UNILAG ASUU Suspends Strike After Administration Pledges To Resolve Allowance Issues

The University of Lagos (UNILAG) chapter of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has suspended its strike, just hours after it began on Wednesday. The decision followed meetings between lecturers and the university administration, led by Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Development Services) Prof. Foluso Lesi, and a subsequent resolution reached at the union’s congress later in the day. The strike had been declared on Tuesday, with the UNILAG ASUU branch directing lecturers to withdraw their services from Wednesday over unpaid allowances for January and February 2026. The union cited non-payment of the Earned Academic Allowance (EAA) and Consolidated Academic Tools Allowance (CATA) for Research in January, as well as unpaid CATA and professorial allowances in February. Speaking to journalists, ASUU UNILAG chairman Prof. Idou Keinde said the union decided to suspend the industrial action in response to the administration’s commitment to address the lecturers’ grievances within 48 hours. Keinde explained that discussions focused on aligning positions regarding Earned Academic Allowances and professorial allowances for excess workload. He also noted that the administration requested a formal paper detailing the union’s stance based on the Federal Government/ASUU 2025 agreement—a request he described as unusual—but confirmed that the union provided the document. “We met with the administration, they made some promises and said they would act in the next 48 hours. ASUU is a union of intellectuals and principles. We are always procedural in whatever we do. We cannot ignore their submissions,” he said. He added, “As far as they have invited us, we have to listen. We took what they offered in good faith. The issue is our allowances. They only addressed one aspect out of three and overlooked the rest. Even the one they considered, the Earned Allowance, was incomplete, and we drew their attention to it. “They asked us to provide a paper on a signed agreement, which they already have. We submitted a paper showing that the correct Earned Allowance for excess workload was not paid each month. That issue has been resolved, and the administration promised to act within 48 hours.” The suspension of the strike offers temporary relief to students and staff, with the union and university administration expected to continue working on resolving the allowance disputes promptly.

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UNILAG Says ASUU Strike Announcement Ignored Required Procedures

The University of Lagos has criticised its local branch of the Academic Staff Union of Universities for declaring a strike without observing the laid-down procedures. Lecturers under the ASUU UNILAG chapter had, during a congress on Tuesday, resolved to begin an industrial action from Wednesday. The union said the decision was taken because members had not received the complete payment of their January and February salaries. According to the union, the payments made did not include the full Consolidated Salary Structure for Academics, the Consolidated Academic Tools Allowance and the Professorial Allowance owed to staff. The chairman of the chapter, Prof. Idou Keinde, stated that lecturers would stay away from their duties until the outstanding entitlements are fully settled. However, reacting to the announcement, the university’s management said the union did not follow the required process before declaring the action. The institution’s Head of Communication, Adejoke Alaga-Ibraheem, said the university remains committed to staff welfare and has continued discussions with ASUU leaders to resolve the issues raised, particularly those relating to unpaid Consolidated Academic Teaching Allowances. “Management observes that due process was not followed in making this declaration. Nevertheless, discussions with the ASUU Executive are ongoing to address all issues.” The university also assured students that examinations already scheduled would continue on Wednesday as planned to avoid disrupting the academic calendar. It explained that academic activities must continue at this critical stage of the semester, especially as students are preparing for internships, the Students’ Industrial Work Experience Scheme and Law School admission processes. Management added that examinations earlier postponed in some courses have been rearranged, while all remaining papers will resume from Thursday, March 12, 2026. Students and staff were urged to remain calm while negotiations with the union continue in hopes of reaching a resolution soon.

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UNILAG ASUU Declares Indefinite Strike Over ‘Amputated’ Salaries

Lecturers at the University of Lagos under the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) have announced plans to begin an indefinite strike over salary disputes with the institution’s management. The union said the decision was taken after members received what it described as “amputated” salaries for January and February 2026. Details of the planned industrial action were contained in a communiqué released after an emergency meeting of the union on Tuesday. The statement was signed by the chapter’s chairperson, Idou Kehinde, and secretary, Adesina Arikawe. According to the union leaders, the strike will take effect from Wednesday and will remain in force until the university management meets the demands of the lecturers.

