The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has suspended its industrial action at Lagos State University (LASU), Lagos State University of Education (LASUED) and Lagos State University of Science and Technology (LASUSTECH), paving the way for the immediate resumption of academic activities.

The decision followed negotiations on staff welfare and the implementation of outstanding agreements between the union and the Lagos State Government.

In a joint statement issued on Friday, union leaders said the suspension marked a significant milestone in their struggle to secure improved welfare packages and address unresolved issues affecting their members.

Olusegun Babalola, Coordinator of the Steering Committee, ASUU-LASU; Grace Abimbola, Acting Chairman, ASUU-LASUED; and Murisiku Onigemo, Chairman, ASUU-LASUSTECH, signed the statement.

The lecturers confirmed that their members would return to classrooms immediately, bringing relief to students and parents whose academic activities had been disrupted by the industrial action.

“Our struggle for improved staff welfare and the implementation of vital academic agreements has reached a significant milestone, largely due to the collective support of well-meaning individuals and organisations,” the statement said.

The union thanked the media, civil society organisations, traditional rulers, students, parents, and other stakeholders for their support during the negotiations.

It specifically acknowledged the contributions of pro-worker organisations, including the Joint Action Front (JAF), Education Rights Concern (ERC), and Campaign for Democratic Workers Rights (CDWR), for advocating for quality public tertiary education.

The ASUU leaders also commended traditional rulers for their interventions and praised students and parents for their patience and understanding throughout the dispute.

Despite suspending the strike, the union said the struggle was not over, stressing that it would continue discussions with the Lagos State Government to ensure the full resolution of outstanding issues relating to its members’ welfare packages.

“As our members return to classrooms immediately, we reaffirm our commitment to academic excellence and quality university education,” the statement added.

The resumption is expected to allow the three state-owned universities to restore normal academic activities as negotiations continue over the unresolved welfare issues. (The Nation)