ASUU begins indefinite strike at three Lagos State universities

The Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU, has commenced an indefinite strike across three universities owned by the Lagos State Government over the alleged failure of the state to address the union’s demands.

The institutions affected are Lagos State University, LASU, Lagos State University of Education, LASUED, and Lagos State University of Science and Technology, LASUSTECH.

The ASUU Joint Campus Group for the three institutions announced the industrial action in a statement on Tuesday, following the expiration of a 14-day ultimatum issued to the Lagos State Government on August 31 without an agreement being reached.

According to the union, a final warning issued on September 10 also failed to result in negotiations with the government, while the September 13 deadline elapsed without any dialogue taking place.

ASUU is demanding the domestication and implementation across the three institutions of relevant provisions contained in the December 2025 agreement reached between the union and the Federal Government.

Among the demands are the implementation of the Consolidated Academic Tools Allowance, CATA, and welfare-related provisions covering serving and retired academic staff.

The union said it arrived at the decision “with a heavy heart”, acknowledging that the industrial action could affect the academic calendar and members of the wider university community.

It urged students to remain calm, peaceful and law-abiding as efforts to resolve the dispute continue.

ASUU also acknowledged the concerns of parents and guardians who may be worried about the possible disruption of their children’s education.

The union clarified that the strike was not targeted at the managements of the three universities, commending them for their efforts towards domesticating the agreement.

It called on traditional rulers, religious leaders, alumni associations, civil society groups and other stakeholders to support its position and help facilitate a resolution.

ASUU said it had exercised considerable restraint and made repeated attempts to engage the Lagos State Government through dialogue.

However, it accused the state government of failing to take action on the outstanding issues, noting that neighbouring states had already implemented similar agreements.

The union further stated that its national leadership had endorsed the industrial action and supported the steps that culminated in the commencement of the strike.

ASUU said the strike would remain in force until the Lagos State Government engages the union and signs, domesticates and fully implements the relevant provisions of the December 2025 agreement.

“The Union remains entirely committed to constructive dialogue and to the swift restoration of normal academic activities as soon as these outstanding issues are addressed,” ASUU said.