The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Lagos State University of Science and Technology (LASUSTECH) chapter, has formally appealed to the Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, to implement the long-standing agreement reached between the Federal Government (FG) and the national body of the union. In a press briefing held at the university’s Ikorodu campus on Friday, April 17, 2026, the branch chairman, Dr. Akinloye Salami, emphasized that the continuous delay in domesticating the 2009 and subsequent 2023 renegotiated agreements is causing significant “industrial disharmony” and low morale among the academic staff. The union urged the Governor, who serves as the Visitor to the institution, to demonstrate his commitment to the “Greater Lagos” education pillar by approving the revised salary structure and earned academic allowances.
The LASUSTECH chapter’s demand centers on the disparity between the remuneration of lecturers in state-owned institutions compared to their counterparts in federal universities. Dr. Salami noted that the “rebranding” of the institution from a polytechnic to a university of science and technology came with increased academic responsibilities that have not been matched with the “requisite welfare packages.” Supporting context indicates that the agreement includes provisions for improved funding for departmental research, the payment of outstanding promotion arrears, and the implementation of the new retirement age for professors. The union maintained that while they have remained patient to avoid disrupting the academic calendar, the “economic realities” of 2026 have made the current salary scale unsustainable.
Stakeholder reactions within the university community have reflected a growing sense of urgency. The “LASUSTECH Students’ Union Government” (SUG) has expressed support for the lecturers, noting that the “stability of the institution” depends on the satisfaction of the staff. They urged the state government to act swiftly to prevent a potential “withdrawal of services” that could jeopardize the graduation of final-year students. Conversely, the Lagos State Commissioner for Tertiary Education, Tolani Sule, has assured the union that the state government is “actively reviewing” the financial implications of the agreement. He noted that Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu is committed to a “holistic approach” that ensures all state-owned tertiary institutions are upgraded simultaneously to maintain equity.
Educational and labor analysts observe that the “LASUSTECH-ASUU” struggle is a test of the “financial autonomy” of state universities in Nigeria. Experts suggest that the transition of several polytechnics to universities across the country has created a “welfare backlog” that many state governments are struggling to clear. They argue that the implementation of the Federal Government-Academic Staff Union of Universities agreement is essential to prevent “brain drain” from state institutions to the federal or private sectors. Dr. Peter Oluremi, an education consultant, noted that Lagos State has the “highest internal revenue capacity” in the federation and should lead by example in the treatment of its academic workforce. He suggested that a “phased implementation” strategy could be a viable middle ground to satisfy the union’s demands.
The broader implications of this appeal point toward a potential “nationwide agitation” by state-owned university unions if the Lagos State government fails to set a positive precedent. As the April 2026 deadline for the state’s mid-year budget review approaches, the focus remains on the “Governor’s signature” on the welfare bill. The resolution of this dispute is critical for the “long-term accreditation” and “global ranking” of the newly transitioned university. For the academic staff of LASUSTECH, the call for implementation is not just about “money,” but about “professional dignity” and the survival of quality education in Lagos State.
