By Gabriel Dike
The Congress of University Academics (CONUA) and its counterpart, the Nigerian Association of Medical and Dental Academics (NAMDA) have pledged to protect the interest of its members in the Nigerian University System (NUS) and also seek for a better working conditions.
In their workers’ Day message, the National President of CONUA, Dr. Niyi Sunmonu and NAMDA President, Dr. Nosa Orhue, saluted the resilience, dedication and sacrifice of Nigerian workers, particularly the academic community, who continue to uphold the ideals of knowledge, nation building, and integrity even in the face of daunting economic realities.
Sunmonu said high inflation, high living costs and economic uncertainty have continued to erode the dignity of labour, noting, “What Nigerian academics need, more than ever is a dramatic upward review of emoluments and improved conditions of service. Anything short of this is a disservice to the intellectual foundation of our nation.
“CONUA remains committed to advocating for fairness, inclusivity and the prioritisation of academic welfare. We will not relent in placing issues of welfare, justice and professional dignity on the front burners of national discourse. We shall continue to speak with courage and clarity until justice and equity are institutionalised in our academic system.”
In his message, Dr. Orhue pledged that the interest of medical teachers would always be defended despite intimidation, hate, discrimination and deliberate neglect by the privileged in the Nigerian academic space.
Orhue added: “The theme: Reclaiming the Civil Space in the Midst of Economic Hradship,” is a reminder that we must be resilient in ensuring that the hope we bring to mankind does not diminish even with the home sapien induced economic crisis in Nigeria.”
On the recent approved N50 billion Earned Academic Allowance (EAA) for staff unions in the university, both CONUA and NAMDA insisted on fair implementation among university staff that are entitled to the money.
Sunmonu described the approval as a commendable step, warning, “we must clearly state that these funds must be disbursed to deserving academics strictly based on merit and actual work done, not union affiliation. To do otherwise is to sow the seeds of division and unrest within our campuses. The peace currently being enjoyed in our institutions should not be compromised by acts of exclusion or unfair distribution.”
On his part, Orhue called on NAMDA branch chairmen to ensure that members entitled for the payment of EAA get their fair dues using her own instrument as otherwise would not be acceptable.
His words: “The fund released by the Federal Government for EAA is for academic and non-academic staff that qualify and not dedicated to any union or unions in the Nigerian University System.’’