Indefinite strike halts administrative operations at LASU, LASUED, and LASUTECH

LAGOS, Nigeria- Administrative operations at the Lagos State University (LASU), Lagos State University of Education (LASUED), Ojo/Ijanikin, and Lagos State University of Science and Technology (LASUTECH) were halted on Monday due to an indefinite strike by the Non Academic Staff Union (NASU) over the failure to implement their demands.

The NASU members blocked the main entrance of the three institutions and their members convened at the main gates to protest and raise public awareness.

Some of the key demands date back to 2013, including 72 months of hazard and transport allowances, as well as unremitted pension funds for LASUED and the non-payment of the 25/35% salary increment for LASUTECH. The main gates of LASU, LASUED, and LASUTECH were secured by the disgruntled NASU members, resulting in the disruption of academic and administrative functions across the three main campuses, including Epe, LASUCOM Ikeja, and Isolo.

RocketparrotNews report that the vice chancellors and principal officers of the three institutions were unable to access their offices due to the ongoing strike.

Academic staff from the three universities, who were part of the Joint Action Committee (JAC) that met with state government officials regarding the outstanding demands, are not participating in the current strike.

The lecturers in the affected institutions were also locked out and could not access their offices or lecture halls.

Confirming the strike, NASU LASUED chairman and Secretary, Bademu Amirah and Adelakun Segun, stated that the decision to strike was due to the Lagos State Government and university management's ongoing failure to address the union's demands, despite extended negotiations and appeals.

The union leaders highlighted their demands, which include the non-payment of 72 months of hazard and transport allowances.

“NASU-LASUED demands the immediate payment of outstanding hazard and transport allowances for the period from January 2013 to December 2018. The failure to meet these obligations has caused significant financial hardship for our members, many of whom rely on these allowances to meet their basic needs,” they stated.

Other demands include the implementation of a 25/35% salary increase, with the union adding, “In response to the rising cost of living, NASU-LASUED has long advocated for a 25-35% salary increment. Despite an agreement on this increase, the Lagos State Government and university management have failed to implement this adjustment, further straining our members financially.”

They also called for the approval of a Harmonized Salary Structure for Tertiary Institutions in Lagos State, arguing that the current pay disparities across institutions undermine the value of their members' work and create inequality within the education sector.

The unionists pointed out that despite the Federal Government’s directive, the Lagos State Government has not implemented the new minimum wage for LASUED staff. “This non-compliance has left our members struggling to make ends meet. The union insists that the Lagos State Government must honor this commitment to ensure that all workers receive a wage that meets the basic standard of living,” they stated.

The union urged the Lagos State Government and university management to urgently engage with NASU leaders and take concrete steps to address the outstanding demands.

“We call on parents, students, and the general public to support this just cause. This strike is not merely a labor dispute; it is a struggle for fair treatment and improved conditions for all. A workforce that is treated with respect will enhance the quality of education at LASUED, ultimately benefiting the students and the broader community.”

In a quick response, the Vice Chancellor of LASUED, Prof. Bidemi Lafiaji-Okuneye, stated that the state government is managing the situation and that the strike would be resolved.

At LASU, a union leader stated that NASU members initiated the indefinite strike to press for the implementation of the outstanding demands.

He noted that aside from the university management team, some academic staff stayed off campus, while students who were unaware of the industrial action found themselves stranded on campus. It was recalled that the four LASU staff unions were the first to go on strike, which paralyzed academic and administrative services on campuses at Ojo, Epe, and Ikeja. The university management was compelled to declare an early Christmas and New Year break to mitigate the impact of the industrial action.

An academic staff member at LASUTECH Ikorodu confirmed that NASU members are on strike and have locked the two main gates. He mentioned that he could not access his office and had to leave.

Meanwhile, a non-teaching staff member said that the ongoing strike was initiated by the JAC of the three state-owned universities, stating that no principal officers would be allowed on campus.

In a message from ASUU LASUTECH, the executives urged members to prioritize their safety and avoid the lecture halls. The message read: “A security advisory for all ASUU LASUSTECH members.”

It noted: “As you are aware, access to LASUSTECH Ikorodu campus is limited and restricted due to the ongoing NASU LASUSTECH strike.

Hence, our members are encouraged to prioritize their safety. ASUU LASUSTECH will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates accordingly. If you are unable to fulfill your responsibilities in a safe and serene environment, kindly avoid classrooms and prioritize your safety.”

RocketparotNews observed that the Isolo campus of LASUTECH was subsequently locked down by aggrieved NASU members. As of the time of this report, there was no police presence observed at the three state-owned universities.

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