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Tinubu Declares Era Of ASUU Strikes Over, Pledges Lasting Stability In Tertiary Education

President Bola Tinubu has declared that the era of strikes by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) is over, assuring that his administration is committed to lasting peace and stability in Nigeria’s tertiary education sector. He made the statement during the 56th convocation of the University of Lagos (UNILAG), where he was represented by the Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa. The president emphasized that the cycle of prolonged academic disruptions will be replaced by sustained dialogue, mutual respect, and timely implementation of agreements. “Since the beginning of my administration, we have seen two uninterrupted academic sessions across our tertiary institutions. This is the result of firm political will, ongoing dialogue, and responsible leadership,” Tinubu said. He highlighted that, under his direct oversight, the federal government recently signed a new agreement with ASUU, resolving a long-standing dispute that had previously undermined confidence in Nigeria’s university system. “This milestone ensures industrial harmony and a predictable academic calendar. It restores the dignity of learning and signals the end of perennial strikes in our universities,” he added. The president also outlined key initiatives introduced by his administration, including the Nigerian Education Loans Fund (NELFUND) for students, the Institutional Staff Support Fund for university workers, and other programs aimed at strengthening the education sector. He stressed the need for universities to produce graduates who are not only employable but capable of creating jobs and driving innovation. “My administration will continue to implement reforms for a technology-driven education system, including curriculum restructuring, quality assurance, skill-based learning, and fostering innovation-led problem solving,” Tinubu said. UNILAG Vice-Chancellor Folasade Ogunsola praised the university Senate, staff, and stakeholders for their dedication, and congratulated the graduates and their sponsors. She encouraged the graduates to turn challenges into opportunities and contribute positively to society.

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FG, ASUU Sign Landmark Agreement To Strengthen Universities

The Federal Government and the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) have reached a new agreement aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s university system and promoting academic stability. The pact, which replaces the 2009 agreement that had repeatedly triggered strikes over unresolved issues, was signed and unveiled on Wednesday at the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) Conference Hall in Maitama, Abuja. The event was attended by top officials, including the Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Alausa, and the Minister of State for Education, Prof. Suwaiba Ahmad. ASUU President, Prof. Chris Piwuna, expressed cautious optimism about the deal, noting the union’s long history of industrial disputes with the government. He said the union hopes the new agreement will be implemented fully without the need for strike threats. “We are optimistic that the government will implement this agreement in totality, but pessimism still exists because of our history,” Piwuna said. “It is our belief that Dr. Tunji Alausa will be different, and that our union will not need to issue a strike threat before any part of this agreement is implemented. ASUU is open and accessible, and we expect the same from the government.” Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, described the agreement as a landmark moment for Nigeria’s tertiary education system. He credited President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for prioritizing quality education and ensuring that academic calendars remain uninterrupted across universities. “This occasion represents far more than the presentation of a document; it symbolises renewed trust, restored confidence, and a decisive turning point in the history of Nigeria’s tertiary education system,” Alausa said. “It is a clear demonstration of President Tinubu’s commitment to quality education and a stable academic calendar for all students in Nigerian tertiary institutions.” The new agreement sets the stage for improved collaboration between the government and ASUU, aiming to reduce strikes and enhance the overall quality of higher education in Nigeria.

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ASUU, Federal Government Finalize New Agreement On Salaries, Pensions And University Funding

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) and the Federal Government have reached a new agreement, bringing an end to the long-running renegotiation of the 2009 FGN–ASUU Agreement. The resolution marks a major milestone in addressing disputes over academics’ welfare and funding for public universities. ASUU announced the development on its official Facebook page on Wednesday, confirming that the agreement will take effect from January 1, 2026, with a scheduled review after three years. The deal was finalized on December 23, 2025, following extensive negotiations between the union and government representatives. Under the new terms, academic staff in public universities will receive a 40 per cent salary increase, alongside significantly enhanced pension benefits. Professors retiring at age 70 are now entitled to a pension equivalent to their annual salary. The agreement also introduces a revamped funding model for universities, allocating dedicated resources for research, libraries, laboratories, equipment, and staff development. Additionally, a National Research Council will be established to oversee research activities, with at least one per cent of Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product committed to funding research. Other key provisions include strengthened university autonomy and academic freedom, the election of academic leaders such as Deans and Provosts restricted to professors, and assurances that no staff member will be penalized for participating in previous industrial actions.

