The Lagos State University (LASU) chapter of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has declared an indefinite strike. The union announced this decision in a statement signed by its Chairperson, Professor Ibrahim Bakare, and Secretary, Sylvester Idowu.

ASUU-LASU stated that the strike is due to the Lagos State Government’s refusal to implement a federal government-approved salary increase of 25% and 35%, which was meant to start in January 2023. While universities under federal control and 18 state institutions have already received the increment, LASU staff are yet to benefit.

The strike decision follows the failure of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s administration to fulfill this obligation. The union explained that the salary increment is crucial to maintaining fairness and meeting the financial needs of its members.

ASUU-LASU also highlighted the salary disparity between its members and staff at two other state-owned institutions:

• Lagos State University of Science and Technology (LASUSTECH)
• Lagos State University of Education (LASUED)

According to the union, staff at LASUSTECH and LASUED earn more than LASU employees. A committee set up by the state government had recommended harmonizing the salary structure, but the government has yet to implement these recommendations.

The Joint Action Committee (JAC), which includes other university unions like the Non-Academic Staff Union (NASU), Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU), and National Association of Academic Technologists (NAAT), has supported the strike.

ASUU-LASU has dismissed claims from student leaders that only its members are striking. The union clarified that the action is a joint effort involving all unions under JAC.

ASUU-LASU has officially informed the LASU Vice-Chancellor, Professor Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello, and Governor Sanwo-Olu about the strike. They remain committed to the industrial action until their demands are met.

The union is urging the Lagos State Government to act swiftly to address these issues and harmonize salaries across state universities.

This strike highlights ongoing challenges in Nigeria’s education sector and the need for prompt intervention to ensure the welfare of academic staff and the smooth functioning of higher education institutions.

“We are aware that the state government and the university management are making frantic efforts to resolve the unfortunate development but until then, the strike will go on.

“We wish to remind them that students have no stake in the matter or possess any right to meddle into welfare issues involving staff members of the university and the government, and as such they should not allow themselves to be used in a matter that does not directly concern them,” the statement said.