Re-Negotiation of the 2009 Agreement with University Unions in Nigeria
The recent exclusion of the Congress of University Academics (CONUA) from the invitation by the Nigerian Federal Government to participate in the renegotiation of the 2009 Agreement with university unions has raised legitimate concerns within the academic community. This exclusion was strongly criticized by the National President of CONUA, Dr. Niyi Sunmonu, who publicly expressed his displeasure at the decision.
In a protest letter dated 14 October 2024 and addressed to the Minister of Education, Prof. Tahir Mamman, CONUA highlighted the potentially harmful consequences of its exclusion from discussions on the renegotiation of the 2009 Agreement. This exclusion is likely to create tensions within the university system and hamper efforts to improve the working conditions of academics.
CONUA has rightly pointed out that any decision taken during these negotiations will have a direct impact on its members, making the exclusion of the union unfair and detrimental to the entire university system. The fact that the Ministry of Education continues to marginalize a legally recognized academic union is deeply worrying and highlights a lack of dialogue and collaboration that is essential to achieving lasting solutions.
CONUA President, Dr. Sunmonu, recalled that the union had already expressed its concerns on several occasions to the Minister of Education and other government agencies regarding its exclusion from critical activities. This exclusion is not an isolated case, as CONUA was also excluded from the activities of the Tertiary Education Assistance Fund (TETFund) in May 2024, despite its repeated attempts to engage in dialogue with the body.
It is imperative that the Federal Government recognizes CONUA’s crucial role as a legitimate academic union and works collaboratively with it to achieve fair and lasting agreements. The exclusion of CONUA from discussions on the renegotiation of the 2009 Agreement could have adverse consequences on the entire university system and could lead to social conflicts that are detrimental to all.
It is time for the Federal Government to fully recognize the critical role of CONUA in the Nigerian academic landscape and invite it to participate fully in discussions and decisions that directly affect its members. By fostering constructive and inclusive dialogue, the government can help foster a culture of collaboration and cooperation within the university system, thereby ensuring fair and equitable working conditions for all academics in Nigeria.