🇳🇬NigeriaWest Africa
CONUA highlights its role in strengthening academic stability in Nigerian universities
via Punch Nigeria2 min read
The Congress of University Academics CONUA asserts that its advocacy for continuous academic activities and constructive engagement has enhanced stability in Nigeria's university system since 2023. CONUA President, Professor Niyi Sumonu, stated in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria that the union, officially recognized in 2023, has consistently promoted industrial harmony across public universities. Sumonu highlighted that CONUA's major achievement is its sustained advocacy for an uninterrupted academic calendar. He noted that the presence of multiple academic unions enriches discussions and expands solutions for higher education issues. The union has also advocated for improved welfare packages for academic staff, with recent improvements following discussions on the renegotiation of the 2009 agreement between the Federal Government and university unions. Sumonu emphasized that CONUA should be recognized as a distinct party in these renegotiations, having come into existence after the 2009 agreement, and that discussions with the government have concluded, with a draft agreement awaiting signing. Addressing brain drain, Sumonu urged the government to improve working conditions, remuneration, and research facilities to retain experienced academics. He stressed that universities require proper funding and advocated for alternative funding sources through stronger partnerships between universities and industry. Sumonu also called for transparency among stakeholders to
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Punch Nigeria.
Troops from Sector 2, Joint Task Force North West Operation FANSAN YAMMA, killed two suspected Lakurawa terrorists and recovered arms and ammunition during an operation in the Sabarumawa area of Kebbi State on June 27. The operation followed intelligence indicating the group was planning an attack on the Sabarumawa community. Lt.-Col. Aliyu Danja, Media Information Officer of Operation FANSAN YAMMA, stated that troops from the Chief of Army Staff Intervention Battalion 7 swiftly mobilized and set up a tactical ambush. As the terrorists approached, troops engaged them, neutralizing two while others fled. Recovered items included AK-47 rifles, AK-47 magazines, 143 rounds of ammunition, and a motorcycle. Operation FANSAN YAMMA affirmed its commitment to ongoing offensive operations against terrorist and criminal groups in the North-West and urged public cooperation with timely information.
Sunday Dare, the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communication, has defended First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu's advice for Nigerians to engage in low-capital businesses such as selling akara or roasted corn. Speaking on the Mic On Podcast, Dare argued that critics misunderstood the First Lady's message, which focused on micro-enterprise, self-reliance, and the dignity of labor. The controversy arose after Tinubu suggested at a Renewed Hope Initiative meeting that starting such businesses "doesn't take a lot of money" and mentioned that the initiative provides grants for these ventures. Critics online labeled her remarks as "out-of-touch" due to rising costs. Dare countered that the informal economy is crucial to Nigeria's resilience and warned against disparaging small-scale trades. He shared his personal experience, stating his mother sold akara, bananas, and oranges, which enabled her to train him. He questioned why an economic survival model that worked in the past should be ridiculed now, emphasizing that the First Lady's message encourages an entrepreneurial mindset and engagement in some form of enterprise, not to relegate youths to petty trading permanently.
Must ReadThe Socio-Economic Rights and Primary Project SERAP has called on Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas to refer allegations of diversion or non-accounting of over ₦6.3 billion in constituency project funds to anti-corruption agencies. SERAP also urged the National Assembly leadership to ensure prosecution of those found culpable and recovery of all diverted funds. These allegations are detailed in the Auditor-General of the Federation’s 2022 Annual Report, published on September 9, 2025. SERAP has given the National Assembly seven days to act on its recommendations, threatening legal action if there is no response. The organization also requested the disclosure of identities of contractors and companies, including their shareholders and beneficial owners, who allegedly received funds but failed to execute projects. The Auditor-General's report identified numerous irregularities across several federal ministries, departments, and agencies, including the Environmental Health Registration Council of Nigeria EHORECON, the Federal College of Animal Health and Production Technology, Vom, the Federal Polytechnic, Ukana, the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons NAPTIP, and the National Institute of Legislative and Democratic Studies NILDS. These irregularities include payments into private bank accounts, contracts awarded without due process, payments for unexecuted projects, undocumented expenditures, i