Members of the Congress of University Academics (CONUA) have revealed that they ignored the strike directive issued by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) and went ahead to conduct lectures for students on the first day of the industrial action.

Speaking to reporters at a press conference at the University of Abuja on Monday, the union explained its stance on maintaining a no-strike policy and its decision to abstain from ASUU’s two-week industrial action over unmet demands.

When our correspondent visited the campus on Monday, it was observed that activities were on a low key, a development attributed to the fact that the institution just resumed the first semester for the 2025/26 academic session two weeks ago.

Addressing journalists, the Chairman of CONUA’s UniAbuja Chapter, Prof. Abdul Buba, emphasised that constructive dialogue and consistent engagement with relevant authorities remain the most effective approaches to addressing grievances within the academic sector, rather than resorting to industrial action.

Prof. Buba, who revealed that he had just finished a lecture at the Department of Physics, stated that the students were in high spirits and eager to learn.

“I’ve already commenced teaching since the resumption of this school two weeks back. So, as I’m talking to you, I’m even coming from the class. Some of my members, my colleagues, some were in the labs, some were in the classroom today. Today, I taught a postgraduate class and a 400 Level class,” he said.

He further criticised members of ASUU for what he described as a lack of patience and understanding, accusing them of being insensitive to the country’s current realities and unwilling to grant President Bola Tinubu’s administration adequate time to fulfil its promises to the education sector.

The don maintained that frequent strikes have done more harm than good to Nigeria’s university system, noting that such actions disrupt academic calendars, demoralise students and diminish the global competitiveness of the country’s higher institutions.

The CONUA chairman urged academic unions to prioritise collaboration and constructive negotiation over confrontation, saying that a cooperative relationship between unions and government is essential for lasting educational reform.

His words: “It’s just a matter of time. Nigerians, parents, students as well as government will come to terms with the realities on ground. You can’t be doing one thing all the time and expect a different result. The best way to go about these issues is dialogue.”

Prof. Buba also reiterated CONUA’s commitment to promoting academic excellence, stability and professional integrity, adding that the union would continue to work towards sustainable solutions that ensure both staff welfare and uninterrupted learning for students.

Also, the Public Secretary of CONUA, Prof. Issa Abdulraheem of the Department of Information, Journalism and Media Studies, said his students had contacted him and he informed them that his lecture on News Writing and Reporting would hold as scheduled.

Another lecturer, Dr Kamarudeen Babarunde of the Department of Communication and Media Studies, also disclosed that he had just concluded a lecture with 300 Level students.

A student who spoke with our correspondent explained that he had just completed his Students Industrial Work Experience Scheme (SIWES) programme and was yet to commence lectures.

Another undergraduate also disclosed that he was unsure if his lecture would hold, as they were yet to get confirmation from their lecturer.