UNILAG joined ASUU strike actions primarily because of unresolved disputes with the federal government that have persisted for many years. The lecturers and academic staff at UNILAG have expressed frustration over the government’s failure to implement agreements, improve welfare conditions, pay salaries and arrears, and adequately fund public universities.
The university’s ASUU chapter sees the strikes as a last resort after prolonged and unsuccessful negotiations, aimed at drawing urgent attention to issues such as unpaid salaries, poor retirement benefits, and general neglect of the university system by the government.
On the other hand, there has been no recent indication that UNILAG has left ASUU’s actions or disaffiliated from the union. The university remains actively involved in strikes and protests as part of the broader ASUU mobilization for better conditions in Nigerian higher education.
The strikes also reflect solidarity with the nationwide demands for the implementation of the 2009 agreement and other negotiated terms that remain unfulfilled. The participation of UNILAG in these actions underscores their continued commitment to ASUU’s cause and the collective bargaining process with the government.
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Issues Driving ASUU Actions at UNILAG
The main issues driving ASUU actions at UNILAG are centered on the federal government’s failure to fulfill longstanding agreements and improve conditions in Nigerian public universities. Key concerns include:
- The failure to conclude and implement the renegotiated 2009 ASUU-FGN Agreement.
- Non-payment of withheld salaries and arrears amounting to several months.
- Insufficient funding for the revitalization and sustainability of public universities.
- Poor welfare conditions, including low and delayed salaries, inadequate retirement benefits, and victimization of members in various universities.
- Poor remuneration for academic staff and the proliferation of universities without corresponding funding.
- Challenges with the handling of academic allowances and the imposition of payroll systems like IPPIS.
- Lack of university autonomy and academic freedom.
- Government neglect which severely hampers teaching, research, and learning environments.
These issues have led to repeated strikes and protests as ASUU at UNILAG demands urgent government action to address the crisis in university education and academic staff welfare. The union’s patience has worn thin due to years of ignored promises and deteriorating conditions for lecturers and students.
What Specific Demands did UNILAG ASUU Present to the Federal Government
The specific demands presented by UNILAG ASUU to the federal government in 2025 include the conclusion and implementation of the renegotiated 2009 ASUU-FGN Agreement, immediate payment of three and a half months of withheld salaries, and sustainable funding for public universities.
They also demand the revitalization of public universities, resolution of victimization issues of members in certain universities like LASU and Prince Abubakar Audu University, payment of outstanding salary and promotion arrears, and addressing third-party deductions.
UNILAG ASUU has strongly rejected the federal government’s proposed loan scheme for lecturers, calling it inadequate and insisting the government should release withheld funds instead. They have condemned the poor handling of retirement benefits for academics, highlighting how retired professors receive pension amounts insufficient to cope with inflation.
The union expressed frustration over the government’s failure to act on agreements and reports, urging the government to show sincerity by properly addressing the Alhaji Yayale Ahmed Report submitted earlier in the year, which outlines many contentious issues in the union-government negotiations. They warned that without government action, the threat of industrial action remains imminent as the members have endured poor welfare conditions for too long.
What Impact did UNILAG Participation have on the University Calendar
UNILAG’s participation in ASUU strike actions has caused significant disruptions to the university’s academic calendar in recent years. Strikes typically lead to the suspension of lectures, examinations, and other academic activities, forcing the university to reschedule or extend academic sessions.
The 2025/2026 academic calendar for UNILAG, approved in August 2025, shows attempts to manage and realign the academic calendar to accommodate lost time and maintain academic standards despite ongoing industrial actions.
The frequent strikes have delayed the commencement of semesters, caused breaks and extensions in lecture periods, and affected examination schedules. This has often resulted in compressed teaching periods or postponement of academic activities to ensure that students complete their courses and examinations.
In summary, UNILAG’s participation in ASUU actions has created the need for calendar revisions and adjustments to mitigate the negative impact on students’ academic progress and institutional operations.
How UNILAG Students are Affected by ASUU Strike Actions
UNILAG students are significantly affected by ASUU actions, particularly through disruptions in their academic calendar caused by strikes. When ASUU members at UNILAG go on strike, lectures, exams, and other academic activities are suspended, leading to delays in the completion of academic sessions and graduation timelines. This interruption creates uncertainty and stress for students, as they face extended periods without formal instruction and assessments.
Despite these hardships, many UNILAG students support ASUU’s demands because they recognize that the struggles are ultimately aimed at improving the quality of education and welfare for both academic staff and students.
Students have actively participated in protests and rallies alongside lecturers to push for better funding of universities, payment of salaries, and implementation of agreements with the federal government.
They understand that the government’s neglect and failure to honor agreements have left ASUU with no choice but to resort to strikes. However, the immediate consequence is a disruption to their studies and academic progress, impacting their overall educational experience.
