UNILAG faults ASUU strike, insists exams will hold

The management of the University of Lagos (UNILAG) has criticised the institution’s chapter of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) for declaring an industrial action without following due process, insisting that ongoing examinations will proceed as scheduled.

 

ASUU UNILAG had, after a congress on Tuesday, directed its members to withdraw their services from Wednesday over what it described as “amputated” January and February salaries paid to lecturers.

 

The union’s chairman, Prof. Idou Keinde, said the salaries paid did not include the full complement of entitlements such as the Consolidated Salary Structure for Academics, Consolidated Academic Tools Allowance and Professorial Allowance.

 

Keinde warned that lecturers would not resume work until the outstanding payments are fully settled.

 

However, reacting in a statement on Wednesday, UNILAG’s Head of Communication Unit, Adejoke Alaga-Ibraheem, said the declaration of strike did not follow the required procedures.

 

“Management observes that due process was not followed in making this declaration. Nevertheless, in its commitment to the welfare of staff and students, the university has continued to engage with the ASUU executive to address all issues,” the statement said.

 

The university noted that discussions with the union were ongoing, particularly regarding the unpaid Consolidated Academic Teaching Allowances.

 

Despite the dispute, the management stressed that semester examinations currently underway will continue, citing the need to avoid disrupting the academic calendar.

 

“The university is particularly mindful that students are currently at a critical stage of the academic session, with semester examinations already underway,” the statement said.

 

“Any disruption at this time would adversely affect students, especially those scheduled to commence the Students’ Industrial Work Experience Scheme, internships, and those preparing to proceed to the Law School.”

 

The management added that only examinations already postponed by deans or heads of department would be rescheduled.

 

“All examinations will continue as scheduled from Thursday, March 12, 2026, and deans are to ensure that necessary arrangements are put in place for the smooth and successful conduct of the examinations,” it said.

 

UNILAG also appealed to members of the university community to remain calm while discussions continue toward an amicable resolution of the dispute.