…until all demands are fully and satisfactorily met
Academic and non-academic staff of Lagos State University (LASU), Ojo, have commenced an indefinite strike action effective Wednesday, July 31, 2025, over unresolved issues relating to salary disparities, welfare demands, and alleged government neglect.
The industrial action was officially declared by the institution’s Joint Action Committee (JAC)—a coalition of four major unions: the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU‑LASU), Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU‑LASU), Non-Academic Staff Union (NASU‑LASU), and the National Association of Academic Technologists (NAAT‑LASU).
The Strike Trigger
In a formal notification dated July 31 and addressed to the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello, the unions ordered all members to vacate their duty posts and withdraw their services indefinitely. The letter, signed by key union leaders including Prof. Ibrahim Bakare (ASUU-LASU Chair), Comrade Oluwaseyi Lawal (SSANU Chair), and Comrade Obadare Olajide (NAAT Chair), emphasized that the strike will continue “until all demands are fully and satisfactorily met.”
The latest strike comes barely seven months after a similar indefinite strike declared in December 2024, which was suspended only after partial concessions were made by the Lagos State Government (The Guardian Nigeria, Dec. 22, 2024).
Key Demands: A Struggle for Equity
At the core of the unions’ demands is the implementation of the 25% and 35% salary increment approved by the Federal Government for staff of tertiary institutions, retroactive to January 2023. While the pay rise has been implemented in federal and at least 18 state universities, LASU staff have remained excluded, prompting accusations of discriminatory treatment by the Lagos State Government.
Equally contentious is the demand for salary harmonization across Lagos State-owned tertiary institutions, including LASU, Lagos State University of Education (LASUED), and Lagos State University of Science and Technology (LASUSTECH). According to union leaders, LASU staff are earning significantly less than their counterparts in the two newer institutions, despite LASU’s longer establishment and status.
“The government’s refusal to implement harmonized salaries and the FG-approved increments signals a lack of regard for the contributions of LASU staff to education in Lagos State,” said Comrade Lawal of SSANU‑LASU.
History of Broken Promises
The July strike follows what unions describe as a history of unfulfilled promises by both the university administration and the state government. During the previous strike in December 2024, LASU workers had suspended action after Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s administration promised to address salary disparities and staff welfare concerns.
While some of those commitments were reportedly fulfilled, several demands—including welfare allowances, promotion backlogs, and the non-functional staff buses—remain outstanding.
An investigative report by New Daily Prime in July 2025 revealed that internal panels set up to address the salary issue failed to produce actionable recommendations, further deepening worker frustration (NewDailyPrime.news, July 2025).
Disruption Across Campuses
All campuses of LASU, including the College of Medicine (LASUCOM) and the Epe campus, are affected. Academic activities have ground to a halt, while administrative functions remain suspended. The timing of the strike—coming amid second-semester examinations and project submissions—has thrown thousands of students into uncertainty.
Students who spoke to reporters expressed fear that the impasse could extend the academic calendar and jeopardize graduation timelines. “We’ve already lost weeks to the last strike. Another indefinite action could mean we spend an extra year in school,” said a 400-level student of Microbiology.
Government Silence and Uncertain Outlook
As of this report, the Lagos State Government and the LASU management have yet to issue a formal response to the strike resumption. Sources within the university indicate that no fresh negotiation meetings have been scheduled.
Education analysts warn that failure to swiftly resolve the crisis may erode confidence in public university education in Lagos State and weaken staff morale.
“It is perplexing that an institution of LASU’s pedigree is entangled in such preventable industrial crises, especially when newer institutions under the same government are better remunerated,” said Dr. Adetola Olumide, a higher education consultant.
What Lies Ahead?
With no clear indication of government engagement, the strike could persist for weeks. Union officials insist they are open to dialogue, but will not return to work until all outstanding demands—including wage harmonization and full welfare implementation—are met.
The standoff now places pressure on Governor Sanwo-Olu’s administration to either intervene decisively or risk further reputational damage as industrial unrest continues to afflict LASU, the state’s flagship university.