“Many senior professors in Lagos State-owned universities earn less than secondary school principals under the same government.”
*Photo: Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State*
Academic staff unions from Lagos State’s three public universities on Wednesday accused the state government of failing to implement the 2025 Federal Government–ASUU Agreement eight months after its agreed start date, warning that the delay risks industrial tension and undermines higher education in the state.
At a joint press conference held at the ASUU-LASU secretariat in Ojo, leaders of Academic Staff Union of Lagos State University (ASUU-LASU), Academic Staff Union of Lagos State University of Education (ASSU- LASUED) and Academic Staff Union of Lagos State University of Science and Technology (ASUU-LASUSTECH)
said the agreement, which covers improved conditions of service for university lecturers, took effect nationally on 1 January 2026.
While other states have begun implementation, Lagos has not, they said.
“Eight months after implementation was due to commence, there has been no concrete action by the Government to honour this important agreement,” the unions stated. They noted that ASUU-LASUSTECH had written formally in March, June and July 2026 seeking harmonisation of welfare packages and warning of impending unrest, without meaningful response. Similar representations from ASUU-LASU and ASUU-LASUED had also gone unanswered.
The unions highlighted what they described as a stark salary anomaly: many senior professors in Lagos State-owned universities now earn less in total monthly remuneration than secondary school principals under the same government. They argued that the rank of professor, attained after decades of scholarship, teaching and research, deserves better recognition.
Other key demands included:
*Immediate implementation of the 2025 agreement (including enhanced retirement benefits for professors) with effect from 1 January 2026.
*Suspension of new tax deductions until the revised salary structure is in place.
*A review of Earned Academic Allowance (EAA) payments at LASU.
The unions claimed LASU academics have received only about ₦500,000 over a decade, while counterparts in federal and most other state universities have received between roughly ₦4 million and over ₦25 million.
*Unconditional reinstatement of five dismissed ASUU-LASU leaders (sacked several years ago over union activities) and the unconditional recall of ASUU-LASUED Chair Dr Akinola Victor, whose appointment was recently terminated.
*Immediate release of the Lagos State University Visitation Panel report and the accompanying government White Paper.
*Directives to governing councils and university managements to respect staff unions, due process and collective bargaining, and to end alleged intimidation and victimisation of union activists, particularly at LASUED.
The unions told journalists that universities cannot achieve excellence while academic staff welfare remains uncertain and industrial peace is strained by unilateral decision-making. They emphasised their preference for dialogue but stressed that patience should not be mistaken for acceptance of continued neglect.
Addressing Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu as Visitor to the institutions, the unions said Lagos, as Nigeria’s commercial and innovation hub, should set the benchmark for public higher education by honouring agreements and investing in its scholars. “No university system can achieve global competitiveness while the welfare of its academic staff remains uncertain,” they declared.
The press conference was addressed by Comrade Oluwaseun Babalola (Coordinator, ASUU-LASU), Comrade Victor Akinola (Chair, ASUU-LASUED) and Comrade Murisiku Onigemo (Chair, ASUU-LASUSTECH).
The unions closed with a call for justice, dialogue and responsible leadership, affirming their commitment to quality public education.
Read the full text of the press conference below:
ACADEMIC STAFF UNION OF UNIVERSITIES (ASUU)
TEXT OF A JOINT PRESS CONFERENCE OF ACADEMIC STAFF UNION OF LAGOS STATE UNIVERSITY (ASUU-LASU), ACADEMIC STAFF UNION OF LAGOS STATE UNIVERSITY OF EDUCATION (ASUU-LASUED) AND ACADEMIC STAFF UNION OF LAGOS STATE UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY (ASUU-LASUSTECH) ON THE NON-IMPLEMENTATION OF THE 2025 FEDERAL GOVERNMENT–ASUU AGREEMENT BY THE LAGOS STATE GOVERNMENT, HELD AT ASUU-LASU SECRETARIAT, LAGOS STATE UNIVERSITY, OJO, LAGOS STATE ON WEDNESDAY, 5 AUGUST 2026
Gentlemen and Ladies of the Press, Distinguished Representatives of Civil Society Organisations, Fellow Comrades, and Fellow Nigerians. We warmly welcome you to this press conference convened by the branches of our great Union, Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), in the three Lagos State Universities; comprising ASUU-LASU, ASUU-LASUED and ASUU-LASUSTECH. We have invited you today to draw the attention of the Lagos State Government, the people of Lagos State, and indeed all Nigerians to the continued failure of the State Government to implement the provisions of the 2025 Federal Government/ASUU Agreement in its three public universities, despite the mutually agreed commencement date of 1 January 2026.
