LASU remains shut as govt beg workers for end to strike

The Lagos State Government has again appeal to the Joint Action Committee (JAC) of staff unions at Lagos State University (LASU), urging them to end their indefinite strike, which has brought academic and administrative operations at the institution to a halt.

The government emphasized that the well-being of both staff and students remains a paramount concern.

The industrial action, which began last Friday, was declared by the JAC—a coalition that includes the LASU branches of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU), the Non-Academic Staff Union (NASU), and the National Association of Academic Technologists (NAAT).

The unions are protesting unresolved welfare grievances and salary-related disputes.

In a statement on Monday, the Director of Public Affairs at the Ministry of Tertiary Education, Mr. Mamud Hassan, noted that high-level discussions are ongoing to resolve the matters that caused the industrial action.

The government claims that there had been a prior consensus with the unions to refrain from any disruptive measures and continue peaceful negotiations—an agreement it now accuses the unions of violating.

Hassan warned that the prolonged suspension of academic and administrative activities could jeopardize the academic future of LASU students, who remain central to the institution’s mission.

Commissioner for Tertiary Education, Mr. Tolani Sule, also appealed for patience and collaboration.

He urged union leaders to recognize the financial strain currently facing the state, while reaffirming the government’s commitment to adequately fund tertiary education.

Sule reiterated that open and constructive dialogue remains the government’s preferred path to resolving the crisis.

He called for trust and mutual understanding, stressing that lasting peace can only be achieved through shared responsibility and genuine engagement.