Lagos university workers begin indefinite strike over nine months of unpaid arrears

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The action was announced by the Joint Action Committee (JAC) of the state-owned universities, which brings together four unions: the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU), the Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions (NASU), and the National Association of Academic Technologists (NAAT). The affected institutions are Lagos State University (LASU), Lagos State University College of Medicine (LASUCOM), Lagos State University of Science and Technology (LASUSTECH), and Lagos State University of Education (LASUED).

JAC Chairman Prof. Ibrahim Bakare told journalists at a briefing on October 2 that the two sides had reached a resolution on August 31 covering revised allowance structures, tax-exempt benefits and the payment of outstanding arrears alongside September salaries — but the September pay was disbursed without the agreed adjustments. A seven-day ultimatum to the Lagos State Government expired before the strike was declared. "We have demonstrated unprecedented patience, maturity and commitment to peaceful dialogue. However, our patience has been pushed to the absolute limit. We have exhausted every possible administrative channel to avert this crisis," Bakare said.