The Joint Action Committee (JAC) of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), which includes the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU), the Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions (NASU), and the National Association of Academic Technologists (NAAT), has declared an indefinite strike over low salary payments.
This comes as one of the factions of the non-academic staff in the university has stopped attending to students’ demands for weeks, citing being on strike due to poor compensation.
In a press statement addressed to the Vice-Chancellor of the University, Professor Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello, and signed by the Chairman of LASU-ASUU, Professor Ibrahim Bakare, the unions stated:
“In line with the decision of the Joint Action Committee of the Lagos State University Staff Unions, we reiterate our demand that the State Government implement the reports of the committees set up by the Government. As indicated in our letter to the Governor dated 19th November 2024, if the Government fails to meet our demands by 6th December 2024, we hereby notify you and the management of the university that all staff unions will embark on a total and indefinite strike, effective from the close of work on 6th December 2024.
“While we acknowledge your efforts in trying to resolve this matter amicably, it is evident that the government has long neglected the welfare of our members, showing a lack of responsiveness and sensitivity to their needs. We appreciate your continued support, nonetheless.”
Some lecturers at the university, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, expressed their frustration, noting that lecturers in polytechnics are paid more than professors at the university.
One lecturer said, “Although I do not belong to the ASUU faction that declared the indefinite strike, our faction has not declared a strike yet. However, NASU-LASU has been on strike. What frustrates us collectively is that polytechnic lecturers earn higher salaries than university lecturers, which is unfair.”