These issues extend far beyond the welfare of university teachers. It speaks directly to the future of public higher education, the sanctity of collective bargaining agreements, and the commitment of the government to the development of human capital. A government that seeks excellence in higher education must equally demonstrate commitment to the welfare, dignity, and professional well-being of those entrusted with the responsibility of producing the nation’s intellectual capital.
Non-Implementation of the 2025 FGN–ASUU Agreement
The Academic Staff Union of Universities concluded extensive negotiations with the Federal Government after several years of engagement characterised by industrial disputes, sustained dialogue, and painstaking negotiations. Those efforts culminated in the 2025 Federal Government/ASUU Agreement, which addressed critical issues relating to the welfare and conditions of service of academic staff in Nigerian universities. Regrettably, while implementation has commenced in several jurisdictions across the country, the Lagos State Government has continued to delay implementation in its own universities, even though the agreed effective date was 1 January 2026. Eight months after implementation was due to commence, there has been no concrete action by the Government to honour this important agreement.
This prolonged silence is both disappointing and disturbing. ASUU-LASUSTECH has consistently engaged the relevant authorities through established institutional channels. The Union formally wrote to the Government through its correspondence titled “Re: Harmonisation of Welfare Template in Line with the FGN–ASUU Agreement and Lagos Factor” dated 5 March 2026. This was followed by a reminder dated 10 June 2026 and another communication titled “Impending Industrial Unrest and the Urgent Need to Implement the FGN–ASUU Agreement in Lagos State University of Science and Technology” dated 16 July 2026. Unfortunately, none of these communications has attracted any meaningful response from the Government.
Similarly, ASUU-LASU and ASUU-LASUED have repeatedly written to the appropriate authorities, urging the implementation of the Agreement. These representations have equally received little or no positive response. We find it difficult to understand why Lagos State; a State that prides itself as the economic nerve centre of Nigeria and a leading destination for investment and innovation, has chosen to delay the implementation of an agreement that several States with considerably fewer resources have already begun to implement. The continued refusal to implement the Agreement raises serious concerns.
First, it creates the unfortunate impression that the welfare of academics and the development of public universities are not receiving the priority they deserve within the policy framework of the Lagos State Government. Second, it undermines confidence in the integrity of collective bargaining and weakens the trust that should exist between Government and organised labour. Our members increasingly feel neglected, undervalued, and uncertain about the Government’s commitment to sustaining a productive and globally competitive university system. Nothing illustrates this contradiction more vividly than the current salary structure in our universities.
Today, many senior Professors in Lagos State-owned universities earn less in total monthly remuneration than Principals in the State’s secondary school system, despite serving under the same Government. This anomaly is difficult to justify. The office of a professor represents the highest academic rank in the university system. It is attained only after many years of rigorous scholarship, teaching, research, community service, and international academic recognition. From undergraduate studies through doctoral training and subsequent academic progression, attaining a professorship often requires in some instances, well over two decades of sustained intellectual labour and personal sacrifice. A society that genuinely values knowledge cannot continue to reward its highest academic personnel in a manner that diminishes the dignity of the profession.
At our Zonal Press Conference held on 2 July 2026, ASUU posed a number of fundamental questions to the Lagos State Government.
Those questions remain unanswered:
Is Lagos State unwilling to implement an agreement freely negotiated between the Government and the Academic Staff Union of Universities?
Can any government genuinely aspire to build world-class universities while failing to create world-class conditions for teaching, research, and innovation?
Can excellence thrive where the welfare of academic staff remains uncertain?
Can innovation flourish in an atmosphere characterised by avoidable industrial tension?
Can our universities compete globally when the very scholars expected to drive research, innovation, and national development continue to experience persistent neglect?
