Eniola Yekini
The Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU, in three Lagos State-owned universities has suspended its industrial action.
The affected institutions are Lagos State University, LASU, Lagos State University of Education, LASUED, and Lagos State University of Science and Technology, LASUSTECH.
The suspension, announced on Friday, paves way for lecturers to return to classrooms with immediate effect, bringing relief to students whose academic activities were disrupted.
The decision was contained in a joint statement 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.
According to the unions, the strike was called to press for improved welfare and implementation of outstanding agreements affecting academic staff in the state-owned universities.
The union leaders said while academic activities will resume, engagement with the Lagos State Government will continue until all outstanding welfare issues are fully resolved.
They expressed gratitude to the media, civil society organisations, traditional rulers, students, parents and other stakeholders who supported them during negotiations.
“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 Press and Broadcasting Organisations: We thank you for your objective, timely, and investigative coverage. Your platforms ensured that our grievances were accurately communicated to the public and policymakers, helping to keep the discussions balanced and constructive.
“Civil Society Organisations: We are grateful for the solidarity, advocacy, and unwavering commitment to social justice demonstrated by the Joint Action Front, Education Rights Concern, Campaign for Democratic Workers Rights, and other pro-worker organisations.”
The unions also thanked traditional rulers for their interventions and fatherly counsel which helped bridge communication gaps during the impasse.
They further appreciated students and parents for their patience and resilience, reaffirming that the struggle was aimed at securing better welfare and strengthening public university education in Lagos.
“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,” the statement added.