- Safiu Kehinde
The Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU chapters in the Lagos state-owned universities have called out the state government over alleged non-implementation of the 2025 FG-ASUU Agreement.
ASUU called out the government in a joint press statement issued by three of its Lagos branches which include the Lagos State University (LASU), Lagos State University of Science and Technology (LASUSTECH), and the Lagos State University of Education (LASUED).
The union in the statement recalled how it had, on the 1st of January 2026, come into an agreement with the Federal Government on its demands which addressed critical issues relating to the welfare and conditions of service of academic staff in Nigerian universities.
While implementation has commenced in several jurisdictions across the country, the Lagos State Government, according to ASUU, has continued to delay implementation in its own universities.
The union said that there is no concrete action by the government to honour this important agreement.
ASUU recalled several efforts by the affected branches in calling the attention of the state government to the agreement.
‘This prolonged silence is both disappointing and disturbing. ASUU-LASUSTECH has consistently engaged the relevant authorities through established institutional channels.
‘The Union formally wrote to the Government through its correspondence titled “Re: Harmonisation of Welfare Template in Line with the FGN–ASUU Agreement and Lagos Factor” dated 5 March 2026.
‘This was followed by a reminder dated 10 June 2026 and another communication titled “Impending Industrial Unrest and the Urgent Need to Implement the FGN–ASUU Agreement in Lagos State University of Science and Technology” dated 16 July 2026.
‘Unfortunately, none of these communications has attracted any meaningful response from the Government.
‘Similarly, ASUU-LASU and ASUU-LASUED have repeatedly written to the appropriate authorities, urging the implementation of the Agreement.
‘These representations have equally received little or no positive response.
‘We find it difficult to understand why Lagos State; a State that prides itself as the economic nerve centre of Nigeria and a leading destination for investment and innovation, has chosen to delay the implementation of an agreement that several States with considerably fewer resources have already begun to implement.
‘The continued refusal to implement the Agreement raises serious concerns.’ The union stated.
ASUU highlighted some of the agreements and their concerns from the Lagos state government which include enhancement of retirement benefits for Professors, suspension of the new tax deductions, payment of Earned Academic Allowance (EAA) to academic staff of Lagos State University, and the dismissal of five members of the union at LASUED.
Other concerns raised were the continued non-release of the Report of LASU Visitation Panel and the accompanying Government White Paper, and the undermining industrial harmony in LASUED.
The union thereafter highlighted their demands which, according to them are not new or intractable.
‘The Academic Staff Union of Universities has never regarded industrial action as an end in itself. Our preference has always been constructive engagement, mutual respect, and negotiated solutions.
‘However, experience has repeatedly shown that industrial harmony can only be sustained where agreements are honoured, justice is upheld, and workers are treated with fairness and dignity.
‘It is against this background that our great Union in Lagos State Universities (LASU, LASUED and LASUSTECH) respectfully but firmly, call on the Lagos State Government to take the following actions without further delay:
Immediately implement the 2025 Federal Government–ASUU Agreement in all Lagos State-owned universities with effect from 1 January 2026, in accordance with the agreed commencement date.
‘Commence the implementation of all outstanding welfare provisions contained in the Agreement, including the enhanced retirement benefits for Professors and other negotiated entitlements.
‘Suspend the implementation of the new tax deductions affecting academic staff until the new salary structure has been fully implemented, in the interest of equity and fairness.’ The statement read.
Other demands of the union;
‘Review the implementation of the Earned Academic Allowance (EAA) in Lagos State University with a view to correcting the long-standing disparity between academic staff in Lagos State and their counterparts in Federal and other State universities.
‘Unconditionally reinstate the five dismissed ASUU-LASU leaders whose dismissal continues to represent one of the most unfortunate episodes in the history of labour relations within Lagos State-owned universities.
‘Unconditional recall of ASUU-LASUED Chair, Dr Akinola Victor, the appointment of who was recently terminated on issues weaponized against his union activities
‘Immediately release the Report of the Lagos State University Visitation Panel and the Government White Paper, in keeping with the principles of transparency, accountability, and good governance.
‘Direct the Governing Councils, Vice-Chancellors, and Managements of all Lagos State-owned universities to respect the rights of staff unions, uphold due process, honour collective bargaining, and resolve disputes through dialogue rather than confrontation.
‘Guarantee the protection of academic freedom, institutional autonomy, freedom of association, and workers’ rights, which remain indispensable foundations of every credible university system.’ The statement read further.
ASUU harped on the need for the state government to honour the agreement and addressing the outstanding concerns.
‘We conclude by reminding the Lagos State Government that collective agreements are not mere statements of intention; they are solemn commitments entered into through negotiation and mutual consent.
‘Respect for such agreements is fundamental to industrial peace, institutional stability, and democratic governance.
‘History has consistently shown that societies which invest in education and accord due respect to their intellectual workforce are better positioned to achieve sustainable development, social progress, and economic prosperity.
‘We therefore urge the Government to act with wisdom, fairness, and a sense of urgency by implementing the 2025 Federal Government/ASUU Agreement and addressing the outstanding concerns highlighted today.
‘This is not only in the interest of academic staff; it is in the best interest of our students, our universities, Lagos State, and Nigeria as a whole.’ The union wrote.