Tension gripped the University of Benin (UNIBEN) campus on Monday as members of the Congress of University Academics (CONUA), UNIBEN Chapter, accused striking Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) members of assault, intimidation, and harassment during the ongoing two-week warning strike.

Addressing journalists in Benin City, Dr. Osagie Eweka, Chairman of CONUA UNIBEN, alongside Professor Godspower Ekuobase of the Department of Computer Science, alleged that ASUU members stormed examination halls, disrupted ongoing second-semester exams, and physically attacked CONUA members supervising the process.

“They Tried to Intimidate Us” — CONUA Chairman

Dr. Eweka described the attack as an open act of intimidation, saying it was an attempt to force CONUA lecturers to abandon their duties despite directives from their national leadership to continue academic activities.

“ASUU members have the right to go on strike, but they have no right to impose their decision on another union,”
— Dr. Osagie Eweka, CONUA Chairman.

He revealed that one of their members — the Head of the Department of Political Science and CONUA’s Vice Chairman — was reportedly assaulted during the invasion.

Eweka stressed that the national leadership of CONUA had instructed all chapters not to participate in the ASUU strike, following a new round of dialogue initiated by the Federal Government to address funding and other key issues affecting Nigerian universities.

CONUA Seeks Police Protection

The union leaders condemned the alleged violence and urged the Inspector General of Police, and the Edo State Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika, to intervene urgently.

They demanded police presence on campus to ensure the safety of CONUA members, warning that the situation could escalate if unchecked.

“What happened today was an act of intimidation and violence. We will not tolerate it. We are calling on security agencies to protect our members who only came to do their lawful duty,”
— Dr. Eweka added.

ASUU Reacts — “We Were Only Monitoring Compliance”

Reacting to the allegations, Professor Enaruna Edosa, Chairman of the UNIBEN Chapter of ASUU, denied claims of harassment or violence.

He admitted leading ASUU officers around the campus but insisted it was to monitor compliance with the national strike directive — not to intimidate or attack any lecturer.

“We only went round to ensure compliance with the national directive. Those found flouting it will be reported to the national body for necessary action,”
— Prof. Edosa stated.

Background: Strike Tension Deepens

ASUU had last week declared a two-week warning strike to protest poor funding, unfulfilled government agreements, and unresolved welfare issues.

However, CONUA, a breakaway academic union recognized by the Federal Government, maintained it would not join the strike, a stance that has caused visible division among university lecturers nationwide.

At UNIBEN, the disagreement has now turned confrontational — exposing deep cracks within the academic community.

Conclusion

The unfolding clash between ASUU and CONUA at UNIBEN highlights a growing battle for influence within Nigeria’s academic system. While ASUU insists on collective action, CONUA’s defiance signals a shift in academic union politics — one that may redefine the balance of power in university governance.