Vice-Chancellor of the Lagos State University, Professor Ibiyemi Ibilola Olatunji-Bello has appealed to both academic and non-academic staff of the institution who are currently on strike to accept offer of the State Government to pay 12 out of the outstanding 23 months of the 25%/35% salary increase due to them and resume for normal duties on Monday, August 11, 2025
The striking workers on Friday rejected the agreement signed between government and its leadership under the Joint Action Committee on Thursday, insisting on the continuation of the industrial action
But the Vice-Chancellor in personal message to the restive workers, pleaded with them to accept the offer, assuring of the Management's commitment to their welfare
She appreciated the support given so far to institution under her leadership which has seen LASU achieved several milestones in terms of various initiatives aimed at enhancing welfare of workers
The Vice-Chancellor assured the striking workers of her support for their demands, pleading with them to call off the strike in the interest of the students who ought to have commenced the second semester examination last Monday, August 4 but was put on hold because of the industrial action
The below is the excerpt of the appeal to the workers
My Esteemed Colleagues,
I write to you today not only as your Vice-Chancellor but as a fellow member of the LASU family who shares in your hopes, your aspirations, and your deep love for our University. Over the last two weeks, the silence on our campuses has been deafening, and the absence of our usual rhythm of learning and working has weighed heavily on my heart.
I understand the reasons for our industrial action; our voices have been heard. As someone who has, since my assumption of office in September 2021, placed staff welfare at the very core of my leadership, I assure you that, together with the leadership of the Joint Action Committee, we have acted in your best interest.
Up until now, you, my dear colleagues, have worked hand-in-hand with us to achieve milestones that were once considered impossible:
* 100% Christmas bonus for all staff.
* Prompt promotions for all qualified staff members.
* Employment and admission opportunities with priority for your family members.
* Salaries paid latest by the 23rd of every month, even in challenging months.
* Amnesty promotions for those whose progress was delayed for over an extended period of time.
* Payment of Earned Academic Allowances in full.
* Clearing of Cooperative dues that had been pending.
* Unprecedented training opportunities, both locally and internationally.
* Retroactive approvals granted through special application windows for additional qualifications.
* Implementation of the 25%/35% salary increase recently approved by the Federal Government.
* Removal of administrative ceilings to the career progression of some of those who have reached their bar, amongst others.
These were not accidental gains. They were born out of mutual trust, respectful dialogue, and our shared commitment to making LASU a model of excellence.
Today, the State Government has made offers in response to our demands. I know they may not yet meet every expectation. But I ask that we accept them as part of the realities of negotiations, and life, where we win some and lose some, while allowing academic and administrative activities to resume this Monday (11th August 2025), as directed by management.
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.
I ask you to remember that we are not on opposite sides. We are partners, bound by the same vision of a Lagos State University that values its staff and serves its students with pride. If we have been able to achieve so much in less than four years of working hand in hand, I am confident we can reach all our goals, but it will require patience, unity, and trust.
Please trust me when I say: I am for you, and will continue to work for your best interest. 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.
With deep respect and solidarity,
Professor Ibiyemi Ibilola Olatunji-Bello, mni, NPOM
Vice-Chancellor
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