The Congress of University Academics (CONUA) has said its commitment to uninterrupted academic activities and constructive engagement has contributed significantly to stability in Nigeria’s university system since its official recognition in 2023.
Speaking in an interview in Abuja, CONUA President, Prof. Niyi Sumonu, said the union had consistently promoted industrial harmony across public universities and made meaningful contributions to addressing challenges in the sector.
Sumonu, an Associate Professor of Physics and Engineering at Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, noted that the presence of multiple academic unions had enriched discussions and provided diverse solutions to problems affecting higher education.
He said CONUA had continued to advocate improved welfare packages for academic staff while promoting stability within the university system. According to him, recent welfare improvements emerged from discussions surrounding the renegotiation of the 2009 agreement between the Federal Government and university unions.
The union leader argued that CONUA should be recognised as a separate party in the renegotiation process because it was established after the 2009 agreement. He disclosed that the union had concluded discussions with the Federal Government and was awaiting the signing of a draft agreement.
On the growing migration of academics abroad, Sumonu said the trend reflected persistent challenges in the education sector. He called on the government to improve working conditions, remuneration, and research facilities, stressing that universities cannot develop without adequate funding and that education should be treated as an investment rather than a business.
He also advocated stronger partnerships between universities and industry to boost research and innovation and reduce dependence on government funding. According to him, achieving an uninterrupted academic calendar requires transparency and collaboration among government, university administrators, staff, students, parents, and industry stakeholders.
Sumonu further called for specialised universities with clearly defined areas of excellence to improve quality and global competitiveness. He urged the Federal Government to pursue a long-term vision for university education through consistent and sustainable policies, warning that frequent policy changes have hindered the growth of the sector.
He also appealed for the payment of outstanding entitlements owed to university workers and called for the continuation of reforms aimed at improving the quality and international competitiveness of Nigerian universities.