UNILAG Faults ASUU Strike, Insists Examinations Will Continue Despite Lecturers’ Protest

UNILAG Faults ASUU Strike, Insists Examinations Will Continue Despite Lecturers’ Protest

The University of Lagos (UNILAG) has criticised the decision of the institution’s chapter of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) to embark on an industrial action, saying the declaration did not follow due process.

The development comes after ASUU UNILAG directed its members to withdraw their services beginning Wednesday following what the lecturers described as “amputated” salaries for January and February.

The decision was reached during a congress of the union held on Tuesday, where lecturers protested alleged deductions and unpaid allowances.

The Chairman of ASUU UNILAG, Prof. Idou Keinde, said lecturers received incomplete salaries, noting that payments excluded several components of their earnings. According to him, the affected payments include the Consolidated Salary Structure for Academics (CONUASS), Consolidated Academic Tools Allowance, and the Professorial Allowance.

Keinde maintained that the lecturers would not resume academic duties until the outstanding payments are fully settled.

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Reacting to the strike directive, UNILAG management said the union failed to follow established procedures before declaring the industrial action.

In a statement issued on Wednesday by the Head of the Communication Unit, Adejoke Alaga-Ibraheem, the university said it had taken note of the union’s directive but emphasised that proper channels were not observed.

“Management observes that due process was not followed in making this declaration. Nevertheless, in its commitment to the welfare of staff and students, the university has continued to engage with the ASUU Executive to address all issues,” the statement said.

The university added that discussions are ongoing with the union to resolve concerns, particularly those relating to the unpaid Consolidated Academic Teaching Allowances.

Despite the strike announcement, the university maintained that ongoing examinations will continue as scheduled.

Management said it is particularly concerned about the impact any disruption could have on students who are already in the middle of their semester examinations. According to the statement, halting the examinations could negatively affect students preparing for the Students’ Industrial Work Experience Scheme (SIWES), internships, and those scheduled to proceed to the Nigerian Law School.

The institution therefore confirmed that all examinations will continue from Thursday, March 12, 2026, with deans and heads of departments directed to ensure smooth conduct of the exams.

However, the university noted that any examination earlier postponed by departments would be rescheduled accordingly.

While negotiations with the union continue, the university urged members of the academic community to remain calm and continue with their lawful academic activities.

“Management appeals to all members of the university community to remain calm and continue to go about their lawful academic activities as discussions with ASUU executive continue toward an amicable resolution of the issues raised,” the statement added.

The situation reflects renewed tensions between UNILAG management and ASUU, as Nigerian universities continue to grapple with disputes over lecturers’ salaries, allowances, and funding for higher education.

UNILAG Faults ASUU Strike, Insists Examinations Will Continue Despite Lecturers’ Protest