The Congress of University Academics (CONUA) says its advocacy for uninterrupted academic activities and constructive engagement has strengthened stability in Nigeria’s university system since 2023.
CONUA President, Prof. Niyi Sumonu, stated this in an exclusive interview on Sunday in Abuja.
Sumonu, an Associate Professor of Physics and Engineering at Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, said the union has consistently promoted industrial harmony across public universities.
He noted that although CONUA was officially recognised in 2023, it has already made meaningful contributions to addressing challenges in the university system.
According to him, one of the union’s major achievements is sustained advocacy for an uninterrupted academic calendar.
Sumonu said the presence of multiple academic unions has enriched discussions and expanded solutions to issues affecting higher education.
“Pluralism in unionism brings different ideas and solutions to problems. Our being on board has added to the voices on how to address issues in the academic environment,” he said.
He added that CONUA has continued advocating improved welfare packages for academic staff without undermining the university system.
The union president said recent welfare improvements followed discussions on the renegotiation of the 2009 agreement between the Federal Government and university unions. He noted that CONUA should be recognised as a distinct party in the renegotiation since it was formed after the agreement.
“We had discussions with government based on the 2009 agreement and we already have a draft waiting for signing,” he said.
On brain drain, Sumonu described the increasing migration of Nigerian academics abroad as evidence of persistent challenges in the education sector.
He urged the government to improve working conditions, remuneration, and research facilities to retain experienced academics.
“Universities cannot develop without proper funding. Government should see education as an investment and not a business where quick gains are expected,” he said.
Sumonu also advocated stronger partnerships between universities and industries to provide alternative funding sources, strengthen research and reduce dependence on government funding.
He emphasised that achieving an uninterrupted academic calendar requires transparency among government, university administrators, staff, students, parents and industry stakeholders.
The CONUA president called for the establishment of specialised universities with clearly defined areas of excellence to improve quality and global competitiveness.
“We must have universities known for specific areas of specialisation. This will improve quality and global competitiveness,” he said.
He urged the Federal Government to pursue a long-term vision for university education through consistent and sustainable policies, warning that frequent policy changes have negatively affected the sector.
Sumonu also appealed for the payment of outstanding entitlements to university workers and urged the government to sustain reforms aimed at enhancing the quality and global competitiveness of Nigerian universities.
