Lecturers under the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) in three Lagos State-owned universities have suspended their industrial action and are set to return to classrooms with immediate effect, bringing relief to students and parents following the disruption of academic activities.
The affected institutions are Lagos State University (LASU), Lagos State University of Education (LASUED), and Lagos State University of Science and Technology (LASUSTECH).
The unions announced the suspension on Friday, expressing appreciation to the media, civil society organizations, traditional rulers, students, parents, and other stakeholders for their support throughout the negotiation process.
According to the unions, the industrial action was driven by demands for improved staff welfare and the implementation of outstanding academic agreements. They noted that the collective efforts of various stakeholders contributed significantly to the negotiations that led to the suspension of the strike.
In a joint statement issued by Olusegun Babalola, Coordinator of the Steering Committee, ASUU-LASU; Grace Abimbola, Acting Chairman, ASUU-LASUED; and Murisiku Onigemo, Chairman, ASUU-LASUTECH, the union leaders expressed gratitude to individuals and organizations that supported their cause.
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“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 read.
The unions described the development as a significant milestone in their struggle to secure improved working conditions for academic staff and strengthen public university education in Lagos State.
Media, Civil Society Groups Commended
The lecturers commended press and broadcasting organizations for their coverage of the dispute, noting that their reporting helped communicate the union’s grievances to the public and policymakers.
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They said the media’s objective and timely coverage contributed to keeping discussions around the industrial action visible and constructive.
The unions also acknowledged the contributions of civil society organizations, including the Joint Action Front (JAF), Education Rights Concern (ERC), and Campaign for Democratic Workers Rights (CDWR), alongside other pro-worker organizations.
According to the statement, these groups demonstrated solidarity and advocated for social justice and quality public tertiary education throughout the dispute.
Traditional rulers were equally recognized for their interventions, counsel, and diplomatic efforts, which the unions said helped bridge communication gaps at critical moments during the negotiations.
Students and Parents to Benefit from Resumption
The suspension of the strike is expected to ease concerns among students and parents who have faced uncertainty over academic schedules and the disruption of university activities.
The unions acknowledged the patience, resilience, and understanding demonstrated by students, parents, and other stakeholders during the period of industrial action.
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They reiterated that their demands were focused on securing better staff welfare and ensuring a stronger future for public university education in Lagos State.
With lecturers expected to return to the classrooms immediately, attention is now shifting towards the restoration of normal academic activities across the three institutions.
However, the unions stressed that the suspension of the strike does not mean all outstanding issues have been fully resolved.
ASUU Seeks Further Engagement with Lagos Government
While reaffirming their commitment to academic excellence and quality university education, the unions said they looked forward to continued engagement with the Lagos State Government to ensure the full resolution of outstanding matters relating to staff welfare.
The statement concluded with another expression of gratitude to all individuals, organizations, and institutions that supported the unions throughout the struggle.
The latest development marks a significant step towards restoring academic activities in LASU, LASUED, and LASUSTECH, while further discussions are expected to focus on addressing the remaining concerns raised by the lecturers.
For students and parents, the immediate priority will be the return to academic activities and the restoration of stability across the affected universities.
