CONUA urges Tinubu to overcome difficulties, calls for immediate action on policy reforms

The Congress of University Academics (CONUA) has issued an urgent appeal to President Bola Tinubu, urging swift action on policies aimed at alleviating the severe hardship caused by the removal of oil subsidies and the floating of the naira.

In a detailed communique released after the CONUA National Executive Committee meeting held at the University of Benin from July 12 to 14, the association’s National President, Niyi Sunmonu, underscored the urgency of the situation. Sunmonu stressed the need for immediate action, including the announcement of a commensurate minimum wage, to mitigate the adverse impact of this economic policy on Nigerians.

Addressing the broader issue affecting university academics, Sunmonu criticized the government’s handling of salary payments amid strikes by related associations. He said, “The NEC reviewed the state of the country and noted the immense suffering that Nigerians have been experiencing as a result of the removal of fuel subsidies from May 29, 2023, and the subsequent policy of floating the naira.”

“The union also notes that President Bola Tinubu has assured the people that a series of measures are being taken to alleviate the suffering of the people. We urge the President to expedite action on these measures, particularly the announcement of a commensurate minimum wage and other measures that will alleviate the impact of the untold hardships currently being experienced by the people.”

Highlighting specific grievances within the academic community, Sunmonu voiced concern over salary cuts and unfair treatment of CONUA members due to strikes by other unions. “The continued withholding of CONUA members’ salaries for three and a half months due to strikes by the academic staff unions at the University is somewhat unfair,” he said.

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He further criticized the categorization of striking and non-striking members, stating, “CONUA, as a union, has consistently stated that it has never declared and is not part of any strike action.”

Sunmonu also highlighted long-standing issues such as seven years of outstanding promotion arrears and unpaid Academic Allowances for several sessions. “NEC demands, in no uncertain terms, that the government agencies involved be directed to immediately release these third-party remittances, without further delay.”

Calling for broader reforms, Sunmonu urged the inclusion of CONUA in all TETFUND programmes and the composition of committees involving academic unions, calling the current exclusion discriminatory. He also criticised the stagnation of academic remuneration since 2009, despite rising living costs.

The unions’ concerns are not limited to academic issues, but also to broader economic policies affecting universities. CONUA has condemned the recent increase in electricity rates and advocated for special status for universities in the tariff adjustment, highlighting their non-revenue-generating status.

Furthermore, CONUA strongly opposes the Federal Government’s proposal to privatize universities, and warns of dire consequences for educational institutions if implemented.

In closing the communique, Sunmonu reiterated the need for President Tinubu’s intervention, stressing that expeditious policy reforms were vital to alleviating the hardships faced by Nigerians and ensuring the stability of academic institutions across the country.

 

CONUA urges Tinubu to overcome difficulties, calls for urgent action on policy reforms first appeared on Latest Nigeria News | Headlines from Ripples Nigeria.