The National Coordinator of the Congress of Nigerian Universities Academics, Dr Niyi Sunmonu, on Tuesday, said members of its union were teaching students despite the ongoing strike by the Academic Staff Union of Universities.
Sunmonu made this known in an exclusive chat with The PUNCH on Tuesday evening.
The PUNCH had earlier reported that the Minister of Labour and Employment, Chris Ngige, presented certificates of registration to two new university-based unions namely the National Association of Medical and Dental Academics and the Congress of Nigerian University Academics.
Ngige, who spoke while presenting the certificates of registration to the two unions, explained that the two bodies will exist alongside ASUU.
ASUU has been on strike since February 14, 2022 as lecturers of public universities protest unpaid allowances and demand better welfare package from the Federal Government.
However, Sunmonu said CONUA members were lecturing despite the strike by ASUU.
“We have said this time and time again that CONUA as a union was and is not on strike, we are limited to do our job; universities are shut down.
“For instance, I have finished lectures and same for a number of colleagues in some of our universities in Ife. Having said that, we are not happy that our salaries are seized, so we are actually short-changed because we are not on strike and our salaries are withheld.
“That particular matter came up with Honourable minister during our discussions today but he has promised to go through due process and has to ensure our members are paid their salaries.”
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