The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has suspended its industrial action at three Lagos State-owned universities, clearing the way for lecturers to return to classrooms after weeks of disrupted 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 union announced the suspension on Friday, October 9, following negotiations over staff welfare and outstanding agreements with the Lagos State Government. The development brings relief to students and parents who have faced uncertainty since the strike began in September.
Why ASUU Went on Strike
ASUU began the industrial action on September 15 after the Lagos State Government failed to resolve the union’s demands within the period covered by its earlier ultimatum.
The dispute centred on staff welfare, improved remuneration and the implementation of outstanding academic agreements, including provisions linked to the 2025 Federal Government-ASUU agreement.
Before the strike, the union had warned that it would take industrial action if the government failed to make satisfactory progress on its demands. The dispute subsequently disrupted academic activities across the three universities.
What Changed During Negotiations?
The suspension followed progress in discussions between the union and the Lagos State Government.
ASUU representatives acknowledged the contributions of stakeholders, including civil society organisations, traditional rulers, students, parents and the media, to the negotiation process.
In a joint statement, Olusegun Babalola, Coordinator of the ASUU-LASU Steering Committee; Grace Abimbola, Acting Chairman of ASUU-LASUED; and Murisiku Onigemo, Chairman of ASUU-LASUSTECH, described the progress as an important milestone in the struggle for better staff welfare and the implementation of academic agreements.
The LASUED chapter separately welcomed Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s approval of a 40 per cent Consolidated Academic Tools Allowance (CATA), a 10 per cent Earned Academic Allowance (EAA) and professorial allowances.
However, the chapter said other matters, including allowances for retired professors and the proposed Lagos Factor Allowance, still required further discussions with the state government.
When Will Lectures Resume?
ASUU’s joint announcement directed members to return to classrooms with immediate effect. The LASUED chapter, however, stated that academic activities at its institution would resume on Monday, October 12.
Students should therefore watch for official notices from their respective universities regarding lectures, examinations, registration deadlines and revised academic calendars.
The suspension removes the immediate obstacle created by the strike, but each institution may need to communicate its own arrangements for restarting academic activities.
What Does the Suspension Mean for Students?
The return of lecturers should allow the universities to restart disrupted academic programmes and plan how to recover lost teaching time.
Students awaiting lectures, tests, examinations or other academic activities should check their university’s official communication channels for confirmed dates and instructions.
Parents and guardians can also begin planning around the expected resumption, although they should rely on official university announcements rather than assumptions about examination or semester schedules.
Are ASUU’s Demands Fully Resolved?
Not yet, based on the information available.
The union has suspended the strike, but it has also pledged to continue engaging the Lagos State Government to secure the full resolution of outstanding staff-welfare issues.
This means the suspension marks progress in negotiations, rather than proof that every disputed matter has been settled. The durability of the agreement will depend on how the government and university authorities implement their commitments.
For students, the immediate priority is the restoration of academic activities. For lecturers, the next stage is ensuring that the commitments reached during negotiations translate into lasting improvements in staff welfare.
What Happens Next?
The Lagos State Government and ASUU will need to follow through on the outstanding agreements to prevent another disruption.
University managements must also communicate clear resumption arrangements and provide updated academic schedules where necessary.
For now, the suspension offers welcome relief to students at LASU, LASUED and LASUSTECH. Whether the peace lasts will depend on the implementation of the agreements and continued engagement between both sides.
