The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) in three Lagos State-owned universities has suspended its industrial action, paving the way for lecturers to return to classrooms with immediate effect.
The affected institutions are the Lagos State University (LASU), the Lagos State University of Education (LASUED), and the Lagos State University of Science and Technology (LASUSTECH).
Politics Nigeria reports that the suspension was announced on Friday, bringing relief to students whose lectures and other academic activities had been disrupted by the industrial action.
The development is also expected to ease concerns among parents and guardians over possible delays to the academic calendar following the disruption of teaching and learning activities across the affected institutions.
The lecturers’ union announced the suspension in a joint statement, expressing appreciation to members of the public, civil society organisations, traditional rulers, students, parents and other stakeholders who supported its demands during negotiations with the Lagos State Government.
The industrial action was linked to demands for improved staff welfare and the implementation of outstanding agreements affecting academic workers in the three state-owned universities.
Although the suspension allows lecturers to resume their academic duties, the union said discussions with the Lagos State Government would continue until all outstanding issues relating to its welfare package are fully resolved.
ASUU Leaders Confirm Suspension of Industrial Action
The joint statement was signed by Olusegun Babalola, Coordinator of the Steering Committee of ASUU-LASU; Grace Abimbola, Acting Chairman of ASUU-LASUED; and Murisiku Onigemo, Chairman of ASUU-LASUTECH.
The union leaders expressed gratitude to the public and various stakeholders for their support throughout the negotiations, noting that their involvement contributed to the progress made in resolving the dispute.
“Following the official suspension of our industrial action today, the leadership and entire membership of the Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU, in Lagos State-owned universities wish to express our profound gratitude to the general public, institutional leaders, and key stakeholders who stood firmly by us throughout the negotiation process,” the statement said.
The union described the outcome of the negotiations as an important step towards securing better working conditions for academic staff and ensuring that existing agreements with the government are implemented.
However, it maintained that further engagement with the state government would be necessary to address all unresolved matters affecting lecturers’ welfare.
Union Appreciates Media Coverage, Civil Society Support
ASUU also acknowledged the contributions of media organisations, saying their reports helped communicate the lecturers’ grievances to government officials, policymakers and the wider public.
The union commended the press and broadcasting organisations for what it described as objective, timely and investigative coverage of the dispute.
“Their platforms ensured that our grievances were accurately communicated to the public and policymakers, helping to keep the discussions balanced and constructive,” the statement added.
The union further appreciated civil society organisations, including the Joint Action Front (JAF), Education Rights Concern (ERC) and Campaign for Democratic Workers Rights (CDWR), for their advocacy and solidarity during the industrial action.
According to the lecturers, the organisations played an important role in defending quality public tertiary education and supporting their demands for improved working conditions.
Traditional rulers were also recognised for their interventions, counsel and diplomatic efforts during the dispute.
ASUU said their involvement helped bridge communication gaps at critical stages of the negotiations between the union and the Lagos State Government.
Students, Parents to Benefit as Lecturers Return to Classrooms
The suspension of the strike is expected to allow academic activities to resume at LASU, LASUED and LASUSTECH, offering relief to students who had faced uncertainty over lectures and other university programmes.
Parents and guardians had also been concerned about the possible impact of the industrial action on students’ academic progress and the institutions’ academic calendars.
The union acknowledged the sacrifices made by students and parents during the dispute, thanking them for their patience and understanding.
“Students, Parents, and Other Stakeholders: We deeply appreciate your resilience, patience, and understanding throughout this period. We recognise the sacrifices you have made and reaffirm that our struggle remains focused on securing improved staff welfare and a better future for public university education in Lagos State,” the statement read.
The union reiterated that its demands were aimed at improving lecturers’ welfare while strengthening the quality of public university education in Lagos State.
It also reaffirmed its commitment to academic excellence as members prepare to return to their classrooms.
ASUU Pledges Continued Talks With Lagos Government
Despite suspending the industrial action, ASUU said its engagement with the Lagos State Government would continue to ensure that outstanding welfare-related issues are fully resolved.
The union leaders stressed that the decision to suspend the strike represented progress in the negotiations but did not signal the end of discussions over the implementation of existing agreements.
“As our members return to the classrooms with immediate effect, we reaffirm our commitment to academic excellence and quality university education. We also look forward to continued engagement with the Lagos State Government to ensure the full resolution of all outstanding issues relating to our welfare package,” the statement said.
The union concluded by thanking all individuals and organisations that supported its position throughout the dispute, describing their solidarity as invaluable.
With the suspension now announced, attention will turn to the resumption of lectures and the outcome of further discussions between ASUU and the Lagos State Government over the remaining issues affecting academic staff welfare.
Students at LASU, LASUED and LASUSTECH will be hoping that the development leads to a sustained return to normal academic activities and minimises further disruption to their studies.