The Joint Action Committee (JAC) of unions in Lagos-owned universities has declared that it will embark on an indefinite strike if its demands are not met by midnight on October 2, 2026. The unions, comprising ASUU, SSANU, NASU, and NAAT, are protesting the non-payment of entitlements and non-implementation of agreements with the Lagos State Government. The unions had issued a seven-day ultimatum, which was set to expire on October 2.
According to Prof. Ibrahim Bakare, Chairman of JAC and ASUU-LASU, the unions have exhausted all avenues of dialogue and have been met with bureaucratic bottlenecks and shifting goalposts. The unions had engaged with relevant government ministries since July 30, 2026, and a technical committee set up by the government and JAC reached a consensus on the implementation of various allowances on August 18, 2026.
The agreed terms included a 40% Consolidated Academic Tools Allowance for ASUU and 35% allowances for SSANU and NASU. However, the September salaries were paid without the implementation of the agreed rates and outstanding arrears. The non-implementation has increased the outstanding arrears to nine months, covering January to September 2026. The unions are demanding immediate executive approval and implementation of the signed 2026 agreements without further alteration or delay.
The unions also demand payment of nine months' arrears, non-taxation of applicable allowances, and implementation of the 15% Lagos factor. They further demand fulfillment of outstanding commitments, including a 20% salary increment and release of five Marcopolo buses promised to state-owned universities. The unions have demonstrated restraint and repeatedly chosen dialogue instead of disrupting academic activities.
However, the unions' patience has been pushed to the limit, and failure by the state government to act before midnight will trigger an immediate, total, and indefinite strike across Lagos State-owned universities. The unions have appealed to traditional rulers, religious leaders, parents, and students to urge the government to resolve the matter before the deadline.
Recall that Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu had committed to providing staff buses to enhance logistic convenience for the workforce of the varsities. However, the JAC found it discriminatory and disturbing that only 25 buses were released to Alausa workers, while the state-owned universities were left out. The JAC has declared its resolve that should the strike commence, it would be total and indefinite until all their demands are met without exception.
The JAC Chairman, Prof. Ibrahim Bakare, stated that the unions have demonstrated unprecedented patience, maturity, and commitment to peaceful dialogue. The unions have systematically exhausted all administrative channels to prevent industrial disharmony. The JAC has met with officials of the Ministry of Establishments and Training and the Ministry of Tertiary Education to resolve the issues through dialogue.
Key points
- The unions in Lagos-owned universities will embark on an indefinite strike if their demands for payment of entitlements and implementation of agreements are not met by October 2, 2026.
- The unions have exhausted all avenues of dialogue and have been met with bureaucratic bottlenecks and shifting goalposts.
- The strike will affect four Lagos State-owned tertiary institutions: LASU, LASUCOM, LASUSTECH, and LASUED.
