The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has announced plans to embark on a picketing exercise and shut down Lagos State-owned universities over the Lagos State Government’s failure to implement the 2025 FGN-ASUU Agreement.
The institutions affected are Lagos State University (LASU), Lagos State University of Science and Technology (LASUSTECH), and Lagos State University of Education (LASUED).
Addressing journalists at the LASUSTECH Main Campus in Ikorodu on Thursday, the Lagos Zonal Chairman of ASUU, Prof. Adesola Nassir, described the state government’s delay in implementing the agreement as disappointing and unacceptable.
He revealed that despite several letters and months of engagement with the government, no meaningful progress had been made.
According to him, ASUU members in the affected institutions can no longer tolerate what they consider persistent neglect.
He stressed that the union’s actions are not politically motivated but are aimed solely at protecting the welfare and rights of its members.
Prof. Nassir recalled that the 2025 FGN-ASUU Agreement was the outcome of eight years of negotiations between ASUU and the Federal Government, with representatives of both federal and state universities participating in the process.
He noted that this broad participation was expected to ensure smooth implementation across all universities and prevent industrial actions that could disrupt academic activities.
However, he expressed disappointment that Lagos State has failed to implement the agreement six months after discussions began, leaving academic staff feeling neglected, undervalued, and uncertain about the government’s commitment to their welfare.
He questioned whether the Lagos State Government truly values its workforce, adding that a state known as the “Centre of Excellence” should prioritize the welfare of the lecturers and researchers responsible for producing quality graduates and driving development.
Prof. Nassir further stated that the prolonged delay has left staff in the affected universities demoralized, while several other state governments have already implemented the agreement, making Lagos State an exception.
He also criticized the government’s handling of internal staff issues in LASU and LASUED, describing its response as slow and indifferent.
Reaffirming ASUU’s commitment to dialogue, he emphasized that the union does not seek confrontation but would not allow any government to disregard agreements reached through collective bargaining.
He disclosed that ASUU had formally communicated with all state governments through their vice-chancellors and that the National Universities Commission (NUC) had also issued relevant communications on the matter.
Prof. Nassir concluded by noting that several state universities across the country have already shut down over the non-implementation of the 2025 FGN-ASUU Agreement, adding that ASUU’s national leadership fully supports the ongoing industrial action until governments fulfill their obligations.
Vanguard
