CONUA Threatens Strike Over Unpaid Salaries, Benefits

The Congress of University Academics (CONUA) has threatened possible industrial action over unpaid salaries, promotion arrears and delays in concluding a collective bargaining agreement with the Federal Government. The union is demanding immediate payment of three and a half months’ withheld salaries and outstanding benefits from the 25 and 35 per cent wage awards.

CONUA National President Niyi Sunmonu issued the warning on October 24, 2026, following the union’s National Executive Council meeting at the University of Abuja. The union accused the government of delaying negotiations and urged the Federal Ministries of Education and Labour and Employment to conclude the proposed agreement. It warned that its preference for dialogue should not be mistaken for weakness.

The union also demanded fair representation in university education programmes, improved funding and better facilities for teaching and research. The Trade Union Congress backed its demands, urging the government to sign the agreement without further delay. CONUA maintained that peaceful negotiations remained its priority but warned that continued failure to resolve the outstanding issues could force it to consider lawful industrial action.