CONUA Demands Payment of Withheld Salaries and Remunerations
Sunmonu asserted, "Our union, CONUA, has consistently maintained that it never declared and was not part of any strike action." He highlighted the misconception arising from grouping CONUA members with those who participated in the strike, despite the union's non-involvement.
Binye-lum 
The Congress of University Academics (CONUA) has urged the Federal Government to promptly commence the payment of members' three-and-a-half-month withheld salaries and remunerations, citing the ongoing rise in inflation.
In a press release issued on Thursday, CONUA President 'Niyi Sunmonu expressed gratitude to the government for disbursing four months' salaries out of the seven and a half months during which the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) was on strike. However, he emphasized the need for the government to settle the remaining outstanding salaries, clarifying that CONUA did not partake in the strike action.
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Sunmonu asserted, "Our union, CONUA, has consistently maintained that it never declared and was not part of any strike action." He highlighted the misconception arising from grouping CONUA members with those who participated in the strike, despite the union's non-involvement.
Highlighting the legal aspect, CONUA referenced Section 43 (1b) of the Trade Disputes Act CAP. T8, which stipulates entitlement to wages and other applicable remunerations during a lockout period, emphasizing that CONUA members were not involved in any strike action.
Furthermore, CONUA demanded immediate initiation of the payment process for the outstanding months to ensure stability within the academic community.
Addressing the issue of remunerations, Sunmonu highlighted the directive from the National Salaries, Incomes, and Wages Commission issued on September 14, 2023, regarding salary increments for staff of tertiary institutions. He underscored the necessity for the implementation of these increments, considering the prolonged stagnation of academic remuneration since 2009 amidst rising inflation.
CONUA called for the constitution of a negotiation committee comprising all academic unions and stakeholders to review and adjust academic emoluments in Nigerian universities, taking into account current economic realities, especially post-fuel subsidy removal.
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Additionally, CONUA urged President Bola Tinubu to rectify the dissolution of Governing Councils of Federal Universities in accordance with the Universities (Miscellaneous Provisions) (Amendment) Act 2003, aligning with the government's commitment to university autonomy.
In conclusion, CONUA emphasized the importance of these actions to demonstrate appreciation for the services rendered by academics and to ensure the welfare and stability of the Nigerian educational system.
