The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has declared an indefinite strike in three universities owned by the Lagos State Government.
The strike followed the expiration of ASUU’s 14-day ultimatum to the state government.
The affected institutions are Lagos State University (LASU), Lagos State University of Education (LASUED) and Lagos State University of Science and Technology (LASUSTECH).
The directive for work boycott by the varsities’ teachers is contained in a statement by a Joint Campus Group led by Olusegun Babalola, coordinator, Steering Committee, ASUU-LASU; Grace Abimbola, acting chairman, ASUU-LASUED; and Murisiku Onigemo, chairman, ASUU-LASUSTECH.
The Joint Campus Group issued the 14-day ultimatum on August 31 and extended it on September 10 to September 13.
According to the union, the state government allowed the deadline to expire without opening meaningful negotiations or presenting a concrete plan to resolve the dispute.
The statement reads: “Following the expiration of the 14-day ultimatum issued to the Lagos State Government on 31 August 2026, the Academic Staff Union of Universities Joint Campus Group, comprising Lagos State University, Lagos State University of Education, and Lagos State University of Science and Technology, hereby declares a total, comprehensive and indefinite strike action effective immediately.”
It said ASUU’s major demand is the full domestication and implementation of the December 2025 agreement between the union and the Federal Government across the State-owned universities.
The agreement includes the Consolidated Academic Tools Allowance and welfare provisions covering serving and retired academic staff.
The union said it was concerned about the impact of the strike on students, parents and the academic calendar, but maintained that continued inaction by the state government had left it with no alternative.
ASUU urged students of the affected institutions to remain calm and law-abiding, saying the action was aimed at securing sustainable improvements in the university system and better working conditions for academic staff members.
The union also appealed to parents and guardians to understand its position, arguing that a stable and adequately funded tertiary education system was necessary for the future of students.
ASUU commended the administrations of the three universities for their efforts towards the domestication of the agreement, stressing that the strike was not directed at university managements.
The union also called on traditional rulers, religious leaders, alumni associations, civil society organisations and other stakeholders to support its demand for improved funding and working conditions in the universities.
ASUU said the strike had the backing of its national leadership, supported the steps taken by the branches, including letters to university managements, governing councils and the Visitor, as well as the 14-day ultimatum.
The union accused the state government of failing to follow the example of other states whose governors had moved to resolve similar issues in their universities.
It said the strike would remain in force until engagement produced a satisfactory resolution and the Government signed, domesticated and fully implemented the applicable provisions of the 2025 agreement.
“The Union remains entirely committed to constructive dialogue and to the swift restoration of normal academic activities as soon as these outstanding issues are addressed,” it said.