LASU’s ASUU chapter declares an indefinite strike over the Lagos State Government’s failure to implement federal salary increments since 2023.

[dropcap]T[/dropcap]he Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Lagos State University (LASU) chapter, has declared an indefinite strike, citing the Lagos State Government’s refusal to implement a federal government-approved salary increment of 25% and 35% for its members.

The increment, effective since January 2023, has been adopted by federal universities and 18 state universities, leaving LASU staff feeling sidelined.

Also read: ASUU meets in Abuja over strike notice to Federal Government

In a statement co-signed by the chapter’s Chairperson, Prof. Ibrahim Bakare, and Secretary, Sylvester Idowu, the union criticised Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s administration for ignoring recommendations to harmonise

LASU salaries with those of the Lagos State University of Science and Technology (LASUSTECH) and the Lagos State University of Education (LASUED).

These institutions reportedly offer higher salaries than LASU.

The decision aligns with a resolution by the Joint Action Committee (JAC), comprising ASUU, the Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions (NASU), the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU), and the National Association of Academic Technologists (NAAT).

A formal strike notification has been sent to LASU’s Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello, and Governor Sanwo-Olu.

The unions dismissed claims from student leaders that only ASUU is participating in the industrial action, stating the strike is comprehensive and involves all staff unions.

They cautioned students against meddling in welfare disputes between the university staff and the state government.

“We are aware that the state government and university management are making efforts to resolve this unfortunate situation, but until a resolution is reached, the strike will continue,” the union emphasised.

The strike disrupts academic activities at LASU, sparking concerns about prolonged academic instability in Nigerian universities as staff demand parity with other institutions.