Academic and non-academic staff members of Lagos State University (LASU) have commenced an indefinite strike, citing unresolved welfare issues and other lingering disputes with the university management.
The industrial action, which began on Thursday, July 31, 2025, was declared by the leadership of the institution’s four major staff unions. These unions, operating under the umbrella of the Joint Action Committee (JAC), include the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), 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).
The strike was confirmed in an official letter addressed to the Vice Chancellor of the university, Professor Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello. The letter, dated July 31, was jointly signed by representatives of the unions: Professor Ibrahim Bakare, Chairman of ASUU-LASU; Sylvester Idowu, Secretary of ASUU-LASU; Oluwaseyi Lawal, Chairman of SSANU-LASU; and Waheed Majekodunmi, Secretary of SSANU-LASU.
The correspondence was titled “Notice of Indefinite Strike Action” and indicated that the decision to embark on the industrial action was reached during an Emergency Congress of the Joint Action Committee. The unions stated that they would not suspend the strike until all demands made by the staff had been met by the appropriate authorities.
“Sequel to the decision reached at the Emergency Congress of the Joint Action Committee of the Lagos State University Staff Unions (ASUU-LASU, SSANU-LASU, NAAT-LASU & NASU-LASU) that an INDEFINITE STRIKE ACTION should commence effective from Thursday 31st July, 2025, we write to notify you that the indefinite strike action has COMMENCED in Lagos State University,” the letter read.
The unions further directed all their members across LASU’s main and affiliate campuses, including LASUCOM and LASU Epe Campus, to immediately withdraw their services and vacate their official duties.
“Consequently, all members of staff of the University and its affiliate Campuses (LASUCOM and LASU Epe Campus) are hereby DIRECTED to withdraw their services and vacate their official duty post with immediate effect,” the letter added.
While the exact grievances of the unions were not fully detailed at the time of reporting, it is understood that staff welfare and unresolved administrative matters are central to the dispute. The union leaders did not disclose the specific terms of their demands but indicated that the issues had lingered without satisfactory resolution from the university’s management.
The unions expressed appreciation to the Vice Chancellor for past support but maintained that the indefinite strike would continue until all issues were resolved. “While we thank you for your kind gesture and support always, accept, please, the assurances of the Unions’ kindest regards,” the concluding part of the letter stated.
The strike is expected to disrupt academic and administrative activities across the university’s campuses. It marks another significant challenge for LASU, which has experienced periods of industrial unrest in the past, often related to salary structure, promotion issues, and funding of staff welfare schemes.
As of Friday morning, no official response had been released by the LASU management regarding the strike action. There is also no indication of any immediate negotiations or meetings scheduled between the university administration and the unions.
Stakeholders within the Lagos State education sector and the larger academic community are closely monitoring developments. Students and parents, who have often borne the brunt of such disruptions, have expressed concerns about how long the strike might last and its potential impact on academic calendars and examinations.
This latest strike adds to a growing list of industrial actions affecting tertiary education institutions across Nigeria, many of which are grappling with similar challenges involving funding, conditions of service, and institutional autonomy.
Observers say that unless a swift and comprehensive resolution is reached, the LASU strike may escalate tensions between staff and management, potentially drawing in the Lagos State Government and the Ministry of Education for intervention.
