Academic activities at Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH) in Ogbomoso, Oyo State, have been disrupted due to an indefinite strike by the institution's chapter of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU). The strike commenced on Thursday, following the expiration of a 14-day ultimatum issued to the university management over outstanding demands. The union is pressing for the implementation of the 2025 Federal Government of Nigeria (FGN)-ASUU Agreement and payment of consequential arrears dating back to January 2026.
The ASUU is demanding the immediate payment of outstanding Earned Academic Allowances (EAA) and promotion arrears covering the period from 2013 to 2025. According to the union, the university's Governing Council formally accepted and approved the implementation of the December 2025 FGN-ASUU Agreement. However, the management has cited a lack of funds as the reason for delays in implementation. The union expressed frustration over the failure to resolve these issues despite repeated attempts at formal and informal dialogue.
Beyond financial demands, the ASUU is seeking resolution of several administrative and governance issues. These include concerns about the composition of the Staff Disciplinary Committee, the reconstitution of the Committee of Provosts and Deans, and transparency in the university's electronic voting system. The union stated that it decided to embark on the indefinite strike after exhausting several avenues of engagement without reaching a resolution.
In a statement jointly signed by the branch Chairperson, Prof. Olujimi Dada, and the Secretary, Dr Soji Arinola, the union urged members to remain united throughout the industrial action. The ASUU advised members to disregard information or directives not issued directly by the branch chairperson, stressing that only information and directives issued by the branch chairperson should be treated as authentic during the strike.
The strike has significantly impacted academic activities at LAUTECH, with students and staff affected by the sudden disruption. The university management has not officially commented on the strike, but sources close to the institution indicate that efforts are being made to negotiate with the ASUU and resolve the outstanding issues. The strike is the latest in a series of industrial actions by ASUU chapters across Nigeria, highlighting the ongoing challenges facing the country's university system.
The ASUU's decision to embark on an indefinite strike has raised concerns about the future of academic activities at LAUTECH. The union's demands are not limited to financial issues but also encompass broader governance and administrative concerns. The strike has sparked debate about the need for improved funding and management of Nigeria's public universities.
The impact of the strike on students and the academic calendar remains to be seen. As the situation unfolds, stakeholders are watching closely to see how the negotiations between the ASUU and the university management will play out. The strike is a significant development in the ongoing efforts to address the challenges facing Nigeria's university system, and its outcome may have implications for other institutions across the country.
Key points
- LAUTECH ASUU begins indefinite strike over unpaid allowances and agreement implementation.
- The strike affects academic activities at the university, with students and staff impacted by the disruption.
- The ASUU is pressing for implementation of the 2025 FGN-ASUU Agreement and payment of consequential arrears.
