The Congress of University Academics (CONUA) has accused the Federal Government of implementing economic reforms—specifically the fuel subsidy removal and naira floatation—that disproportionately benefit the political elite while leaving the masses behind.
In a Democracy Day statement signed by its president, Dr. Niyi Sunmonu, the breakaway union from the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) criticized the twin policies for failing to deliver tangible benefits to ordinary Nigerians.
“These policies were presented as necessary steps to reposition the economy and plug financial leakages, but their actual impact has been deeply troubling,” the statement read. “Rather than improving the living conditions of the common Nigerian, they have only channeled more resources to the political class.”
CONUA used the occasion of Nigeria’s 26th Democracy Day to salute the resilience of the Nigerian people and reaffirm its commitment to justice, equity, and academic excellence. The union urged the Federal Government to urgently find workable solutions to the country’s economic crisis.
While commending the recent disbursement of the Earned Academic Allowance (EAA) to university staff, CONUA strongly condemned reports of selective payments based on union affiliation.
“For us, such practices are unethical, divisive, anti-democratic, and run contrary to the government directive that the funds are meant for all deserving academics,” the union warned. “We call on the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, to urgently investigate and stop such infractions.”
The group also decried the exclusion of inter-university centers from the EAA payments, calling it a “glaring oversight” that requires immediate correction.
On broader issues affecting academics, CONUA raised alarm over stagnant salaries that have remained unchanged for over 16 years despite rising inflation.
“The motivation for academic work is at its lowest ebb,” the group stated. “Unless the Federal Government addresses this urgently, the university system may collapse under the weight of frustration, brain drain, and institutional decay.”
CONUA also called for the payment of outstanding arrears, including the 2023 Wage Award and third-party deductions for May to July 2022.
“As we celebrate the ideals of democracy, we remind the Federal Government that democracy is not only about voting and representation – it is also about justice, fairness, and accountability,” the statement concluded. “Neglecting the welfare of academics is a dangerous gamble.”
