delivered during a press briefing on Saturday, October 24, 2026, following the union’s National Executive Council (NEC) meeting held at the University of Abuja Secretariat.
Addressing newsmen, CONUA National President, Associate Professor Niyi Sunmonu, alongside National Secretary, Dr. Henri Oripeloye, voiced deep dissatisfaction over the government’s handling of the proposed Federal Government, CONUA Agreement, noting that the latest official draft produced in September 2026 has been virtually abandoned by authorities without resolution.
​The union’s leadership outlined a expanding list of financial grievances, including three-and-a-half months of withheld salaries, promotion arrears, and unpaid benefits stemming from the approved 25 percent and 35 percent salary wage awards.
Beyond financial entitlements, CONUA highlighted systemic exclusion from key tertiary governing structures, particularly committees under the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) and the Needs Assessment Monitoring initiative, which they argued undermines effective university governance and equity among academic bodies.
​”While CONUA has consistently maintained a stance of constructive dialogue and prioritized industrial peace, our preference for peaceful engagement must not be mistaken for weakness or an unwillingness to defend our members,” Dr. Sunmonu stated.
“The welfare and legitimate entitlements of academics are legal obligations to be honored, not favors to be granted. We reserve the right to explore all lawful trade union options, including industrial action, should the government fail to finalise negotiations and settle these outstanding obligations.”
​Support for the academic union surged over the weekend as the Trade Union Congress (TUC), through its Secretary General, Comrade Nuhu Toro, declared total solidarity with CONUA.
The TUC urged the Federal Ministries of Education and Labour to immediately conclude the collective bargaining agreement, warning that continued neglect of university staff and disregard for established labor agreements risk triggering widespread disruption across Nigeria’s public university system.
