By Gabriel Dike
The Congress of University Academics (CONUA) has alleged the sideling of its members in the ongoing computation of the N50billion Earned Academic Allowance (EAA) released by the Federal Government by university administrators and some staff unions.
In a statement signed by the National President of CONUA, Dr. Niyi Sunmonu, he reminded the Federal Government, vice chancellors, bursars and other staff unions of a court judgement that affirmed EEA is not a union privilege.
“The Congress of University Academics (CONUA) wishes to draw the attention of the Federal Government, university vice-chancellors, and the Nigerian public to a landmark judgement delivered on 22nd January 2022 by the National Industrial Court of Nigeria (NICN), Yenagoa judicial division, which has far-reaching implications for the approval and subsequent disbursement of the N50 billion Earned Academic Allowance (EAA) by the Federal Government,” he stated.
In the suit, CONUA said the Court decisively ruled in favour of a university lecturer who was excluded from EAA disbursement on the grounds of non-membership of ASUU, affirming that such exclusion is unjust, discriminatory, and legally baseless.
Sunmonu said the judgement aligns with CONUA’s consistent position that no academic staff should be denied EAA simply for belonging to a different union or for choosing not to belong to any at all.
‘Some university administrators, acting in concert with other unions, are attempting to sideline CONUA members in the ongoing computation and allocation of the N50billion EAA fund. Letters from CONUA chapters to vice-chancellors and bursars in various universities have been ignored or treated with delay,” he argued.
“We find these actions not only in violation of natural justice and the spirit of inclusive unionism but also in contempt of the precedent set by the NICN judgement,” he noted.
CONUA demanded an immediate and transparent inclusion of all academic staff in the EAA disbursement process, irrespective of union affiliation.
Sunmonu called for an end to discriminatory practices that deny CONUA members their earned entitlements.
Said he: “Full implementation of the Court’s ruling in all universities where similar exclusions have occurred. CONUA remains committed to constructive engagement and lawful advocacy. We will continue to monitor compliance with the judgement and explore all legitimate avenues to protect the rights of our members.”