Lagos Universities Strike: Why Are LASU and Other State Universities Shut?

Academic and all administrative activities have been disrupted across four Lagos State-owned universities after workers began an indefinite strike over unpaid arrears and the non-implementation of agreements reached with the state government. The affected institutions includes Lagos State University (LASU), Lagos State University of Education (LASUED), Lagos State University of Science and Technology (LASUSTECH) and Lagos State University College of Medicine (LASUCOM).

Why Are Lagos Universities on Strike?

The workers at the universities are demanding the implementation of the applicable 2025 Federal Government/unions agreement across the 4 institutions, as well as payment of accumulated salary owed. The Joint Action Committee of university unions, comprising ASUU, SSANU, NASU and NAAT said they are owed arrears covering January to September 2026 and are also demanding implementation of a 15% “Lagos Factor” allowance to cushion the effect of the high cost of living in the state.

This dispute has also involved specific allowances under the agreements. SSANU, for instance, is demanding implementation of the 35% Consolidated Non-Teaching Tools Allowance (CONTTA) and other allowances contained in its 2026 agreement.

For students, the immediate effect is a disruption of academic and administrative activities across the affected universities, with no specific resumption date announced because the action is indefinite. The unions have indicated that the strike will remain in place until meaningful engagement produces a positive resolution to the outstanding demands.