ASUU UNILAG Launches Indefinite Strike Over Salary Deductions
The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) chapter at the University of Lagos (UNILAG) has declared an indefinite strike action, set to commence on Wednesday, March 11, 2026. This drastic measure follows what the union describes as "amputated" salary payments made by the university management for the months of January and February 2026.
Union Leadership Condemns University Administration
In a strongly worded communique, ASUU UNILAG chairman Idowu Kehinde and secretary Adesina Arikawe characterized the salary deductions as a fundamental violation of decency and fairness. The union leadership went further, labeling the university administration as "wicked, unfeeling and satanic" in their response to the financial actions taken against academic staff.
The decision to proceed with strike action was reached during an emergency meeting held on Tuesday, March 10, 2026. Union representatives stated that the move followed "extensive and exhaustive" deliberations concerning the salary cuts that have been imposed over the past two months.
Specific Grievances Outlined
According to the union's official statement, the university management discriminately paid reduced salaries in January 2026 to all ASUU members. Specifically, staff at the Akoka Campus received no EAA (Earned Academic Allowance) payments, while those at the Idi-Araba Campus were denied both EAA and CATA (Car and Transport Allowance) payments.
The situation escalated in February 2026 when, according to ASUU, the university "unilaterally and wickedly" paid further reduced salaries to all union members. These actions have been categorically rejected by the academic staff union, which views them as unacceptable breaches of employment agreements and basic worker rights.
Strike Conditions and Demands
The indefinite strike will see ASUU members withdrawing their services completely from March 11, 2026 onward. The union has made it clear that the industrial action will continue until the UNILAG management meets all of their demands regarding salary restoration and proper compensation.
This development represents a significant escalation in the ongoing tensions between academic staff and university administration at one of Nigeria's premier higher education institutions. The strike is expected to disrupt academic activities, research programs, and administrative functions across UNILAG's campuses until a resolution is reached.
The union has urged all its members to fully participate in the strike action, withdrawing their services until the university addresses the salary issues that have prompted this drastic response. The situation highlights ongoing challenges in Nigeria's higher education sector regarding funding, staff welfare, and institutional management.
