My people, it's your boy jelosimi here, and I've been seeing the news about UNILAG. This whole situation with the lecturers commencing an indefinite strike is heavy on my mind, especially for our students who are caught in the middle.
From what I'm gathering, the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) chapter at the University of Lagos started this strike today, Wednesday, March 11, 2026. The core of the issue, as alleged by ASUU, is the "amputated" or incomplete payment of salaries for January and February 2026. Specifically, they're talking about Earned Academic Allowances (EAA) and, for those at the Idi-Araba campus, the Clinical Academic Teaching Allowance (CATA) not being fully paid.
Now, the UNILAG management, through their Head of Communication, has acknowledged the dispute. They're saying ASUU didn't follow the proper procedures before declaring the industrial action. They also confirmed that, despite the strike, scheduled examinations would proceed to minimize disruption for students. Discussions are supposedly ongoing to find a resolution.
But let's be real, whether procedures were followed or not, the fact remains that our educators are feeling short-changed, and our students' academic journey is once again under threat. I remember growing up around Oshodi, Mafoluku, Ajao Estate – when times were tough, or when we were all trying to make ends meet, nobody was asking where you came from or what your last name was. We were all just trying to survive and thrive, united by the daily hustle. This issue with UNILAG lecturers? It's the same spirit. It's a fundamental issue of welfare and the dignity of labour, which affects us all, directly or indirectly.
Think about it: a stable and well-supported education system is the backbone of our national development. When the people responsible for shaping the minds of our future leaders, innovators, and entrepreneurs are not properly remunerated, it sends a troubling signal. We need competent leadership and transparent systems that prioritize the welfare of essential workers like our lecturers, and ensure the smooth running of our institutions. This isn't about tribal lines or religious divides; it's about the economic health and future prospects of every Nigerian family.
We need swift and decisive action to resolve this, not just for the lecturers, but for the thousands of students whose futures hang in the balance. Let's hope the ongoing discussions yield a fair and lasting solution quickly, so our students can get back to their studies without further interruption.