LAGOS, Nigeria — The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Lagos Zone, has warned that three Lagos State-owned universities may face industrial action if the Lagos State Government fails to implement the 2025 Federal Government-ASUU Agreement.
The warning was issued during a press conference held on Thursday at the Lagos State University of Science and Technology (LASUSTECH), where the union accused the state government of failing to fulfil commitments made under the agreement six months after it was signed.
The affected institutions are Lagos State University (LASU), Lagos State University of Education (LASUED), and Lagos State University of Science and Technology (LASUSTECH).
ASUU stated that it is prepared to support any industrial action initiated by its branches across the three universities should the government continue to delay implementation of the agreement.
Lecturers’ Welfare Neglected
Speaking at the briefing, ASUU Lagos Zone Coordinator, Adesola Nassir, said lecturers in the state-owned universities have become increasingly frustrated due to the government’s failure to honour its commitments despite several engagements with relevant authorities.
According to him, the prolonged delay has left academic staff feeling neglected, undervalued, and uncertain about the government’s commitment to improving their welfare.
Nassir questioned how the government expects its universities to attain global standards while failing to provide favourable working conditions for academic staff.
He argued that academic excellence cannot be achieved where lecturers continue to face uncertainty regarding agreed welfare packages.
Concern Over Academic Stability
ASUU maintained that Lagos State, often referred to as the “Centre of Excellence,” should be leading by example rather than lagging behind other states that have already begun implementing the 2025 agreement.
The union warned that continued delays could weaken staff morale, reduce productivity, and negatively affect teaching, research, and the overall quality of higher education in the state.
According to ASUU, prolonged neglect of lecturers’ welfare could lead to institutional instability, declining graduate quality, ethical challenges within the university system, and disruption of academic calendars.
Internal Disputes Raise Additional Concerns
Beyond the welfare issues, the union also raised concerns over unresolved disputes within some of the affected institutions.
ASUU cited the dismissal of some union officials at LASU and alleged victimisation of its branch chairperson at LASUED, describing the developments as issues requiring urgent government attention.
Government Urged to Act
The union warned that any disruption of academic activities resulting from industrial action would be the responsibility of the Lagos State Government.
ASUU called on Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to urgently intervene by concluding negotiations with the union and ensuring the immediate implementation of the 2025 Federal Government-ASUU Agreement.
The union said prompt action is necessary to prevent what it described as a growing wave of unrest across Lagos State-owned universities and to preserve stability within the state’s higher education system.
