‘We Won’t Back Down!’ — LASU Unions Defy Govt Deal, Extend Strike Indefinitely

The Lagos State Government has reached an agreement to settle 12 months out of the 23 months arrears of the 25 per cent and 35 per cent salary increase owed to Lagos State University (LASU) workers, according to Ireporter Online.

The deal, signed on Thursday, August 7, between the Joint Action Committee (JAC) and the Deputy Governor, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, was meant to ease tensions — but it has sparked fresh outrage.

Over the weekend, LASU workers, during an emergency congress, outrightly rejected the arrangement, berating the JAC leadership for signing without first consulting the congress, according to Ireporter Online.

Despite this rejection, LASU management announced that academic activities would resume on Monday, August 11.

In a personal message, Vice Chancellor Prof. Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello urged staff to accept the government’s offer as part of the realities of negotiation.

However, in a formal letter dated August 8, 2025, JAC informed the Deputy Governor that the congress had voted to reject the 12-month payment, insisting instead on the full settlement of the 23-month arrears. They proposed a payment plan in five tranches, starting August 2025.

The signed agreement stated that the government would pay nine months while LASU management would handle the remaining three.

LASU VC maintained the offer reflected a fair compromise, but union leaders disagreed, emphasising that anything short of full payment was unacceptable, according to Ireporter Online.

The standoff leaves LASU’s reopening in doubt as staff unions remain steadfast, vowing the strike will continue until their full demands are met.

”IREPORTER REPORTS”