By Victor Ahiuma-Young
Lecturers under the Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU, in three Lagos State-owned universities have suspended their industrial action and are set to return to classrooms with immediate effect.
The development has brought relief to students and parents affected by the disruption of academic activities.
The affected institutions are Lagos State University, LASU, Lagos State University of Education, LASUED, and Lagos State University of Science and Technology, LASUSTECH.
The unions announced the suspension on Friday, while expressing appreciation to the media, civil society organisations, CSOs, traditional rulers, students, parents and other stakeholders for their support throughout the negotiations. It said the collective efforts of these groups contributed significantly to the negotiation process, which centred on improved staff welfare and the implementation of outstanding academic agreements.
In a statement jointly issued by Olusegun Babalola, Coordinator, Steering Committee, ASUU-LASU; Grace Abimbola, Acting Chairman, ASUU-LASUED; and Murisiku Onigemo, Chairman, ASUU-LASUTECH, the unions said: “Following the official suspension of our industrial action today, the leadership and entire membership of the Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU, in Lagos State-owned universities wish to express our profound gratitude to the general public, institutional leaders, and key stakeholders who stood firmly by us throughout the negotiation process.
“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. We wish to express our deepest appreciation to the following:
“The Press and Broadcasting Organisations: We thank you for your objective, timely, and investigative coverage. Your platforms ensured that our grievances were accurately communicated to the public and policymakers, helping to keep the discussions balanced and constructive.
“Civil Society Organisations (CSOs): We are grateful for the solidarity, advocacy, and unwavering commitment to social justice demonstrated by the Joint Action Front (JAF), Education Rights Concern (ERC), Campaign for Democratic Workers Rights (CDWR), and other pro-worker organisations. Your defense of quality public tertiary education provided valuable support for our cause.
“Our Revered Traditional Rulers: We honour our royal fathers for their timely interventions, fatherly counsel, and behind-the-scenes diplomatic efforts. Your wisdom helped bridge communication gaps during critical moments of the impasse.
“Students, Parents, and Other Stakeholders: We deeply appreciate your resilience, patience, and understanding throughout this period. We recognise the sacrifices you have made and reaffirm that our struggle remains focused on securing improved staff welfare and a better future for public university education in Lagos State.
“As our members return to the classrooms with immediate effect, we reaffirm our commitment to academic excellence and quality university education. We also look forward to continued engagement with the Lagos State Government to ensure the full resolution of all outstanding issues relating to our welfare package.
“Once again, we appreciate everyone who stood with us throughout this struggle. Your solidarity and support have been invaluable.”
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