CONUA Defies ASUU, Holds Lectures Despite Strike
Members of the Congress of University Academics (CONUA) have announced that they disregarded the strike order given by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) and proceeded to hold classes for students on the initial day of the industrial action.
During a press conference at the University of Abuja on Monday, the union explained its position on upholding a no-strike policy and its choice to opt out of ASUU’s two-week strike over unresolved issues.
When our reporter visited the campus on Monday, it was noted that activities were somewhat subdued, a situation attributed to the fact that the university had just resumed the first semester for the 2025/26 academic year two weeks prior.
In addressing the media, the Chairman of CONUA’s UniAbuja Chapter, Prof. Abdul Buba, stressed that constructive dialogue and continuous engagement with relevant bodies are the most effective methods to resolve complaints in the academic sector, rather than resorting to strikes.
Prof. Buba, who mentioned that he had just concluded a lecture in the Department of Physics, asserted that the students were enthusiastic and eager to learn.
“I’ve already started teaching since the university resumed two weeks ago. As I speak, I’m returning from class. Some of my colleagues were in the labs or classrooms today. Today, I taught a postgraduate class and a 400 Level class,” he stated.
He also criticized ASUU members for what he called a lack of patience and understanding, accusing them of being unmindful of the country’s current circumstances and not allowing President Bola Tinubu’s administration enough time to deliver on its promises to the educational sector.
The academic maintained that recurring strikes have harmed Nigeria’s university system more than they have helped, pointing out that such actions disrupt academic schedules, demoralize students, and lower the global standing of the country’s higher institutions.
The chairman of CONUA urged academic unions to focus on collaboration and constructive dialogue rather than conflict, asserting that a cooperative relationship between unions and the government is vital for meaningful educational reform.
His statement: “It’s just a matter of time. Nigerians, including parents and students, as well as the government, will eventually understand the realities at hand. You can’t keep doing the same thing and expect different outcomes. The most effective approach to these issues is dialogue.”
Prof. Buba further reaffirmed CONUA’s dedication to fostering academic excellence, stability, and professional integrity, stating that the union would continue to pursue sustainable solutions that ensure both staff welfare and uninterrupted learning for students.
Additionally, the Public Secretary of CONUA, Prof. Issa Abdulraheem from the Department of Information, Journalism and Media Studies, mentioned that his students reached out to him, and he confirmed that his lecture on News Writing and Reporting would proceed as planned.
Another lecturer, Dr. Kamarudeen Babarunde from the Department of Communication and Media Studies, also revealed that he had just finished a class with 300 Level students.
One student shared with our reporter that he had recently completed his Students Industrial Work Experience Scheme (SIWES) program and had not yet started his lectures.
Another undergraduate indicated that he was uncertain whether his class would take place, as they had not yet received confirmation from their lecturer.
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