NIGERIA: UNILAG Lecturers Begin Indefinite Strike Over Salary Cuts

By Hamzat Ameenat, Lagos, Nigeria 

Lecturers at the University of Lagos under the Academic Staff Union of Universities have commenced an indefinite strike over what the union described as “amputated” salaries paid in January and February 2026.

The decision was announced in a communiqué issued after an emergency congress of the union’s UNILAG chapter held on Tuesday.

The communiqué was signed by the branch chairperson, Kehinde Idowu, and the secretary, Adesina Arikawe.

According to the union, the strike will take effect from Wednesday, March 11, and will continue until the university management pays the outstanding salaries in full.

The communiqué read: “The University discriminately paid amputated salary in January 2026 to all members. Akoka Campus had no EAA payment while Idi-Araba Campus had no EAA and CATA payments.”

The union also accused the management of paying reduced salaries again in February.

The communiqué stated: “The University also unilaterally and wickedly paid amputated February 2026 salary to all our members.”

ASUU described the action as a violation of acceptable labour standards and urged members to withdraw their services until the issue is resolved.

The union said: “In view of the foregoing and in line with the subsisting Pre-NDC NEC resolution of May 8, 2025, Congress unanimously resolves to reject in its entirety the recent action that resulted in all our members receiving amputated January and February 2026 salaries.”

It added that the strike would continue until the salaries are fully paid.

The communiqué stated: “The withdrawal of services by our members will remain in force until the University pays in full all our members’ January and Fe

bruary 2026 salaries.”