The Lagos lecturers strike has begun across three state-owned universities following a dispute over the implementation of the 2025 Federal Government-Academic Staff Union of Universities (FG-ASUU) agreement. The industrial action affects the Lagos State University (LASU), Lagos State University of Education (LASUED), and Lagos State University of Science and Technology (LASUSTECH).
The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) Joint Campus Group declared the strike after a 14-day ultimatum issued to the Lagos State Government expired without a satisfactory resolution. The union had given the government until September 13 to address its concerns before announcing the indefinite action.
Lagos Lecturers Strike Over Salary Increase
One of the major issues behind the Lagos lecturers strike is the delayed implementation of a 40 per cent salary increase contained in the 2025 FG-ASUU agreement.
According to ASUU, the salary increase was expected to take effect from January 1, 2026. However, lecturers in the three Lagos State-owned universities said the provision had not been implemented nearly nine months after its proposed commencement.
The union is also seeking the full implementation of other provisions in the agreement. These include the Consolidated Academic Tools Allowance and welfare measures for serving and retired academic staff.
ASUU said it had previously engaged the Lagos State Government through meetings, correspondence and other channels. The union maintained that these efforts did not produce the required commitment to implement the agreement.
The lecturers said the strike would remain in place until the state government fully domesticates and implements the applicable provisions of the 2025 agreement. The union also called on students, parents and other stakeholders to remain calm while efforts continue to resolve the dispute.
Three Lagos Universities Affected
The industrial action covers LASU, LASUED and LASUSTECH. Academic activities at the three institutions could therefore remain disrupted for as long as the dispute continues.
The development comes amid wider disagreements between ASUU and several state governments over the implementation of the renegotiated 2025 agreement. Other state-owned universities have also experienced industrial action linked to outstanding salary, welfare and other contractual demands.
However, the Lagos State Government said it has been engaging with the union over the agreement.
Kasali Adeniran, Permanent Secretary of the Lagos State Ministry of Tertiary Education, said the government had reached a mutual understanding with the union on the issues under discussion. He added that the process was awaiting final approval.
The government’s position indicates that discussions have continued despite the commencement of the strike. ASUU, meanwhile, has maintained that the industrial action will continue until the outstanding provisions are addressed.
The Lagos lecturers strike could affect teaching, examinations and other academic activities across the three universities if the disagreement continues. Both sides will need to reach a resolution before normal academic activities can fully resume.
The development could have consequences for students at the three institutions. Lectures, examinations and other academic programmes may be affected while the industrial action continues. Students who are already working with fixed academic calendars may also face changes to their schedules if the dispute lasts for an extended period.
The dispute comes amid broader disagreements between ASUU and some state governments over the implementation of salary and welfare provisions for university lecturers. The union has continued to push for the implementation of agreements reached with governments, particularly on issues involving remuneration, allowances and working conditions.
The strike has also drawn attention to the financial and welfare concerns affecting academic staff. ASUU has repeatedly argued that improved remuneration and better working conditions are important to maintaining stability within the university system.
However, the Lagos State Government has said it is engaging with the union to resolve the dispute. Kasali Adeniran, Permanent Secretary of the Lagos State Ministry of Tertiary Education, said the government had reached an understanding with the union on some of the issues under discussion.
He added that the process was awaiting final approval. The government’s position indicates that discussions have continued despite the commencement of the strike.
ASUU, however, has maintained that the industrial action will remain in place until its outstanding demands are addressed. The union’s position means that the duration of the strike will depend largely on the outcome of negotiations between both sides.
For students, parents and university staff, an early resolution would help reduce further disruption to academic activities. Until both sides reach an agreement, LASU, LASUED and LASUSTECH may continue to operate under the effects of the industrial action.
