Lagos – Tension is brewing at Lagos State University (LASU), Ojo, as the Joint Action Committee (JAC) of academic and non-academic staff declared an indefinite strike on Monday, protesting unmet demands from the Lagos State Government.
The strike, which is backed by various unions, including the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU), Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions (NASU), and the National Association of Academic Technologists (NAAT), has left the university community in a standstill.
“We can no longer accept promises that are not kept. The government must address our grievances,” said Mr. Justice Obafemi, the Chairman of NASU-LASU.
At the heart of the strike are several demands, primarily related to salary disparities between LASU and other state-owned institutions. Staff members claim that while Lagos State Polytechnic (LASPOTECH) and Adeniran Ogunsanya College of Education (AOCOED) have higher pay, LASU staff have been sidelined.
One of the key issues is the 20% salary increase promised by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu during his election campaign. According to Obafemi, after the elections, the promised increase was only paid to civil servants at the Alausa Secretariat, leaving out the university workers.
“They used us to secure votes during the election, yet they have failed to fulfill their promise,” Obafemi said, emphasizing the betrayal felt by LASU staff who played an active role in the governor’s election campaign.
The unions had hoped that the Lagos State government would harmonize salaries across all tertiary institutions in the state. However, despite multiple meetings with the Lagos State Ministry of Tertiary Education and the Ministry of Establishment and Training, the unions feel that their concerns have fallen on deaf ears.
“We wrote several letters and set up a committee to address these issues,” Obafemi continued. “The government has ignored us, and now we have no choice but to take action.”
Adding fuel to the fire, LASU staff are also demanding the implementation of the agreements made between the Federal Government and university workers, which includes a 20% and 35% increase. According to Professor Ibrahim Bakare, the Chairman of ASUU-LASU, the unions are not just agitating for salary increases but are advocating for the overall welfare of staff.
“We are not interested in conflict,” said Bakare. “We just want the government to take our demands seriously and sit with us to find a solution.”
Seyi Lawal, Chairman of SSANU-LASU, expressed frustration with the government’s unresponsiveness, stating that despite giving the government several ultimatums, nothing has been done.
“We have reached the point of no return. The government has been playing games with us,” Lawal said. “We are not even talking about the minimum wage yet. The government needs to address the immediate issues first.”
As the strike enters its second day, the impact on students is already being felt. The university’s Senate has declared a Christmas and New Year break, which will last until January 5, 2025. All academic activities, including lectures and social events, are suspended until then.
Students residing in the university’s hostels across all campuses, including Ojo, LASUCOM, Epe, and Badagry, have been asked to vacate within 48 hours.
“The university management appreciates the support and dedication of staff and students throughout the year,” said Mrs. Oluwayemisi Thomas-Onashile, Coordinator of the Centre for Information and Public Relations at LASU. “We wish everyone a joyous Christmas and a prosperous New Year.”
However, the strike’s impact may extend far beyond the holiday break. If the government does not intervene soon, the strike could disrupt academic calendars, and staff morale may continue to decline.
“The government needs to realize that we cannot keep working under these conditions,” said Obafemi. “Our patience has run out, and we need answers now.”
The indefinite strike has put the Lagos State Government under pressure. Critics argue that neglecting the needs of university workers is a poor reflection of the state’s commitment to education. The unions are resolute in their demands and have made it clear that they will not back down unless their grievances are addressed.
As the strike continues, all eyes are on Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and his administration to see if they will take meaningful steps to resolve the issues. Until then, LASU remains in the grip of a standoff, with its workers determined to fight for better treatment and fair compensation.
