UNILAG ASUU Indefinite Strike (March 2026)
The UNILAG chapter of ASUU declared an indefinite strike starting Wednesday, March 11, 2026, over what they describe as "amputated" salaries for January and February 2026. Lecturers on the Akoka campus received no Earned Academic Allowance (EAA), while those at Idi-Araba received neither EAA nor the Consolidated Academic Tools Allowance (CATA).
The strike was announced following an emergency congress meeting, with ASUU describing the salary deductions as a violation of labour standards and accusing the university administration of acting in a manner that is "wicked, unfeeling and satanic."
Background: In late 2025, the Federal Government and ASUU had reached a renegotiated agreement — effective January 1, 2026 — that included a 40% upward review of academic staff emoluments under the Consolidated University Academic Staff Salary (CONUASS), along with revised Earned Academic Allowances. The agreement was meant to end prolonged strikes and stabilize public universities. UNILAG's failure to fully implement this is what triggered the current action.
UNILAG Management's Response: UNILAG's management rebuked ASUU for not following due process in declaring the strike, but confirmed that discussions with the union are ongoing. The university assured students that all examinations would proceed, with rescheduled exams resuming from Thursday, March 12, 2026.
So the situation is essentially a standoff — ASUU lecturers have withdrawn services, while management insists exams must continue and is negotiating behind the scenes. It's an especially difficult time given that many students are preparing for SIWES internships, Law School admissions, and other critical academic milestones.
Exams Are Still Holding (For Now)
UNILAG management expressed serious concern that the strike is happening right in the middle of examinations. They warned that any disruption at this time would adversely affect students, especially those scheduled to commence SIWES internships, and those preparing to proceed to Law School.
Despite the strike, management directed that all examinations will continue as scheduled from Thursday, March 12, 2026, with deans required to ensure necessary arrangements are in place for the smooth conduct of the exams.
Some Exams Were Already Postponed
For courses where exams had already been postponed — likely due to lecturers honouring the strike — new rescheduling arrangements have been made, with remaining exams resuming from Thursday, March 12.
The Core Student Risk
The real danger for students is the timing. This strike hits at three critical groups simultaneously:
Students at a critical stage of their semester exams, those preparing for SIWES and internships, and those preparing to proceed to professional programs — all face potential disruption if the standoff is not quickly resolved.
What Students Should Do Right Now
- Attend all scheduled exams — management has confirmed they will hold
- Check with your department/dean for any rescheduled dates
- Stay calm and monitor official UNILAG communication channels for updates
The situation is essentially a tug of war between ASUU lecturers refusing to invigilate/teach and management insisting academic activities must go on. Students are caught in the middle.
The Condition for Ending the Strike is Simple (But Not Easy)
ASUU's resolution is clear — the withdrawal of services will remain in force until the university pays in full all members' January and February 2026 salaries. There's no complex list of demands this time; it boils down to one thing: pay what is owed.
Dialogue is Already Underway
UNILAG's Head of Communication, Adejoke Alaga-Ibraheem, emphasized that the university remains committed to staff welfare while continuing dialogue with ASUU to resolve the concerns, particularly the unpaid Consolidated Academic Teaching Allowances.
Management urged students, staff, and the wider university community to remain calm, stay focused on academic activities, and trust that discussions with ASUU are ongoing to find a satisfactory resolution for all parties.
Likely Scenarios Going Forward
- Quick resolution (best case): If UNILAG releases the outstanding salary components within days, ASUU could call off the strike quickly. This is possible since the funds are tied to an already-agreed government framework.
- Prolonged standoff (worst case): If the university claims it lacks the funds or awaits Federal Government disbursement, the strike could stretch for weeks — as has happened historically with ASUU actions.
- Federal Government intervention: Since the salary structure is a federal matter, the government may need to release funds directly before UNILAG can pay.
Historical Context Nigeria has seen repeated ASUU strikes over the years, many dragging on for months. However, this particular strike is chapter-specific (not a national ASUU strike), which typically gets resolved faster since it involves fewer parties.
The next 48–72 hours of negotiations will likely determine whether this ends quickly or drags on. Keep an eye on official UNILAG announcements!
Sources
1. Daily Post Nigeria — Two reports:
- UNILAG ASUU Begins Indefinite Strike (March 10)
- UNILAG Rejects ASUU Strike, Confirms Exams Will Proceed (March 11)
2. Premium Times Nigeria
3. Punch Newspaper — Two reports:
- UNILAG ASUU Begins Indefinite Strike Over Salary Cuts (March 10)
- UNILAG Faults ASUU Strike, Insists Exams Will Hold (March 11)
4. PM News Nigeria — Two reports:
- UNILAG Shut Down Indefinitely as Lecturers Protest Salary Cut (March 10)
- UNILAG Confirms Exams Will Hold Amid ASUU Dispute (March 11)
5. Allschool.ng
6. African Health Report