ASUU: Why We Established CONUA, NAMDA — Ngige

Chris Ngige, the Minister of Labour and Employment has disclosed the reason for the establishment of the Congress of University Academics (CONUA) and the National Association of Medical and Dental Academics( NAMDA).

The Minister said the universities were established to unbundle the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU).

He made this disclosure on Tuesday in his office while e during the presentation of the official gazette, Trade Dispute Act and the official certificate of registration to the leader of the unions, proving that their registration had been finalised. 

With the presentation of these certificates, the unions are now entitled to all labour rights as enshrined in the International Trade Unions’ constitution.

According to Ngige, the registration of CONUA became necessary due to the alleged lack of democracy and transparency in the affairs of ASUU.

He added that the presentation of the certificate and the gazetting were in line with section 3:2 of the International Trade Union policy.

“Trade unionism is for workers and employers of labour to organise themselves and it is a voluntary act.

“Prior to 2020 CONUA had approached the Ministry complaining of lack of democracy, and transparency in the leadership of ASUU, especially in rendering proper account of their check-up dues remitted from the government.

“Based on these grievances the Ministry decided to register the members of CONUA to operate as a full-fledged union for which we have issued a certificate of registration and gazetting which is part of section 3:2 of the ITU.

“Unbundling is not new, the Nigerian Union of Pensioners, NEPA and NNPC has been unbundled," Ngige sauid.