Lagos Varsity Workers Declare Indefinite Strike Over Unpaid 9-Month Salary Arrears
Workers across Lagos State-owned universities have declared an indefinite strike over the non-payment of nine months’ salary arrears and the alleged failure to implement agreements reached with the state government.
The industrial action involves academic and non-academic staff unions across several state-owned tertiary institutions in Lagos State.
The Joint Action Committee (JAC) of the university-based unions announced the strike after the expiration of a seven-day ultimatum issued to the Lagos State Government to address the outstanding issues.
The affected institutions include 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).
Why Lagos Varsity Workers Declared Strike
The workers are demanding the payment of outstanding salary and allowance arrears, as well as the implementation of agreements reached between the unions and the Lagos State Government.
According to the unions, several meetings were held with government representatives to resolve the issues surrounding the payment of the outstanding entitlements.
The unions said an agreement was reached on the implementation of certain allowances and other welfare-related matters.
However, they alleged that the agreed terms were not fully implemented in the September salary payment.
The workers subsequently maintained that the outstanding arrears had accumulated to nine months, covering the period from January to September 2026.
Four Lagos Universities Affected
The strike affects workers in four Lagos State-owned institutions.
They include:
- Lagos State University (LASU)
- Lagos State University College of Medicine (LASUCOM)
- Lagos State University of Science and Technology (LASUSTECH)
- Lagos State University of Education (LASUED)
The Joint Action Committee includes representatives of 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 National Association of Academic Technologists (NAAT).
Workers Demand Nine Months’ Arrears
A major demand of the university workers is the immediate payment of the nine months’ outstanding arrears.
The unions are also asking the Lagos State Government to implement the agreements reached concerning salaries, allowances and other welfare benefits.
Among the issues raised by the unions is the implementation of a 15 per cent Lagos Factor allowance.
The unions have also called for the fulfilment of previous commitments relating to salary adjustments and transportation facilities for staff and students.
Strike Could Disrupt Academic Activities
The indefinite strike could affect academic and administrative activities across the affected institutions.
Students may experience disruptions to lectures, examinations, registration, administrative services and other university activities depending on how long the industrial action continues.
Students of LASU, LASUCOM, LASUSTECH and LASUED are therefore expected to monitor official announcements from their respective institutions and the unions for further updates.
Government Efforts to Resolve the Dispute
The Lagos State Government has previously held discussions with representatives of the university unions over the outstanding issues.
Government officials have indicated that efforts were being made to address the financial implications of the agreements and provide the required funding.
However, the unions proceeded with the indefinite strike after the expiration of their latest ultimatum.
The workers have maintained that the strike will continue until their demands are addressed.
What Happens Next?
The duration of the strike will depend on the outcome of negotiations between the Lagos State Government and the affected university unions.
If an agreement is reached and the outstanding issues are resolved, the unions could call off the industrial action and academic activities would resume.
For now, workers at the affected Lagos State-owned universities remain on indefinite strike over the payment of their outstanding nine-month salary arrears and implementation of agreed conditions.
Students and parents are advised to rely on official announcements from the universities and relevant authorities for information about the resumption of academic activities.
