The Lagos State Government has stepped in to mediate the ongoing industrial action at Lagos State University (LASU), urging the Joint Action Committee (JAC) of the university’s staff unions to suspend the strike and resume negotiations. The JAC, comprising the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU-LASU), Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU-LASU), Non-Academic Staff Union (NASU-LASU), and Nigerian Association of Academic Technologists (NAAT-LASU), commenced an indefinite strike on Thursday, July 31, over unresolved welfare issues.
The Commissioner for Tertiary Education, Mr. Tolani Sule, made the government’s appeal in a statement issued on Sunday, emphasizing the state’s commitment to finding an amicable resolution to the crisis. “The government acknowledges the concerns raised by the JAC and has taken steps to engage with union representatives to address their grievances,” Sule said. “However, we urge the unions to consider suspending the strike to give room for continued dialogue.” The government has consistently prioritized the welfare of workers and students, even amid increasing demands and the pressures of managing a growing mega city.
Sule confirmed that official correspondence from the unions had been received, and high-level meetings have taken place, including with the State Head of Service, Mr. Bode Agoro, as well as representatives from the Ministry of Establishments and Training. During these meetings, it was mutually agreed that any action likely to disrupt academic and industrial peace at LASU should be suspended, allowing the government sufficient time to evaluate and respond to the unions’ demands.
The Lagos State Government, under the leadership of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, remains committed to the welfare of all state civil servants, including university staff. Sule reiterated the government’s commitment to restoring academic and industrial harmony at LASU, stating, “We appeal to the leadership of ASUU-LASU, SSANU-LASU, NAAT-LASU, and NASU-LASU to reconsider their stance in the interest of students, whose education and future are directly impacted by the disruption.” The government believes that with mutual trust, cooperation, and continuous engagement, a lasting solution that benefits all parties can be achieved.
The government urges the JAC to suspend the strike and resume negotiations, ensuring that the academic calendar is not further disrupted. With ongoing efforts to reach a sustainable resolution, stakeholders remain hopeful that a mutually beneficial solution will be found, restoring peace and stability to LASU.