These are legitimate questions that deserve sincere and timely answers.
Retirement Welfare for Professors
Another significant component of the 2025 FGN/ASUU Agreement relates to enhanced retirement benefits for Professors in recognition of their invaluable contributions to national development. Across the world, societies that value knowledge ensure that those who devote their productive lives to teaching, research, innovation, and mentorship retire with dignity. Several universities have already commenced implementation of this important provision. Regrettably, there has been no indication whatsoever of the Lagos State Government’s intention regarding this aspect of the Agreement.
This silence creates anxiety among serving Professors, many of whom have devoted between thirty-five and forty-five years of distinguished service to the university system. No Professor who has spent decades producing graduates, conducting research, mentoring future leaders, and contributing to national development should retire into uncertainty or financial hardship. The government has both a moral and institutional obligation to ensure that those who have invested their lives in building the intellectual foundation of society retire with dignity. We therefore call on the Lagos State Government to immediately commence the implementation of this important component of the Agreement.
New Tax Deductions
While the implementation of the new salary structure remains outstanding, our members have observed the introduction of increased tax deductions under a revised tax regime. This development is deeply concerning. Government cannot, in good conscience, impose higher tax obligations on workers while withholding the improved remuneration upon which those tax obligations ought to be based. Taxation must be anchored on equity, fairness, and reciprocity.
It is inequitable for the Government to increase deductions from salaries that have not been adjusted in accordance with an agreement it is yet to implement. Accordingly, we call on the Lagos State Government to suspend the implementation of the new tax deductions affecting our members until the 2025 FGN/ASUU Agreement has been fully implemented. This is not only a matter of fairness; it is also consistent with the principles of good governance, industrial justice, and responsible public administration.
Earned Academic Allowance (EAA)
Gentlemen of the Press,
Another issue that continues to provoke legitimate concern among our members is the persistent injustice surrounding the payment of Earned Academic Allowance (EAA) to academic staff of Lagos State University (LASU). The Earned Academic Allowance is designed to compensate academic staff for the enormous workload associated with teaching, research, supervision of undergraduate and postgraduate students, curriculum development, external examinations, accreditation exercises, community service, and other statutory academic responsibilities that extend well beyond normal working hours.
Unfortunately, academic staff of Lagos State University remain among the most disadvantaged beneficiaries of this intervention nationwide. Over the past decade, colleagues in Federal and almost all State-owned universities have received multiple tranches of Earned Academic Allowance running into several millions of naira per academic staff. In many instances, cumulative payments have ranged from approximately four million to over twenty-five million naira, depending on rank and institution. By contrast, members of ASUU-LASU have received amount in the neighbourhood of five hundred thousand naira over the same period. This glaring disparity cannot be justified under any equitable system of public service administration. It represents an unacceptable inequality among academics performing comparable responsibilities within the Nigerian university system.
We therefore call on the Lagos State Government to urgently review the implementation of the Earned Academic Allowance in Lagos State University with a view to correcting this long-standing injustice. A government that seeks to position its universities among the best in Africa cannot continue to overlook the legitimate entitlements of those responsible for sustaining academic excellence.
The Continued Injustice Against the ASUU-LASU Five
Distinguished members of the press,
The question of justice within Lagos State University remains unresolved.
It is now about seven and nine years since five leaders of ASUU-LASU were dismissed under circumstances which our Union has consistently maintained were unjust, punitive, and inconsistent with the principles of due process and natural justice. Their dismissal arose from legitimate trade union activities carried out in defence of the rights of members and in pursuit of the collective interests of the university community. Throughout this period, our Union has continued to demand justice; not as an act of charity, but as a constitutional and moral obligation owed to citizens whose rights deserve protection under the law. We remain convinced that no university can attain true academic excellence where legitimate union activities are criminalised and principled dissent is met with punitive sanctions.
Universities are communities of ideas. They flourish through intellectual freedom, constructive criticism, institutional accountability, and respect for lawful disagreement. They cannot thrive in an atmosphere of fear, intimidation, or victimisation. We therefore renew our demand for the unconditional reinstatement of the five affected ASUU-LASU members. Justice delayed continues to undermine confidence in the commitment of Government to fairness and the rule of law.
