A Call for Unity and Resolution
The Vice-Chancellor of Lagos State University, Prof. Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello, has made a strong appeal to the striking staff of the institution to end their industrial action and return to work on Monday, August 11, 2025. In her message titled “It’s Time to Move Forward,” she emphasized that the university has achieved significant progress through unity and open dialogue.
Olatunji-Bello described the past two weeks of silence on campus as “deafening.” She expressed deep concern over the absence of the usual academic and administrative activities, which she said had “weighed heavily on my heart.” Despite the current challenges, she acknowledged the reasons behind the strike and assured the staff that “our voices have been heard.”
Since taking office in September 2021, the VC has prioritized staff welfare as a core element of her administration's policies. She highlighted several key achievements, including:
- 100% End of the Year bonus for all staff
- Prompt promotions
- Priority admission and employment opportunities for staff family members
- Regular salary payment by the 23rd of every month
- Amnesty promotions
- Full payment of Earned Academic Allowances
Other notable gains include the clearing of cooperative dues, unprecedented training opportunities both locally and internationally, retroactive qualification approvals, and the implementation of the 25%/35% salary increase approved by the Federal Government. Additionally, administrative ceilings on career progression have been removed, and free birthday health screenings have been introduced.
“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,” she stated.
The VC revealed that the state government has responded to the staff’s demands with offers. While she admitted these offers may not fully meet every expectation, she urged the staff to accept them as part of the negotiation process, where there are always wins and losses. She emphasized that accepting these offers would allow academic and administrative activities to resume on August 11, 2025, as directed by management.
She warned that prolonged strikes could damage the university’s reputation, disrupt students’ education, and hinder collective progress. “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,” she said.
Olatunji-Bello called for unity, stating, “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.” She expressed confidence that the university could achieve all its goals, but it would 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,” the VC concluded.