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Federal Government Offers 40% Salary Increase As ASUU Resumes Fresh Negotiations

The Federal Government has moved to ease the growing tension in public universities by presenting a fresh proposal to increase the salaries of Academic Staff Union of Universities members by 40 per cent, according to officials familiar with the talks in Abuja. The offer surfaced just as ASUU prepares for another round of negotiations with the government committee chaired by Yayale Ahmed. The decision to return to the table followed lengthy deliberations at the union’s National Executive Council meeting held in Abuja on Sunday, where branch leaders were mandated to brief their members before discussions continue. A NEC participant, who avoided being named due to restrictions on speaking during bargaining, confirmed that talks would resume next week. The official said the government “made a proposal of a 40% salary increment. Branch leaders will go back and update members on the situation. As it stands, negotiations continue with the government next week.” The union’s one-month ultimatum to the government expired last Saturday, raising fears of a major shutdown in public universities nationwide. In response, federal officials quickly summoned ASUU to a meeting that stretched from Monday into Tuesday, but both sides kept the outcome under wraps because of the confidential nature of the process. ASUU has warned that a full strike remains on the table if government agencies continue what the union describes as a “nonchalant” approach to long-standing issues. Central to the dispute are the renegotiation of the 2009 agreement, payment of outstanding salaries and earned allowances, and the release of funds for university revitalisation. While the tension grows, the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa—currently outside the country—has insisted that the administration has addressed the union’s concerns. He recently told State House correspondents that President Bola Tinubu had made it clear he wanted stability in public universities. According to him, “the President has mandated us that he doesn’t want ASUU to go on strike, and we’re doing everything humanly possible to ensure that our students stay in school. The last strike they went on for about six days was not really needed. We’ve met literally all their requirements and are back at the negotiation table. We will resolve this.” The Nigeria Labour Congress has also entered the picture, backing ASUU and warning that it will step in if the government fails to meet the lecturers’ demands.

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FG Warns ASUU Against Strike, Vows To Enforce No Work No Pay Policy

ASUU Threatens Nationwide Strike If Federal Government Fails To Meet Demands

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has threatened to resume its nationwide strike if the Federal Government fails to meet its demands by the end of a one-month ultimatum. ASUU Kano Zonal Coordinator, Abdulkadir Muhammad, issued the warning on Monday during a press conference in Kano following a zonal meeting. The lecturers had suspended their warning strike in October, giving the government a month to address issues relating to staff welfare and the provision of a conducive teaching and learning environment. Muhammad expressed frustration over what he described as the government’s slow approach to renegotiating key agreements aimed at revitalising Nigeria’s public university system. The meeting included representatives from Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria; Bayero University Kano (BUK); Kaduna State University (KASU); Aliko Dangote University of Science and Technology (ADUSTECH), Wudil; Federal University Dutse (FUD); Northwest University (NWU), Kano; and Sule Lamido University (SLUK), Kafin Hausa. He said the warning follows the report presented at ASUU’s National Executive Council (NEC) meeting held on November 8 and 9 at Taraba State University. NEC expressed dissatisfaction with the slow pace of ongoing negotiations, describing it as a major obstacle to reaching a meaningful resolution. “The suspension of the strike in October was meant to create an enabling environment and a gesture of goodwill toward Nigerians. However, our hope for a holistic and timely resolution of the issues is increasingly being dashed,” Muhammad said. He also criticised certain government officials for allegedly undermining the negotiation process and misleading the public about the state of talks. According to him, the government has yet to show genuine commitment to improving lecturers’ welfare or addressing conditions that drive brain drain in the university system. “What the government has offered will neither improve the working conditions of academics nor attract scholars from other countries to our universities,” he added, noting that some officials have falsely claimed that ASUU’s demands have been met. Muhammad further urged the Federal Government to place a moratorium on the establishment of new state universities, similar to the policy for federal institutions, saying, “Governors have cultivated the habit of establishing universities in their states without commitment to funding them.”

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