By Badagry Today The industrial dispute at Lagos State University (LASU) has taken a dramatic turn, as the institution’s staff unions have ...
By Badagry Today
The industrial dispute at Lagos State University (LASU) has taken a dramatic turn, as the institution’s staff unions have rejected the Lagos State Government’s latest offer, vowing to continue their strike action despite an earlier report suggesting a resolution.
Badagry Today had on Saturday reported that the two-week-old strike—declared by the Joint Action Committee (JAC) comprising ASUU, SSANU, NASU, and NAAT—had been called off following an appeal by the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello. That report was based on information from a senior academic who requested anonymity.
However, fresh details have emerged indicating that the unions are not returning to work. According to The Sun, the Lagos State Government had on Thursday, August 7, signed an agreement to pay 12 months out of the 23 months’ arrears of the 25%/35% salary increase owed LASU workers. The agreement, signed between JAC leadership and Deputy Governor Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, split the payment with the state government taking responsibility for nine months and LASU management covering three months.
In a swift reaction, an emergency congress of LASU workers held on Friday, August 8, unanimously rejected the offer, accusing their JAC leaders of signing the agreement without first consulting the congress. The unions insisted on full payment of the 23-month arrears, proposing that it be cleared in five instalments—four tranches of five months and one final tranche of three months—beginning in August 2025.
In a formal letter to Dr. Hamzat, signed by union chairpersons and secretaries across ASUU, SSANU, NASU, and NAAT, the congress declared the government’s offer “insufficient” and resolved to sustain the strike until all arrears and other outstanding welfare issues are addressed.
Despite the rejection, LASU management has announced that academic and administrative activities will resume on Monday, August 11, insisting that the government’s offer met the institution’s obligations.
Prof. Olatunji-Bello, in a personal appeal to staff, urged them to accept the deal as a step forward, saying negotiations often require compromise.
“The longer we remain apart from our students and our work, the greater the ripple effect on our community… We are partners bound by the same vision for LASU,” the VC said, stressing her commitment to staff welfare while calling for unity and patience.
The strike, which began on July 31, has paralysed LASU’s main campus in Ojo, the College of Medicine in Ikeja, and the Epe campus, disrupting both academic and administrative operations. With unions standing firm and management insisting on resumption, tensions remain high as the standoff enters a critical stage.
No comments