The Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) has urged the Federal Government to conclude and sign its proposed agreement with the Congress of University Academics (CONUA), as the union demands payment of withheld salaries and other outstanding entitlements.
Nuhu Toro, TUC general secretary, expressed the congress’s solidarity with CONUA on Saturday after its National Executive Council meeting at the University of Abuja.
Toro said CONUA deserved fair representation, improved welfare and effective collective bargaining, adding that any attack on the union amounted to an attack on the entire Nigerian labour movement.
The TUC urged the Federal Government to translate its recognition of CONUA into meaningful negotiations and a signed agreement that protects the interests of its members.
In a communiqué read by Niyi Sunmonu, an associate professor of physics at Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, CONUA said unresolved welfare issues threatened industrial harmony in Nigerian universities.
The union urged the ministries of education and labour and employment, alongside other relevant negotiating authorities, to conclude the proposed agreement without further delay.
It listed three-and-a-half months of withheld salaries, promotion arrears and irregular payment of recently approved benefits in some universities among the issues requiring urgent attention.
CONUA also demanded payment of arrears arising from the 25 per cent and 35 per cent wage awards, insisting that academic staff should receive their entitlements without further delay.
The union warned that it reserved the right to pursue lawful industrial action if the government failed to address the outstanding issues.
However, it clarified that it had neither declared nor embarked on a strike, reaffirming its commitment to dialogue and calling for transparent records, timely payments and clear communication on outstanding entitlements.
The TUC said collective bargaining agreements were binding commitments rather than political favours or administrative conveniences, adding that their implementation was essential to protecting workers’ rights and maintaining industrial peace.
It also condemned inadequate university funding and the neglect of academics, warning that undermining collective bargaining could threaten workers’ welfare and national development.
Meanwhile, CONUA acknowledged progress on pension entitlements and commended the Federal Government for steps taken to address concerns affecting its members.
The union recalled a collaborative programme organised with the National Pension Commission on September 26, 2024, which it said helped members access information about their pension entitlements.
CONUA also expressed concern over its exclusion from committees and consultative structures associated with the Tertiary Education Trust Fund and needs assessment initiatives.
It said excluding relevant academic stakeholders undermined fairness, accountability and effective governance, urging authorities to address the matter through appropriate administrative and lawful channels.
The union further called for sustained investment in university infrastructure, including reliable electricity, internet connectivity, functional laboratories and modern equipment to improve teaching, research and administration.
It also urged continuous professional development for academic and technical personnel, alongside modern digital platforms and facilities to meet emerging educational and technological needs.
CONUA criticised reported practices of temporarily hiring or renting academic staff and equipment for accreditation exercises, insisting that assessments should reflect institutions’ actual capacity.
On national issues, the union called for credible and peaceful elections, stronger security measures and restraint by political actors. It urged security agencies to protect citizens and uphold the rule of law.
CONUA reaffirmed its commitment to academic unionism, accountability and collective bargaining, saying sustainable industrial harmony depended on mutual respect and the fulfilment of legitimate obligations.
