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CONUA Hails FG Over Payment Of Third Party Deduction; Advocates More
The Congress of University Academics (CONUA) has lauded the Federal Government for the release of the Third Party deductions owed its members.
This is contained in a statement by the group’s National President, Comrade Niyi Sunmonu, issued to newsmen in Lagos.
Describing the move as a positive development, the president, noted that it marked a significant step toward resolving long-standing concerns raised by the union as well as contributed to rebuilding confidence in government/union relations.
“We want to sincerely appreciate the Federal Government for this move in ensuring that the third party deductions owed members are released.
“This is heartwarming and the right move to the right direction.
“It will be recalled that CONUA formally protested the non-remittance of these deductions in a detailed letter dated April 2, addressed to the Accountant-General of the Federation (AGF) with a comprehensive list of affected members and the amounts owed.
“The matter was subsequently brought before the Minister of Education through several formal communications, culminating in a face-to-face presentation on Sept. 11, this year.
“Union thereafter formally presented these demands to the Yayale Ahmed Renegotiation Committee on Oct.13.
“The settlement of this component of the “low-hanging issues” is therefore both welcomed and appreciated,” he said.
According to him, while acknowledging this progress, CONUA urges the Federal Government to expedite action on the remaining unresolved issues, which are critical to sustaining industrial harmony and ensuring fairness across the system.
Speaking on the issue of promotion arrears, he said that it had come to the notice of CONUA that the Federal Government had already approved a total of ?2.3 billion for payment of all outstanding.
“However, based on verified submissions across universities, this amount will be insufficient to clear the full backlog. We request that the balance be computed and released to ensure that no deserving academic is left out.
“For the 25 per cent/ 35 per cent Wage Award Arrears (January – December 2023) the Federal Government’s approved award for this period remains unpaid.
“This was acknowledged during our meeting with the Minister of Education on Sept. 11, 2025 and was subsequently presented again as part of the “low-hanging” issues before the Yayale Ahmed Committee on Oct. 21, 2025,” he stated.
Sunmonu further decried the withholding of the three and half months salaries of his members, h continued to be withheld who, neither called for, nor participated in any strike, adding that such action, remained unjust.
“We emphasize that this contravenes Section 43(1b) of the Trade Disputes Act, which protects workers during employer-initiated lockouts.
“This also violates the judgment of the National Industrial Court of Nigeria (NICN) delivered on July 25, 2023, affirming CONUA as an independent union, whose members cannot be penalized for actions taken by another union.
“We therefore sincerely urge the Federal Government to release these arrears as a matter of fairness, justice and respect for the rule of law.
“CONUA wishes to again underscore the critical importance of concluding the ongoing renegotiation of academic salaries and conditions of service. The future of Nigerian public universities depends on it,” he stated.
The CONUA boss added that the current realities are sobering, citing severe brain drain that was currently depleting universities of skilled academics at an alarming rate.
According to him, most universities are top-heavy, with far too few young academics entering the profession.
“Recruitment into academia is at its lowest in decades, due to poor remuneration and unattractive working conditions.
“Mentorship gaps are widening, threatening the continuity of research culture and academic standards.
“If this trend continues, the university system faces the real risk of collapse within the next decade. Therefore, to reverse this trajectory, remuneration for academics must reflect current socio-economic realities and be globally and regionally competitive,” he added.
The unionist said that there was also the need to meet at least the African continental average for academic earnings, restore the dignity, confidence, and long-term viability of the academic profession in Nigeria.
He further emphasized that a competitive, fair and well-structured salary system was not a luxury, rather, a national necessity.
“CONUA remains committed to constructive engagement, peaceful advocacy and the pursuit of excellence in the Nigerian university system.
“We view the fulfilment of third-party deductions as a demonstration of goodwill by the Federal Government and we hope this momentum will be sustained until all outstanding issues are promptly and conclusively resolved “ he said.
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