Suspend strike, embrace dialogue – Lagos Govt appeals to LASU staff

The Lagos State Government has appealed to striking staff members of Lagos State University, LASU, to suspend their ongoing industrial action to enable the government properly assess and address their demands.

The call was made by the Commissioner for Tertiary Education, Tolani Sule, in a statement issued by the ministry’s Director of Public Affairs, Mamud Hassan.

Sule appealed for calm, mutual understanding, and the cooperation of all stakeholders, emphasizing that the government remains committed to the university’s development and the welfare of its staff and students.

He urged the leadership of the Joint Action Committee, JAC, comprising ASUU-LASU, SSANU-LASU, NAAT-LASU, and NASU-LASU, to reconsider their stance and allow room for continued engagement.

“Despite the growing demands on government resources and the unique challenges of running a megacity like Lagos, we have continued to prioritize tertiary education. With collaboration, trust, and understanding, we can jointly find a lasting resolution that serves the best interests of all parties,” Sule said.

The government noted that the indefinite suspension of academic and administrative activities disrupts the university’s academic calendar and jeopardizes the future of students, who are the institution’s central focus.

Reiterating its commitment to restoring normalcy at LASU, the government said it remains open to dialogue and believes that peaceful engagement is the most productive path toward resolving the ongoing dispute.

According to the statement, the Ministry of Tertiary Education has maintained open communication with staff unions and recognizes the concerns raised by the JAC regarding welfare-related issues.

The government confirmed receipt of formal communication from the unions and disclosed that a series of high-level meetings had already been held with representatives of the staff associations. The discussions also involved Lagos State Head of Service, Bode Agoro.

It was during these deliberations, the statement noted, that all parties reached a consensus to avoid any action capable of disrupting academic and industrial harmony at the institution, pending the full evaluation of their demands.

Suspend strike, embrace dialogue – Lagos Govt appeals to LASU staff