The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Lagos State University (LASU) chapter, has declared an indefinite strike over the Lagos State Government’s alleged failure to implement the federally approved salary increments of 25% and 35% for its members since January 2023.
This development was announced in a statement jointly signed by the union’s Chairperson, Prof. Ibrahim Bakare, and Secretary, Sylvester Idowu.
According to the statement, the Babajide Sanwo-Olu administration has refused to implement the salary adjustments, which have already been effected in federal universities and 18 state universities across the country.
The union stated that the strike aligns with the decision of the Joint Action Committee (JAC) of all staff unions at LASU. A formal letter has been sent to the university’s Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello, and Governor Sanwo-Olu to notify them of the action.
ASUU-LASU also called on the Lagos State Government to harmonize its salary structure with those of the Lagos State University of Science and Technology (LASUSTECH) and the Lagos State University of Education (LASUED), where academic staff reportedly earn higher salaries.
The union noted that the state government has failed to act on the recommendations of its own committee on salary harmonization, adding that this inaction has exacerbated the situation.
Addressing claims by some student leaders that the strike only involves ASUU, the union clarified that the action is collective and involves all staff unions at LASU.
“We are aware that the state government and university management are making efforts to resolve the situation, but until then, the strike will continue,” the union stated.
It also urged students to refrain from meddling in matters related to staff welfare, emphasizing that the issue is between the university’s staff and the government.
