Academic and administrative activities are set to grind to a halt across Lagos State-owned universities following an indefinite strike declared by the Joint Action Committee (JAC) of staff unions.
The strike commenced at midnight on Friday, October 2, 2026, after the unions said the Lagos State Government failed to implement agreements reached with university workers on improved allowances, salary adjustments and payment of outstanding arrears.
The action affects staff of four institutions — Lagos State University (LASU), Lagos State University College of Medicine (LASUCOM), Lagos State University of Science and Technology (LASUSTECH), and Lagos State University of Education (LASUED).
The JAC, comprising ASUU, SSANU, NASU and NAAT, announced the industrial action at a World Press Conference in Lagos after what it described as unsuccessful efforts to resolve the dispute through negotiations.
According to JAC Chairman, Prof. Ibrahim Bakare, the unions had reached an agreement with the state government in August on the implementation of new allowances, including 40 per cent Consolidated Academic Tools Allowance (CATA) and 10 per cent Earned Academic Allowance (EAA) for academic staff.
The agreement also provided for 35 per cent Consolidated Tertiary Institutions Non-Teaching Staff Allowance (CONTTA) and 35 per cent hazard allowance for non-teaching staff.
The unions said the new rates were expected to take effect with the August or September 2026 salaries, alongside payment of outstanding arrears dating back to January.
However, JAC said September salaries were paid without the agreed adjustments or arrears, prompting the unions to withdraw their services.
The workers are demanding immediate implementation of the signed agreement, payment of nine months’ arrears covering January to September 2026, compliance with the agreed non-taxable status of the allowances and implementation of a 15 per cent “Lagos Factor” to reflect the high cost of living in the state.
They are also demanding the fulfilment of other outstanding commitments, including a 20 per cent salary increase they said was promised during the 2023 election campaign and the release of five Marcopolo buses.
The unions said they had exhausted available avenues for dialogue and warned that the strike would remain in force until their demands are addressed.
The development could disrupt lectures, examinations, administrative services and other academic activities across the four institutions, potentially affecting thousands of students.
The Lagos State Government had yet to publicly respond to the strike declaration as of the time of the announcement.
