The Lagos State Government has expressed optimism that the ongoing Lagos ASUU strike involving the state-owned universities will be resolved this week, with the implementation of the 2025 Federal Government–Academic Staff Union of Universities agreement awaiting Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s approval for the release of funds.

The strike, which entered its second week on Tuesday, affects the Lagos State University (LASU), Lagos State University of Education (LASUED) and Lagos State University of Science and Technology (LASUSTECH). ASUU declared the indefinite action on September 15 after the expiration of a 14-day ultimatum issued to the state government.

The Commissioner for Tertiary Education, Tolani Sule, said the state government had agreed to implement the 2025 FGN-ASUU agreement and had held discussions with university managements and staff unions on the matter.

Sule said a financial table detailing the cost of implementation had been prepared, with the remaining step being approval from the governor for the release of the required funds.

“A table has been computed. We are only waiting for the governor’s approval, which I want to assure you we will get between now and Wednesday,” Sule said.

The commissioner explained that the financial implications of implementing the agreement were not included in the state’s original budget, making it necessary for the government to reorder its budget and source funds from other ministries, departments and agencies.

He said the government had already gone far in resolving the dispute and expressed confidence that the process would be completed this week.

“All that is required is for the governor to sign the release of funds for us. And I want to say that this week, we will be through with this by the grace of God,” he said.

ASUU’s principal demand is the full domestication and implementation of the December 2025 FGN-ASUU agreement across the three Lagos State-owned universities.

The union has specifically raised concerns over the Consolidated Academic Tools Allowance (CATA) and other welfare provisions for serving and retired academic staff.

The 2025 agreement was signed by the Federal Government and ASUU in December 2025 and took effect from January 2026. It includes improved remuneration and the Consolidated Academic Tools Allowance, among other provisions aimed at addressing the welfare and working conditions of university lecturers.

The Federal Government has separately released funds for the payment of CATA to eligible academic staff in federal universities, polytechnics and colleges of education, covering January to August 2026.

ASUU in Lagos had earlier accused the state government of failing to respond adequately to its demands despite months of discussions. The union eventually declared the strike after its final deadline elapsed without what it considered a satisfactory resolution or concrete implementation plan.

The state government’s latest position indicates that the dispute is now at the funding and approval stage, with the government saying implementation can proceed once the governor authorises the release of the required funds.