Lecturers under the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) in three Lagos State-owned universities have suspended their industrial action and are expected to return to the classrooms with immediate effect.
The affected institutions are the Lagos State University (LASU), Lagos State University of Education (LASUED), and Lagos State University of Science and Technology (LASUSTECH).
The suspension was announced by the union on Friday following negotiations with the Lagos State Government over issues relating to staff welfare and the implementation of outstanding academic agreements.
In a joint statement issued by Olusegun Babalola, Coordinator, Steering Committee, ASUU-LASU; Grace Abimbola, Acting Chairman, ASUU-LASUED; and Murisiku Onigemo, Chairman, ASUU-LASUSTECH, the union expressed appreciation to stakeholders who supported its demands during the industrial dispute.
The lecturers specifically acknowledged the roles played by the media, civil society organisations, traditional rulers, students, parents and other stakeholders in supporting the negotiation process.
According to the union, its struggle centred on improving staff welfare and ensuring the implementation of vital agreements affecting academic staff in the state-owned universities.
The lecturers also commended civil society groups, including the Joint Action Front (JAF), Education Rights Concern (ERC) and Campaign for Democratic Workers Rights (CDWR), for their solidarity and advocacy for improved public tertiary education.
The union said the intervention of traditional rulers also helped to bridge communication gaps during critical stages of the negotiations.
“As our members return to the classrooms with immediate effect, we reaffirm our commitment to academic excellence and quality university education,” the lecturers stated.
ASUU further said it would continue engaging with the Lagos State Government towards the full resolution of all outstanding issues concerning the welfare package of university staff.
The suspension of the strike is expected to bring relief to thousands of students and parents whose academic activities were disrupted by the industrial action.
Source: Vanguard News report