Release of the Visitation Panel Report and White Paper
The continued non-release of the Report of the Lagos State University Visitation Panel and the accompanying Government White Paper is another issue that calls for concern. The Visitation Panel was constituted at public expense to examine important issues affecting the governance and administration of the University. Years after the completion of its assignment, the report has yet to be released to the University community or the general public. This prolonged delay raises legitimate questions regarding transparency, accountability, and the effective utilisation of public resources. Public inquiries commissioned with taxpayers’ funds should culminate in publicly accessible reports and clearly articulated government positions. Anything short of this undermines public confidence in institutional processes and weakens the credibility of government interventions.
Accordingly, we call on the Lagos State Government to immediately release the Visitation Panel Report together with its White Paper, in the interest of transparency, accountability, and institutional justice.
Developments in Lagos State University of Education (LASUED)
Ladies and Gentlemen,
The concerns of ASUU-LASUED are equally compelling. Beyond the delay in implementing the 2025 FGN-ASUU Agreement, our members have become increasingly concerned by a pattern of administrative actions that undermine industrial harmony and weaken confidence in the governance of the University. Rather than fostering an atmosphere of consultation, mutual respect, and participatory decision-making, there appears to be an increasing tendency towards unilateral decision-making, and inadequate engagement with recognised staff unions, particularly ASUU. Such an approach is inconsistent with the traditions of university administration and contrary to internationally accepted principles governing labour relations within higher education institutions.
Universities function best where management and staff unions maintain open channels of communication founded on mutual respect, trust, and adherence to established procedures. Experience across the world has consistently demonstrated that sustainable industrial peace is achieved through dialogue rather than confrontation, consultation rather than exclusion, and partnership rather than coercion. It is therefore deeply troubling that union leaders, activists, and staff members who raise legitimate concerns on matters affecting institutional governance are frequently subjected to various forms of intimidation, victimisation, or administrative harassment. These developments are incompatible with the core values of the university system.
Academic freedom, freedom of association, institutional autonomy, respect for due process, and the protection of lawful trade union activities remain indispensable pillars of every credible university. No university aspiring to international recognition should create an environment in which staff members become apprehensive about expressing legitimate opinions or participating in lawful union activities. We therefore call on the Lagos State Government to exercise appropriate oversight over its universities and ensure that institutional administrators conduct their affairs in strict compliance with the principles of fairness, due process, accountability, and respect for workers’ rights.
Government must make it unequivocally clear that victimisation, intimidation, abuse of authority, and the suppression of legitimate trade union activities have no place in Lagos State-owned universities. Only an atmosphere founded on justice, dialogue, and mutual respect can guarantee lasting industrial harmony and create the enabling environment required for excellence in teaching, research, innovation, and community service. As a Union, we reaffirm that our commitment has always been to constructive engagement. We remain convinced that the interests of our universities are best served when Government, Governing Councils, University Managements, and staff unions work collaboratively in pursuit of shared institutional goals. Industrial peace is neither accidental nor imposed. It is the natural product of justice, sincerity, mutual respect, and faithful adherence to negotiated agreements.
Our Position and Demand
Ladies and Gentlemen,
The issues we have raised today are neither new nor intractable. They are matters that can be resolved through sincere dialogue, and fidelity to agreements freely entered into by Government. The Academic Staff Union of Universities has never regarded industrial action as an end in itself. Our preference has always been constructive engagement, mutual respect, and negotiated solutions. However, experience has repeatedly shown that industrial harmony can only be sustained where agreements are honoured, justice is upheld, and workers are treated with fairness and dignity. It is against this background that our great Union in Lagos State Universities (LASU, LASUED and LASUSTECH) respectfully but firmly, call on the Lagos State Government to take the following actions without further delay:
Immediately implement the 2025 Federal Government–ASUU Agreement in all Lagos State-owned universities with effect from 1 January 2026, in accordance with the agreed commencement date.
Commence the implementation of all outstanding welfare provisions contained in the Agreement, including the enhanced retirement benefits for Professors and other negotiated entitlements.
