The Lagos State Government has announced the commencement of implementation of the Federal Government’s benchmarked agreement with the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), following grievances raised by teaching staff in the State-owned universities over its non-implementation.
The Commissioner for Tertiary Education, Mr Tolani Sule, disclosed this on Wednesday at the Alausa Secretariat during a meeting with the leadership of the Joint Action Committee (JAC), representing staff in the State-owned tertiary institutions.
In a statement issued on Thursday by the Director of Public Affairs, Ministry of Tertiary Education, Mahmud Hassan, Sule said the State Government remained committed to the welfare of staff and students in its tertiary institutions.
He explained that the delay in implementing the agreement was due to its financial implications for the 2026 budget, adding that funds for the new salary structure would also be provided for in the 2027 budget.
Sule said relevant ministries and stakeholders had been mobilised to commence implementation of the new salary structure, which, according to him, would be paid in two tranches.
The Commissioner said the State Government adopted the Federal Government-ASUU benchmark to improve staff welfare, reduce brain drain and enhance teaching and research in the State-owned tertiary institutions.
He added that the measure was expected to support efforts to improve the institutions’ rankings and attract qualified academics and students.
Sule assured the JAC leadership that the government would continue to engage workers’ representatives through its open-door policy to address issues affecting industrial harmony in the State-owned tertiary institutions.
The Chairman of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Lagos State University (LASU) chapter and a representative of JAC, Prof. Ibrahim Bakare, commended the State Government for providing an avenue for dialogue on the issue.
Bakare assured that members would remain committed to their duties and support efforts to sustain industrial peace, adding that improved welfare would contribute to productivity in the State’s tertiary institutions.
Other JAC leaders also acknowledged the government’s engagement with the unions and its efforts to improve staff welfare and provide an environment conducive to teaching, learning and research.
The State Government said the implementation was part of its broader efforts to sustain industrial harmony in its tertiary institutions.
