LASU VC Urges Staff to End Strike, Resume Work Monday

T The Vice-Chancellor of Lagos State University (LASU), Professor Ibiyemi Ibilola Olatunji-Bello, has appealed to members of staff to end their ongoing industrial action and resume duties on Monday, 11 August 2025.

In a heartfelt message to the university community, Professor Olatunji-Bello acknowledged the concerns that prompted the strike but urged her colleagues to consider the broader impact on students, the institution, and the progress achieved over the years.

“I understand the reasons for our industrial action; our voices have been heard,” she said, noting that staff welfare had been central to her leadership since she assumed office in September 2021. She assured staff that the university’s management, in collaboration with the leadership of the Joint Action Committee, had acted in their best interest.

The Vice-Chancellor highlighted key achievements under her administration, including a 100% end-of-year bonus for all staff, prompt promotions, priority employment and admission opportunities for staff family members, timely salary payments, full payment of earned academic allowances, clearing of pending cooperative dues, extensive training opportunities, and the recent implementation of the 25%/35% Federal Government-approved salary increase.

“These were not accidental gains,” she stressed. “They were born out of mutual trust, respectful dialogue, and our shared commitment to making LASU a model of excellence.”

Professor Olatunji-Bello disclosed that the Lagos State Government had made offers in response to staff demands, which may not meet every expectation, but she urged acceptance as part of the realities of negotiation.

“The longer we remain apart from our students and our work, the greater the ripple effect on our community, on our young people, on our reputation, and on the very progress we have made together,” she cautioned.

Appealing for unity, she reminded staff that they were partners, not opponents, in building a university that values its staff and serves its students with pride. “Please trust me when I say: I am for you, and will continue to work for your best interest,” she affirmed.

She concluded with a rallying call: “Let us return to our duty posts, not as a concession, but as a demonstration of our belief in each other and in our collective strength. Together, we have built a remarkable legacy. Together, we will overcome this moment.”