ASUU-LASU Launches Indefinite Strike Over Unmet Salary Increases
In a bold move that has set the stage for heightened tensions in the educational sector, the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) at Lagos State University (LASU), Ojo branch, has officially commenced an indefinite strike. This decision stems from the lack of implementation of a promised salary increase—one that ranges between 25% and 35%—which has been pending since January 2023.
In a statement released yesterday, the ASUU-LASU Chair, Prof. Ibrahim Bakare, and Secretary, Dr. Sylvester Idowu, underscored the disparity in salary adjustments not just between federal and state universities, but also within state institutions themselves. Although staff in all federal universities and 18 state universities have enjoyed these increments, LASU employees have unfortunately been left waiting for their turn to benefit from these changes.
Beyond just the basic salary increase, the crux of the ongoing protest also addresses longstanding issues regarding salary inequities within Lagos State’s universities. LASU staff have noted that their counterparts at the Lagos State University of Science and Technology and Lagos State University of Education earn higher salaries, even before these institutions transitioned to university status. ASUU-LASU is advocating for a harmonization of salary structures across these institutions to ensure fairness.
Despite recommendations from a committee focusing on salary harmonization, ASUU-LASU reports that these vital suggestions remain unaddressed by the authorities. As the situation unfolds, the union is calling for patience and solidarity from students while urging them to remain focused on their educational goals amid the strike.
In a separate note, they have advised students to dismiss claims made by the LASU Students’ Union about ongoing activities within the university, highlighting that these assertions are contrary to the university’s current stance during the strike.
This action resonates with the broader decisions made by the Joint Action Committee (JAC) of all staff unions within the university. A formal letter outlining their stance has already been dispatched to both the Vice Chancellor and the Lagos State Governor, indicating a serious commitment to rectifying these pay disparities.
As the strike unfolds, there is a growing anticipation on how this will affect students, faculty, and the overall educational environment in Lagos. The hope is that negotiations will lead to a swift resolution that benefits all parties involved.
Stay tuned to Africazine for more updates on this developing story.
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#Nigeria #Education #Politics #WorldNews
