Lecturers at Lagos State University (LASU), Lagos State University of Education (LASUED) and Lagos State University of Science and Technology (LASUSTECH) are expected to resume academic activities immediately after the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) suspended its industrial action at the three institutions.
The union announced the decision on Friday in a joint statement signed by Olusegun Babalola, Coordinator of the Steering Committee, ASUU-LASU; Grace Abimbola, Acting Chairman of ASUU-LASUED; and Murisiku Onigemo, Chairman of ASUU-LASUSTECH. The suspension followed negotiations with the Lagos State Government over staff welfare and the implementation of outstanding agreements, TVC News reported on Saturday.
The development is expected to bring relief to students and parents who have been affected by the disruption of academic activities across the three state-owned universities.
In the statement, the union described the outcome of the negotiations as a significant milestone in its campaign for improved staff welfare and the implementation of 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.
ASUU expressed appreciation to the media, civil society organisations, traditional rulers, students, parents and other stakeholders who supported the union during the industrial action and subsequent negotiations.
The union specifically acknowledged the contributions of the Joint Action Front, Education Rights Concern and Campaign for Democratic Workers Rights, describing their advocacy as supportive of quality public tertiary education.
It also commended traditional rulers for their interventions and praised students and parents for their patience and understanding throughout the disruption.
Following the suspension, ASUU directed its members at LASU, LASUED and LASUSTECH to return to their classrooms with immediate effect, signalling a resumption of academic activities at the institutions.
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The union reiterated its commitment to academic excellence and the delivery of quality university education, despite the disagreements that led to the industrial action.
“As our members return to the classrooms with immediate effect, we reaffirm our commitment to academic excellence and quality university education,” the statement added.
However, the suspension does not mean that all outstanding issues have been resolved. ASUU said it would continue engaging the Lagos State Government to secure a full resolution of matters concerning the welfare package of its members.
The outcome of those discussions is expected to determine how the remaining concerns are addressed, even as lecturers return to work.
