Lecturers at three Lagos State-owned universities are set to return to classrooms after suspending their industrial action following negotiations over staff welfare and outstanding agreements.
Lecturers at three Lagos State-owned universities in Nigeria have suspended their strike, bringing relief to students and parents affected by the disruption of academic activities.
The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) announced the suspension on Friday, 9 October, saying its members would return to classrooms with immediate effect.
The affected institutions are Lagos State University (LASU), Lagos State University of Education (LASUED) and Lagos State University of Science and Technology (LASUSTECH).
The strike was called over demands for improved staff welfare and the implementation of outstanding agreements with the Lagos State Government.
In a joint statement, the union leaders expressed appreciation to the media, civil society organisations, traditional rulers, students, parents and other stakeholders who supported the negotiations.
They said the collective efforts of the groups had contributed significantly to the progress made in resolving the dispute.
Lecturers acknowledge stakeholders’ support
The statement was jointly signed by Olusegun Babalola, coordinator of the ASUU-LASU Steering Committee; Grace Abimbola, acting chairperson of ASUU-LASUED; and Murisiku Onigemo, chairman of ASUU-LASUTECH.
The union praised journalists and broadcasting organisations for their coverage of the dispute, saying their reporting helped communicate the lecturers’ grievances to the public and policymakers.
It also acknowledged the contributions of civil society organisations, including the Joint Action Front, Education Rights Concern and Campaign for Democratic Workers Rights.
Traditional rulers were commended for their interventions and efforts to facilitate communication between the parties during negotiations.
The union also thanked students and parents for their patience and understanding during the industrial action.
Outstanding issues remain
Despite suspending the strike, the lecturers said discussions with the Lagos State Government would continue to ensure the full resolution of outstanding issues relating to staff welfare.
They reaffirmed their commitment to academic excellence and improving the quality of public university education in the state.
The suspension follows an industrial dispute involving workers at Lagos State-owned universities over the implementation of agreements, salary-related matters and allowances.
The return to classrooms is expected to ease concerns among students whose academic activities were disrupted by the strike.
However, the union’s statement indicates that further engagement with the state government will be necessary to address the remaining issues.