Suspend the implementation of the new tax deductions affecting academic staff until the new salary structure has been fully implemented, in the interest of equity and fairness.
Review the implementation of the Earned Academic Allowance (EAA) in Lagos State University with a view to correcting the long-standing disparity between academic staff in Lagos State and their counterparts in Federal and other State universities.
Unconditionally reinstate the five dismissed ASUU-LASU leaders whose dismissal continues to represent one of the most unfortunate episodes in the history of labour relations within Lagos State-owned universities.
Unconditional recall of ASUU-LASUED Chair, Dr Akinola Victor, the appointment of who was recently terminated on issues weaponized against his union activities
Immediately release the Report of the Lagos State University Visitation Panel and the Government White Paper, in keeping with the principles of transparency, accountability, and good governance.
Direct the Governing Councils, Vice-Chancellors, and Managements of all Lagos State-owned universities to respect the rights of staff unions, uphold due process, honour collective bargaining, and resolve disputes through dialogue rather than confrontation.
Guarantee the protection of academic freedom, institutional autonomy, freedom of association, and workers’ rights, which remain indispensable foundations of every credible university system.
Our Message to the Visitor of Our Universities
Your Excellency, the Governor of Lagos State and the Visitor to our great Universities. We wish to emphasize the obvious, that Lagos occupies a unique place in the Nigerian federation. It is Nigeria’s foremost centre of commerce, innovation, education, and intellectual enterprise. It is therefore expected that Lagos should set the benchmark for excellence in public higher education. Such leadership cannot be measured solely by magnificent physical infrastructure or impressive institutional rankings. It must also be reflected in the extent to which Government honours agreements, respects the rule of law, protects the dignity of workers, and invests in the intellectual resources upon which sustainable development depends.
Universities do not attain greatness merely because of imposing buildings or sophisticated equipment. They attain greatness because they attract, retain, and motivate outstanding scholars whose teaching, research, innovation, and mentorship shape future generations. No university system can achieve global competitiveness while the welfare of its academic staff remains uncertain. No government can consistently demand excellence from university teachers while failing to provide conditions that enable excellence to flourish. The future of higher education in Lagos State depends not only on sustained investment in infrastructure but also on deliberate investment in the people who constitute the intellectual foundation of our universities.
We wish to reiterate that ASUU remains committed to dialogue, consultation, and the peaceful resolution of disputes. Our Union has, throughout its history, demonstrated an unwavering commitment to defending the integrity of the Nigerian university system, promoting quality education, safeguarding academic standards, and advancing the welfare of university workers. We believe that dialogue remains the most effective instrument for resolving disagreements in any democratic society. We therefore urge the Lagos State Government to seize this opportunity to engage meaningfully with the Union before avoidable tensions escalate. Our members have exercised considerable patience. That patience should not be mistaken for indifference, nor should our commitment to dialogue be interpreted as a willingness to accept perpetual injustice.
Conclusion
We conclude by reminding the Lagos State Government that collective agreements are not mere statements of intention; they are solemn commitments entered into through negotiation and mutual consent. Respect for such agreements is fundamental to industrial peace, institutional stability, and democratic governance. History has consistently shown that societies which invest in education and accord due respect to their intellectual workforce are better positioned to achieve sustainable development, social progress, and economic prosperity. We therefore urge the Government to act with wisdom, fairness, and a sense of urgency by implementing the 2025 Federal Government/ASUU Agreement and addressing the outstanding concerns highlighted today. This is not only in the interest of academic staff; it is in the best interest of our students, our universities, Lagos State, and Nigeria as a whole.
We appreciate members of the media for your continued commitment to informing the public objectively and responsibly. We also acknowledge the solidarity of civil society organisations, students, parents, alumni, and all stakeholders who continue to stand in defence of quality public education. Together, through justice, dialogue, and responsible leadership, we can build university systems that will serve as enduring pillars of national development.
Aluta Continua, Victoria Acerta!
Comrade BABALOLA, Oluwaseun
Coordinator, ASUU-LASU
Comrade AKINOLA, Victor
Chair, ASUU-LASUED
Comrade ONIGEMO, Murisiku
Chair, ASUU-LASUSTECH