UNILAG rejects ASUU strike, says examinations will continue
The management of the University of Lagos has criticised the institution’s chapter of the Academic Staff Union of Universities for declaring a strike without following established procedures.
The development followed a decision by ASUU UNILAG, after a congress on Tuesday, to direct its members to withdraw their services from Wednesday over what it described as incomplete payment of January and February salaries.
Chairman of the union’s UNILAG chapter, Prof. Idou Keinde, explained that lecturers were paid less than their full entitlements, including the Consolidated Salary Structure for Academics, Consolidated Academic Tools Allowance and the Professorial Allowance.
Keinde stated that the lecturers would not return to work until the outstanding salary components were paid in full.
However, the university management, through its Head of the Communication Unit, Adejoke Alaga Ibraheem, said discussions were ongoing with the ASUU leadership to resolve the issues, particularly the unpaid Consolidated Academic Teaching Allowances.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the management said it had observed reports that ASUU members had been directed to suspend their services following the congress held on March 10, 2026.
According to the statement, the university noted that proper procedures were not followed before the strike was declared. It added that the management remained committed to the welfare of both staff and students and had continued to engage with the union to address the concerns raised.
Despite the strike directive, the university said ongoing examinations would continue as scheduled.
The management explained that students were currently at a crucial stage of the academic session, with semester examinations already underway. It warned that any disruption at this time could negatively affect students, particularly those preparing for the Students’ Industrial Work Experience Scheme, internships, or admission into the Nigerian Law School.
The university also stated that any examination earlier postponed by deans or heads of department would be rescheduled.
It added that all examinations would proceed as planned from Thursday, March 12, 2026, and directed deans to make the necessary arrangements to ensure smooth conduct of the examinations.
The management further appealed to members of the university community to remain calm and continue with their academic activities while discussions with the ASUU leadership continue in search of a resolution.
