On Saturday, August 2, 2025, Lagos State University (LASU) took the unprecedented step of suspending all academic and social activities, including second-semester examinations, and ordered students out of campus hostels. But what prompted this sudden and sweeping decision?
Here’s a breakdown of the reasons behind LASU’s indefinite shutdown:
1. Ongoing Staff Union Strike
The primary reason for LASU’s closure is the industrial action led by the university’s staff unions, united under the Joint Action Committee (JAC). This includes:
* Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU-LASU)
* Non-Academic Staff Union (NASU-LASU)
* Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU-LASU)
* National Association of Academic Technologists (NAAT-LASU)
These unions have declared a comprehensive strike, affecting teaching, examinations, administrative operations, and technical services.
2. The Dispute is with the Lagos State Government — Not LASU Management
Interestingly, the staff unions are not protesting against the university management. Their grievances are directed at the Lagos State Government, the institution’s owner.
According to a statement from LASU’s Deputy Registrar, Mrs. Oluwayemisi Thomas-Onashile, the university has played a mediating role in the dispute. Efforts to broker peace in recent weeks — including meetings involving the unions, university officials, and state government representatives — have not yet yielded a resolution.
3. Uncertain Timeline for Resolution
While a high-level meeting chaired by the Lagos State Head of Service, Mr. Olabode Agoro, was held on August 1, 2025, a follow-up meeting is not scheduled until August 7. The LASU Senate believes that allowing academic activities to proceed amid such uncertainty would be disruptive and potentially unsafe.
4. Disruption of Exams and Campus Stability
The 2024/2025 second-semester examinations were set to begin on Monday, August 4, the same day the university announced the suspension. Without non-academic and technical staff available, LASU cannot conduct exams or maintain normal operations.
To maintain order and avoid tension, the Senate also directed that all students vacate hostels by 6:00 a.m. on Monday, signaling a full halt in campus activity.
5. Call for Calm and Cooperation
In its official statement, LASU’s Senate and management appealed to students and staff to remain calm and law-abiding while awaiting the outcome of negotiations between the unions and the Lagos State Government.
In Summary:
What happened? LASU suspended exams and all activities due to a staff union strike.
Why? The strike targets unresolved issues with the Lagos State Government.
What’s next? Stakeholders will reconvene on August 7 for further talks.
Impact? Exams delayed, students sent home, no academic timeline in sight.
EduTimes Africa, a product of Education Times Africa, is a magazine publication that aims to lend its support to close the yawning gap in Africa's educational development.
