CONUA urges Tinubu to address hardships, calls for immediate action on policy reforms

The Congress of University Academics (CONUA) has issued a compelling plea to President Bola Tinubu, urging swift action on policies aimed at alleviating the severe hardships caused by the removal of the oil subsidy and the floating of the naira.
In a detailed communique released after the CONUA National Executive Committee meeting held at the University of Benin from July 12 to 14, the association’s National President, Niyi Sunmonu, underscored the urgency of the situation. Sunmonu emphasized the need for immediate measures, including the announcement of a commensurate minimum wage, to mitigate the adverse effects of these economic policies on Nigerians.
Addressing the broader issues affecting university academics, Sunmonu criticized the government’s handling of salary payments amidst strikes by sister associations. He stated, “The NEC reviewed the state of the nation and noted the excruciating pains Nigerians have been going through as a result of the removal of fuel subsidy since May 29, 2023, and the subsequent policy of floating the naira.”
“The union further notes that President Bola Tinubu has assured the nation that a series of measures are being put in place to alleviate the suffering of the people. We urge the President to expedite action on those measures, particularly the announcement of a commensurate minimum wage and other measures that will cushion the effect of this untold hardship being currently experienced by the citizens.”
Highlighting specific grievances within the academic community, Sunmonu voiced concern over the withholding of salaries and the unfair treatment of CONUA members due to strikes by other unions. “The continued withholding of the three and a half months salary of members of CONUA due to the strike action embarked upon by a sister academic staff union in the Universities is rather unfair,” he emphasized.
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He further criticized the lumping together of striking and non-striking members, stating, “CONUA, as a union, has consistently maintained that it never declared and was not part of the strike action.”
Sunmonu also brought attention to longstanding issues such as promotion arrears spanning seven years and unpaid Earned Academic Allowance for multiple sessions. “The NEC is demanding, unequivocally, that the agencies of government involved be directed immediately to release these third-party remittances, without further delay.”
Calling for broader reforms, Sunmonu urged the inclusion of CONUA in all TETFUND programs and committee compositions involving academic unions, labeling the current exclusion as discriminatory. He also criticized the stagnation of academic remuneration since 2009, despite rising living costs.
The union’s concerns extended beyond academic issues to broader economic policies affecting universities. CONUA condemned the recent hike in electricity tariffs and advocated for special status for universities in tariff adjustments, highlighting their non-income-generating status.
Furthermore, CONUA strongly opposed the Federal Government’s proposal to privatize universities, warning of dire consequences for educational institutions if implemented.
In concluding the communique, Sunmonu reiterated the urgent need for President Tinubu’s intervention, emphasizing that prompt policy reforms are essential to mitigate the hardships faced by Nigerians and ensure the stability of academic institutions across the country.
 
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