By Gabriel Dike
Administrative activities at the Lagos State University of Education (LASUED), Ojo/Ijanikin, Lagos State University (LASU), and Lagos State University of Science and Technology (LASUTECH) were on Monday grounded following an indefinite strike by the Non Academic Staff Union (NASU) over the non-implementation of their demands.
As early as 7.00am NASU leaders of the three institutions and their members gathered at the main gates and staged a protest to draw the attention of the public.
Some of the outstanding demands date back to 2013, which include 72 months hazard and transport allowances as well as unremitted pension funds for LASUED and non-payment of the 25/35-salary increment for LASUTECH.
The main gates of LASU, LASUED and LASUTECH were locked by the aggrieved NASU members leading to the disruption of academic and administrative activities on the three main campuses including Epe, LASUCOM Ikeja and Isolo.
Daily Sun gathered that the vice chancellors and principal officers of the three institutions could not gain access to their officers as a result of the ongoing strike.
Academic staff of the three universities that were part of the Joint Action Committee (JAC), which met state government officials over the outstanding demands, are not part of the ongoing strike. The lecturers in the affected institutions were locked and they could not also gain access to their officials as well as the lecture halls.
Confirming the strike, NASU LASUED chairman and Secretary, Bademu Amirah and Adelakun Segun, said the decision for the strike followed the Lagos State Government and the university management’s continuous failure to address the union’s demands, despite prolonged negotiations and appeals.
The union leaders listed its demands to include non-payment of 72 months arrears of hazard and transport allowances.
“NASU-LASUED demands the immediate payment of outstanding hazard and transport allowances for the period from January 2013 to December 2018. The failure to fulfill these obligations has caused significant financial hardship for our members, many of whom depend on these allowances to meet their basic needs,” both stated.
Other demands are the implementation of 25/35% salary increase, adding, “in response to the escalating cost of living, NASU-LASUED has long called for a 25-35% salary increment. Despite an agreement on the increase, the Lagos State Government and university management have failed to implement this adjustment, creating further financial strain on our members.’’
They said the union is agitating for the approval of Harmonized Salary Structure for Tertiary Institutions in Lagos State and that the current disparities in pay across institutions undermine the value of our members’ work and create inequality within the education sector.
The unionists said despite the Federal Government’s directive, the Lagos State Government has failed to implement the new minimum wage for LASUED staff.
“This non-compliance has left our members struggling to make ends meet. The union insists that the Lagos State Government must honour this commitment to ensure that all workers receive a wage that meets the basic standard of living,’’ they stated.
The union urged the Lagos State Government and the university management to urgently engage with NASU leaders and take concrete steps to address the outstanding demands
“We call on parents, students, and the general public to support this just cause. This strike is not merely a labour dispute; it is a struggle for fair treatment and improved conditions for all. A workforce that is treated with respect will enhance the quality of education at LASUED, ultimately benefiting the students and the broader community.”
In a swift reaction, the Vice Chancellor of LASUED, Prof. Bidemi Lafiaji-Okuneye, said the state government is on top of the situation and that the strike would be resolved.
At LASU a union leader told Daily Sun that NASU members embarked on indefinite strike to press home the implementation of the outstanding demands.
According to him, aside the university management team, some academic staff stayed off campus but students who were not aware of the industrial action were stranded on the campus.
Recalled that the four LASU staff unions were the first to embark on a strike, which crippled academic and administrative services on campuses at Ojo, Epe and Ikeja. The university management was forced to declare early Christmas and New Year break to make the industrial action ineffective.
At LASUTECH Ikorodu, an academic staff confirmed that NASU members are on strike and locked the two main gates. He said he couldn’t gain access to his office and had to leave.
While a non-teaching staff told Daily Sun that the ongoing strike was initiated by the JAC of the three state-owned universities. She said no principal officers would be allowed on the campus.
In a message by ASUU LASUTECH, the executives urged members to prioritize their safety and shun the lecture halls. The message reads: “A security advisory for all ASUU LASUSTECH members.”
It noted: “As you are aware, access to LASUSTECH Ikorodu campus is limited and restricted due to ongoing NASU LASUSTECH strike. Hence, our members are encouraged to prioritize their safety.
“ASUU LASUSTECH will continue to monitor the situations and update you accordingly. If you are unable to discharge your responsibilities in a safe and serene environment, kindly shun classrooms and prioritize your safety.’’
Daily Sun also learnt that the Isolo campus of LASUTECH was later locked up by aggrieved NASU members.
As at the time of going to press, no police presence was notice at the three state-owned universities.