ASUU threatens shutdown of Lagos State-owned universities
Unrest Looms at Lagos State Universities Over Unfulfilled Agreement
Three universities owned by the Lagos State Government may soon experience industrial unrest as the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Lagos Zone, has issued a warning about a potential shutdown. This warning stems from the state government’s failure to implement the 2025 Federal Government-ASUU Agreement.
The union made the announcement during a press conference on Thursday at the Lagos State University of Science and Technology (LASUSTECH). ASUU accused the government of neglecting the welfare of lecturers despite several months of discussions.
The universities affected by this situation include Lagos State University (LASU), Lagos State University of Education (LASUED), and LASUSTECH.
ASUU representatives indicated their readiness to support any decisions taken by branch members at the three institutions if the state government continues to delay the implementation of the signed agreement, which has been outstanding for six months.
At the press briefing, ASUU Lagos Zone Coordinator Adesola Nassir voiced concerns about the growing sense of abandonment among lecturers, questioning the government’s commitment to their welfare. He pointed out that a government should not expect world-class university rankings while failing to provide adequate conditions for academic excellence.
“Excellence cannot thrive when welfare remains uncertain,” he said, adding that it is unacceptable for Lagos, often termed the “Centre of Excellence,” to lag behind other states in fulfilling the agreement.
Nassir warned that the ongoing delays are already negatively impacting staff morale and could result in declining academic standards, institutional instability, and disruptions to academic activities. He described the situation at the affected campuses as one in which staff morale is deteriorating, leading to ethics drift and reduced quality in graduates.
ASUU also highlighted unresolved issues at LASU and LASUED, including the dismissals of certain union officials and allegations of victimization against the ASUU chairperson at LASUED. The union emphasized that the Lagos State Government should be held accountable if the universities are forced to take industrial action.
“Should any crises arise, the government—not ASUU—should take responsibility for the turmoil affecting these institutions,” Nassir said.
The union has called on Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to intervene urgently by concluding discussions with union branches and implementing the 2025 agreement to prevent what they termed “brewing unrest” in Lagos State-owned universities.