Impact of the Strike
The University of Lagos (UNILAG) is currently experiencing significant disruptions due to an indefinite strike declared by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) on March 11, 2026. This action stems from the union’s grievances over unpaid salaries, particularly the incomplete payments for January and February.
UNILAG management has condemned the strike, stating that it did not follow due process. They emphasized the importance of maintaining academic activities during this period, particularly as semester examinations are already underway. Management has assured that ongoing examinations will proceed as scheduled despite the strike.
Prof Idou Keinde, the ASUU chairman at UNILAG, has made it clear that lecturers will not return to work until all outstanding payments are settled. This stance underscores the critical nature of the financial disputes between the university and its academic staff.
In response to the strike, UNILAG management is actively engaging with ASUU to resolve the issues surrounding unpaid allowances. They have appealed to the university community to remain calm and continue their academic activities while discussions are ongoing.
In February, the federal government had announced the implementation of key welfare components of its renegotiated agreement with ASUU, which included a 40 percent increase in consolidated academic allowances effective from January 1, 2026. However, the failure to fully disburse these payments has led to the current strike.
Courses for which examinations were postponed will be rescheduled, and the university is making efforts to ensure that academic activities are not severely impacted. The management has reiterated its commitment to resolving these issues swiftly.
As of now, examinations are set to resume on March 12, 2026, but the situation remains fluid. Details remain unconfirmed regarding the timeline for resolving the salary disputes and the potential return of lecturers to their duties.
The outcome of the ongoing discussions between UNILAG management and ASUU will be crucial in determining the future of academic activities at the university. Stakeholders are closely monitoring the situation as it develops.