Academic activities are set to resume at Lagos State University (LASU), Lagos State University of Education (LASUED) and Lagos State University of Science and Technology (LASUSTECH) after the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) suspended its industrial action at the three institutions.
The union announced the suspension on Friday following negotiations with the Lagos State Government over lecturers’ welfare and the implementation of outstanding agreements.
In a joint statement, the union directed its members across the three universities to return to their classrooms immediately, raising hopes of a return to normal academic activities for students affected by the disruption.
The statement was signed by Olusegun Babalola, Coordinator of the Steering Committee of ASUU-LASU; Grace Abimbola, Acting Chairperson of ASUU-LASUED; and Murisiku Onigemo, Chairman of ASUU-LASUSTECH.
The union described the decision as a significant step in its campaign for improved staff welfare and the fulfilment of previously reached agreements with the state government.
“Our struggle for improved staff welfare and the implementation of vital academic agreements has reached a significant milestone, largely due to the collective support of well-meaning individuals and organisations,” the statement said.
While announcing the return to classrooms, the union reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining academic standards and delivering quality university education.
“As our members return to the classrooms with immediate effect, we reaffirm our commitment to academic excellence and quality university education,” it said.
ASUU also made clear that the suspension does not end discussions with the Lagos State Government, stating that negotiations would continue over outstanding issues relating to lecturers’ welfare packages.
The union thanked media organisations, civil society groups, traditional rulers, students, parents and other stakeholders for their support and patience during the dispute.
It specifically acknowledged the contributions of the Joint Action Front (JAF), Education Rights Concern (ERC) and Campaign for Democratic Workers’ Rights (CDWR), which supported advocacy for improved workers’ welfare and quality public tertiary education.
The union also appreciated traditional rulers for their interventions and commended students and parents for their understanding during the industrial action.
The suspension is expected to provide relief to students at the three Lagos-owned universities, although the timeline for any adjustments to academic calendars or missed lectures was not specified in the statement.
