The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has commenced an indefinite strike across three universities owned by the Lagos State Government, grounding academic activities at the institutions. The affected universities are the Lagos State University (LASU), Lagos State University of Education (LASUED), and Lagos State University of Science and Technology (LASUSTECH). The Lagos State Government-owned Universities Joint Campus Group of ASUU declared the industrial action after the expiration of a 14-day ultimatum issued to the state government.
In a statement issued by the union, ASUU said the ultimatum, which began on August 31, expired without what it considered satisfactory engagement from the government. The union subsequently declared a “total, comprehensive, and indefinite strike” effective immediately.
According to the union, its major demand is the full domestication and implementation of the December 2025 ASUU-Federal Government agreement across Lagos State-owned universities. The demands also include implementation of the Consolidated Academic Tools Allowance and other welfare provisions affecting serving and retired academic staff.
ASUU had reportedly given the Lagos State Government until September 13 to respond to its demands after issuing the 14-day ultimatum. With the deadline passing without a resolution, the union proceeded with the strike.
The development means students of LASU, LASUED and LASUSTECH are facing disruption to academic activities as lecturers withdraw their services. However, the management of LASU has attributed some of the delay in resolving the situation to industrial action by members of the Non-Academic Staff Union of Universities (NASU) at the institution.
The latest action has therefore added another layer to ongoing labour-related concerns within Nigeria’s university system.
The Lagos action comes amid a broader dispute between ASUU and the Federal Government. Earlier this month, ASUU’s National Executive Council warned that it could reactivate its suspended nationwide strike if outstanding issues surrounding the 2025 agreement were not addressed. The union cited issues including unpaid withheld salaries and other outstanding obligations. However, the current indefinite strike announced today specifically affects the three Lagos State-owned universities.
Elsewhere, ASUU chapters have taken different positions. For instance, the union’s chapter at Plateau State University suspended its strike on September 15 after reaching an agreement with the Plateau State Government. At the same time, the ASUU chapter at the University of Benin has been involved in a separate dispute over lecturers’ August salaries, with the university management denying claims that lecturers were paid half salaries.
With the strike now in effect at LASU, LASUED and LASUSTECH, students and parents will be watching for further discussions between the union and the Lagos State Government. ASUU has maintained that the strike will remain in force until meaningful engagement produces a satisfactory resolution and the relevant provisions of the 2025 agreement are fully domesticated and implemented.
For now, academic activities at the three affected Lagos universities remain disrupted as both sides face pressure to resolve the dispute.