The management of the University of Lagos has assured students that ongoing semester examinations will not be halted despite the industrial action declared by the institution’s chapter of the Academic Staff Union of Universities.
The strike was announced after a congress of the union on Tuesday, where lecturers resolved to withdraw their services beginning Wednesday over what they described as incomplete salary payments for January and February.
Chairman of the union at the university, Idowu Keinde, said members were dissatisfied because several components of their salaries were allegedly not paid.
He explained that the missing payments include elements under the Consolidated Salary Structure for Academics, the Consolidated Academic Tools Allowance and the Professorial Allowance. According to him, lecturers will remain on strike until the outstanding payments are settled.
Responding to the development, the university’s management criticised the action, saying the declaration of the strike did not comply with established procedures for industrial disputes.
In a statement issued by the Head of the institution’s Communication Unit, Adejoke Alaga-Ibraheem, the university said it had already opened discussions with the leadership of the union to resolve the issues raised, particularly those related to unpaid academic allowances.
The statement added that the institution is mindful of the current stage of the academic calendar, noting that students are already sitting for semester examinations and any disruption could affect those preparing for internships, industrial training and other academic obligations.
While acknowledging that some examinations might be postponed where departments have already informed students, the management said most tests will continue as scheduled. It also urged members of the university community to remain calm while dialogue with the union continues toward resolving the dispute.
