Academic and non-academic staff across Lagos State-owned universities have declared an indefinite strike, effective October 3, due to unpaid arrears and broken agreements. The Joint Action Committee (JAC) of Lagos State-owned universities, representing four major staff unions, announced the strike during a media briefing. The affected institutions include Lagos State University (LASU), Lagos State University College of Medicine (LASUCOM), Lagos State University of Science and Technology (LASUSTECH), and Lagos State University of Education (LASUED).
The strike follows months of failed negotiations and bureaucratic delays by state government officials regarding the implementation of the signed 2026 Federal Government of Nigeria (FGN) / Staff Unions Agreements. Despite a resolution signed on August 31, promising updated allowance structures, tax-exempt benefits, and payment of backdated arrears, workers received their September paychecks without the agreed increases or outstanding arrears.
According to JAC Chairman, Prof. Ibrahim Bakare, arrears owed to university workers have accumulated to nine full months, dating back to January 1, 2026. The unions had demonstrated patience and commitment to peaceful dialogue, but their patience has been pushed to the limit. Bakare emphasized that their demands are legitimate and within the financial capability of Lagos State.
The core demands submitted to the state government include full implementation of the signed 2026 FGN/Unions Agreement, a one-off payment covering nine months of accumulated arrears, and strict adherence to non-taxable terms on all negotiated allowances. The unions also demand implementation of a 15% "Lagos Factor" allowance and delivery on past promises made by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, including a 20% salary increment pledged in 2023.
The unions have urged students, parents, and civil society leaders to hold the Lagos State government responsible for the imminent shutdown of academic calendars and administrative services. With the deadline, the union remains open to immediate executive action before the midnight deadline, noting that only immediate intervention by Sanwo-Olu could prevent a complete shutdown across campus locations.
The strike threatens to cripple academic and administrative activities across the institutions, affecting students and staff. The unions have exhausted every possible administrative channel to avert this crisis, and their demands are aimed at improving the welfare of university workers. The Lagos State government is yet to respond to the strike.
The indefinite strike by Lagos varsity unions has significant implications for the education sector in Lagos State. The unions are seeking immediate attention to their demands, and the state government is expected to take urgent steps to address the issues. Key to the resolution of the strike are the implementation of the 2026 FGN/Unions Agreement and the payment of accumulated arrears.
Key points
- The Lagos varsity unions' demands include full implementation of the 2026 FGN/Unions Agreement and payment of nine months of accumulated arrears.
- The strike affects four Lagos State-owned universities: LASU, LASUCOM, LASUSTECH, and LASUED.
- The unions are seeking a 15% "Lagos Factor" allowance and implementation of past promises made by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.
