The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has commenced an indefinite strike across three universities owned by the Lagos State Government, following the failure to reach an agreement with the state authorities over outstanding demands by the union.
The action affects the Lagos State University (LASU), Lagos State University of Education (LASUED) and Lagos State University of Science and Technology (LASUSTECH).
ASUU’s Joint Campus Group announced the industrial action on Tuesday, September 15, 2026, after the expiration of a 14-day ultimatum issued to the Lagos State Government on August 31.
According to the union, the deadline passed without what it considered a satisfactory response or a clear commitment from the government towards resolving the issues raised.
A major point of contention is the implementation of the agreement reached between ASUU and the Federal Government in December 2025. The union is demanding that the relevant provisions of the agreement be adopted and implemented in all universities owned by Lagos State.
Among the issues highlighted by ASUU are the Consolidated Academic Tools Allowance (CATA) and improved welfare provisions for both serving and retired academic staff.
The union said it had given the state government sufficient time to address the matter and had repeatedly pushed for dialogue before resorting to industrial action. It noted that a final warning issued on September 10 was also not followed by meaningful engagement before the September 13 deadline.
While acknowledging that the strike could disrupt academic activities, ASUU appealed to students to remain peaceful and law-abiding. The union maintained that its demands were aimed at ensuring that lecturers have the necessary conditions to provide quality education.
The union also expressed concern about the possible effect of the action on parents and guardians, particularly students whose academic programmes may be delayed by the disruption.
ASUU clarified that the strike was not targeted at the management of the three universities. It commended the institutions’ administrations for their efforts towards addressing the issues and urged them to continue supporting initiatives that could improve staff welfare and the smooth running of the universities.
The union further called on traditional rulers, religious leaders, alumni groups, civil society organisations and other stakeholders in Lagos to intervene and support its call for the implementation of the outstanding provisions.
According to ASUU, its national leadership is backing the action and had been involved in the process from the initial correspondence with the universities, their governing councils and the state government.
The union said the strike would continue until the Lagos State Government engages meaningfully with ASUU and reaches an acceptable resolution, including the formal domestication and implementation of the applicable provisions of the 2025 agreement.
ASUU, however, stated that it remained open to dialogue and would support the restoration of academic activities once the outstanding issues are satisfactorily addressed.
Credit: Sahara Reporters