ASUU strike: UNILAG assures students exams will be held

The management of the University of Lagos (UNILAG) has criticised the institution’s chapter of the Academic Staff Union of Universities for embarking on an industrial action without following laid-down procedures.

ASUU at UNILAG announced the strike after a congress held on Tuesday, directing lecturers to withdraw their services from Wednesday over what the union described as “amputated” salaries for January and February.

According to the Chairman of ASUU, UNILAG chapter, Prof Idou Keinde, the lecturers did not receive the complete components of their pay, including the Consolidated Salary Structure for Academics, Consolidated Academic Tools Allowance and Professorial Allowance.

Keinde maintained that lecturers would not return to their duties until the outstanding salary components were fully paid.

Reacting to the development, the university’s management, through the Head of the Communication Unit, Adejoke Alaga-Ibraheem, said discussions with the union’s leadership were ongoing to resolve the concerns, particularly the unpaid Consolidated Academic Teaching Allowances.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, the institution faulted the decision to embark on the strike, insisting that the proper procedures were not followed.

“The Management of the University of Lagos has noted reports circulating in the media that the Academic Staff Union of Universities, UNILAG Chapter, at its Congress held on Tuesday, March 10, 2026, directed its members to suspend their services over alleged unpaid Consolidated Academic Teaching Allowances.

“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.”

Despite the industrial action, the university said the ongoing semester examinations would continue as scheduled, noting that students were at a crucial stage of 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.

“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 statement said.

However, the management acknowledged that some examinations might be postponed where students had already been informed by their Deans or Heads of Department that the tests would not be held.

“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.

“Management appeals to all members of the university community to remain calm and continue to go about their lawful academic activities as discussions with ASUU executive continue toward an amicable resolution of the issues raised,” the statement concluded.