The Congress of University Academics (CONUA) has urged the federal government to conclude negotiations on its collective bargaining agreement, warning that continued delays could lead to lawful trade union action.
CONUA President Niyi Sunmonu issued the warning in Abuja after the union’s National Executive Council reviewed the September 2026 draft agreement. He said recognition of a trade union should be matched by meaningful collective bargaining and a concluded framework for protecting members’ interests.
The union also demanded payment of outstanding entitlements, including three and a half months of withheld salaries, promotion arrears and sums associated with previously approved wage awards of 25 and 35 per cent.
Sunmonu called for stronger university funding, reliable electricity, internet access and functional laboratories. He criticized alleged practices of temporarily hiring academic staff or equipment to satisfy accreditation requirements, arguing that assessments should reflect institutions’ actual capacity.
Trade Union Congress Secretary-General Nuhu Toro backed CONUA’s demand and said collective bargaining commitments should not be treated as discretionary favors. He pledged solidarity with university academics while calling on the relevant authorities to complete the process.
CONUA said it preferred dialogue but would consider lawful action if negotiations remained unresolved. No response from the federal government to the latest demands was included in the supplied account.
