UNILAG Dismisses ASUU Strike Declaration, Insists Examinations Will Continue

The management of the University of Lagos (UNILAG) has dismissed the industrial action declared by its local chapter of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), insisting that ongoing examinations and academic activities will proceed as scheduled.

Akahi News gathered that the disagreement emerged after the UNILAG chapter of ASUU reportedly directed its members to withdraw their services following complaints about incomplete salary payments and allowances.

However, the university administration has maintained that the strike declaration did not follow established procedures and therefore does not halt academic operations within the institution.

Dispute Over Salary and Allowance Payments

According to reports monitored by Akahi News, the ASUU chapter of the university announced the industrial action after a congress meeting where members expressed dissatisfaction with the payment of their salaries.

The lecturers reportedly claimed that they had not received the full components of their remuneration, including the Consolidated Salary Structure for Academics and other related allowances.

Union representatives argued that the decision to withdraw services would remain in place until all outstanding payments are settled.

For many lecturers, salary issues are not merely administrative concerns but questions that touch the very dignity of academic labour.

But this situation invites a deeper reflection.

If those responsible for shaping the intellectual future of a nation struggle with unresolved welfare concerns, what does that say about the value placed on education in society?

University Management Rejects Strike Process

Responding to the development, the university’s management emphasised that the declaration of industrial action by the union did not follow due process.

According to statements obtained by Akahi News, the university leadership noted that while concerns raised by lecturers remain under discussion, dialogue is ongoing to address the issues in an orderly manner.

The institution also reiterated its commitment to staff welfare, stating that efforts are being made to resolve matters relating to outstanding allowances and other concerns raised by academic staff.

This raises another philosophical question about institutional governance:

When conflict arises within academic institutions, should confrontation be the first response, or should dialogue always take precedence?

Universities, after all, are spaces traditionally built upon debate, reason, and intellectual engagement.

UNILAG Assures Students That Exams Will Continue

Perhaps the most immediate concern arising from the situation relates to students currently writing examinations.

In its response, the university reassured students that examinations would continue as scheduled in order to minimise disruption to the academic calendar.

Akahi News learnt that the management emphasised the importance of maintaining academic activities during a crucial stage of the semester.

This period is particularly important for students preparing for internships, the Students’ Industrial Work Experience Scheme, and professional programmes such as Law School admissions.

Where examinations had earlier been postponed, the university indicated that rescheduling arrangements had already been made and that all remaining examinations would resume as planned.

Education Stability and the National Question

Nigeria’s university system has experienced numerous disruptions over the years due to disputes between academic unions and government authorities.

While such disagreements often stem from legitimate concerns regarding funding, welfare, and institutional autonomy, their consequences frequently fall most heavily on students.

Young people whose academic journeys are repeatedly interrupted may face delayed graduations, lost opportunities, and uncertainty about their future.

This leads to a profound national question:

Can a country truly aspire to sustainable development if the very institutions responsible for producing knowledge are repeatedly destabilised?

Education remains one of the most powerful tools for national transformation. Yet its effectiveness depends on stability, mutual respect, and sustained commitment from all stakeholders.

A Call for Calm Amid Ongoing Negotiations

In the meantime, university management has urged members of the university community to remain calm as discussions with the ASUU leadership continue.

Akahi News gathered that both parties are expected to continue dialogue aimed at resolving the issues surrounding salary payments and allowances.

For students, lecturers, and administrators alike, the hope remains that the situation will be resolved without prolonged disruption to academic activities.

But perhaps the broader question Nigeria must confront is this:

Should education always be caught in the crossfire of institutional disagreements, or is it time for a new framework that permanently safeguards academic stability?

The answer to that question may ultimately determine the future of higher education in the country.

By Joseph Iyaji | Akahi News
Joseph Iyaji is a journalist, educator, and founder of Akahi G. International, Akahi Tutors, and Akahi News. Read more about him here.
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