ASUU Suspends Strike in Lagos State Universities

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) in three Lagos State-owned universities has suspended its industrial action, paving the way for lecturers to return to classrooms with immediate effect.

The decision affects the Lagos State University (LASU), the Lagos State University of Education (LASUED), and the Lagos State University of Science and Technology (LASUSTECH).

Politics Nigeria reports that the suspension was announced on Friday and is expected to bring relief to students whose lectures and other academic activities were disrupted by the strike.

Parents and guardians who had been concerned about possible delays to the academic calendar may also welcome the development.

The unions announced the decision in a joint statement while expressing appreciation to members of the public and organisations that supported their demands during negotiations with the Lagos State Government.

The industrial action was linked to demands for improved staff welfare and the implementation of outstanding agreements affecting academic workers in the state-owned institutions.

The suspension marks a step towards restoring normal academic activities, although the unions indicated that discussions with the government would continue until all outstanding matters relating to their welfare package are fully resolved.

The statement was jointly signed by Olusegun Babalola, Coordinator of the Steering Committee of ASUU-LASU; Grace Abimbola, Acting Chairman of ASUU-LASUED; and Murisiku Onigemo, Chairman of ASUU-LASUTECH.

The union leaders thanked the media, civil society organisations, traditional rulers, students, parents, institutional leaders and other stakeholders for their involvement throughout the period of negotiations.

They said the support received from different groups contributed to the progress made in resolving the dispute.

“Following the official suspension of our industrial action today, the leadership and entire membership of the Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU, in Lagos State-owned universities wish to express our profound gratitude to the general public, institutional leaders, and key stakeholders who stood firmly by us throughout the negotiation process.”

The union leaders described the outcome of the negotiations as an important step in their efforts to secure better working conditions and ensure that existing academic agreements are implemented.

The union also acknowledged the role played by media organisations in keeping the dispute in the public domain.

According to the statement, journalists helped communicate the lecturers’ grievances to government officials and the wider public through their reports.

“The Press and Broadcasting Organisations: We thank you for your objective, timely, and investigative coverage. Your platforms ensured that our grievances were accurately communicated to the public and policymakers, helping to keep the discussions balanced and constructive.

“Civil Society Organisations (CSOs): We are grateful for the solidarity, advocacy, and unwavering commitment to social justice demonstrated by the Joint Action Front (JAF), Education Rights Concern (ERC), Campaign for Democratic Workers Rights (CDWR), and other pro-worker organisations. Your defense of quality public tertiary education provided valuable support for our cause.

“Our Revered Traditional Rulers: We honour our royal fathers for their timely interventions, fatherly counsel, and behind-the-scenes diplomatic efforts. Your wisdom helped bridge communication gaps during critical moments of the impasse.”

The union also recognised the support of students and parents, who had to cope with the uncertainty caused by the disruption of academic activities.

It said their patience and understanding remained important throughout the dispute, adding that its demands were aimed at improving lecturers’ welfare and strengthening public university education in Lagos State.

“Students, Parents, and Other Stakeholders: We deeply appreciate your resilience, patience, and understanding throughout this period. We recognise the sacrifices you have made and reaffirm that our struggle remains focused on securing improved staff welfare and a better future for public university education in Lagos State.

“As our members return to the classrooms with immediate effect, we reaffirm our commitment to academic excellence and quality university education. We also look forward to continued engagement with the Lagos State Government to ensure the full resolution of all outstanding issues relating to our welfare package.

“Once again, we appreciate everyone who stood with us throughout this struggle. Your solidarity and support have been invaluable.”

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