The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has warned that public universities in Lagos, Gombe and Plateau states could be plunged into another round of industrial action if state governments fail to implement an agreement reached with the union.
ASUU’s Lagos Zone accused the Lagos State Government of delaying the implementation of the agreement in Lagos State University (LASU), Lagos State University of Science and Technology (LASUSTECH) and Lagos State University of Education (LASUED), warning that the prolonged delay is already affecting staff morale and institutional stability.
Speaking on behalf of the zone, Ademola Nassir said lecturers across the three institutions were becoming increasingly frustrated, adding that prolonged neglect of staff welfare could trigger a decline in academic standards and disrupt the school calendar.
According to Nassir, poor staff motivation often leads to low productivity, ethical concerns and declining graduate quality, stressing that Lagos should not be associated with delays in addressing legitimate welfare issues.
He maintained that ASUU remains committed to dialogue but warned that the union would not allow governments to undermine efforts aimed at improving Nigeria’s university system.
The union disclosed that letters had been sent to state governments through their vice-chancellors, while the National Universities Commission (NUC) had also communicated with affected institutions. It added that several state-owned universities across the country had already experienced disruptions over the non-implementation of the agreement.
ASUU warned the Lagos State Government that its branches in LASU, LASUSTECH and LASUED may take further action if the issues remain unresolved, insisting the union would fully support whatever decision they adopt.
Beyond the implementation of the agreement, the union also demanded the resolution of other lingering disputes, including the reinstatement of dismissed ASUU officials at LASU, payment of outstanding entitlements at LASUED and what it described as the unjust termination of the appointment of the union’s chairperson at the university.
Meanwhile, ASUU’s Bauchi Zone also criticised the governments of Gombe and Plateau states for failing to implement the same agreement in Gombe State University and Plateau State University.
Addressing journalists in Gombe, Zonal Coordinator Timothy-Aku Namo said lecturers in both universities continue to face worsening welfare conditions despite previous commitments by state governments.
Namo revealed that a forensic audit conducted by ASUU’s National Executive Council on June 21, 2026, found that only Sa’adu Zungur University in Bauchi State and Ekiti State University had fully implemented the agreement among the institutions reviewed.
The union appealed to the governors of Gombe and Plateau states to intervene urgently, warning that continued delays could spark another nationwide wave of industrial unrest across affected state-owned universities.
