The National Industrial Court’s recent ruling affirming CONUA as a trade union has been praised by the Congress of University Academics, University of Benin chapter, who called the court decision a victory for the rule of law.
The Academic Staff Union of Universities’ lawsuit, which contested the Federal Government’s decision to register CONUA and the National Association of Medical and Dental Academics as trade unions, was dismissed by the National Industrial Court last Tuesday.
Justice Benedict Kanyip, who delivered the ruling, ruled that multiple trade unions may be registered within an employment setting in accordance with the International Labour Organization Act.
Dr. Ishaq Osagie-Eweka, the Chairman of the UNIBEN Chapter of CONUA, praised the court for its “courageous and impartial verdict” in a statement on Sunday.
The verdict undoubtedly has restored our faith in the legal system as the only hope for the powerless and oppressed. The ruling upholds employees’ freedom to freely affiliate with any legitimate trade union of their choice.
Asserting that it was a victory well deserved for academia, Osagie-Eweka also praised the national leadership of CONUA for its perseverance in seeking justice.
The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Benin and Chairman of the Committee of Vice-Chancellors of Nigerian Universities, Professor, was praised by the union. Lilian Salami urged the Vice-Chancellor to fully recognize CONUA in response to the court ruling in order to advance the institution’s overall development.
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