By Abdullahi Sarki
The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has raised alarm over what it described as a disturbing salary disparity in Lagos State. According to the union, senior professors in state‑owned universities now earn less than secondary school principals in the public service.
At a joint emergency press conference held at the ASUU Secretariat in Lagos State University (LASU), Ojo, representatives from LASU, Lagos State University of Science and Technology (LASUSTECH), and Lagos State University of Education (LASUED) accused the Lagos State Government of neglecting academic welfare.
ASUU Zonal Coordinator, Comrade Oluwaseun Babalola, speaking on behalf of the coalition, urged Governor Babajide Sanwo‑Olu to immediately implement the 2025 Federal Government‑ASUU Agreement. He noted that the failure to enforce the agreement, which was scheduled to commence on January 1, 2026, has worsened the financial condition of lecturers.
To highlight the disparity, Babalola presented a payslip showing a secondary school principal earning N799,000 monthly, insisting that no professor in LASU currently receives such remuneration. He further criticized increased tax deductions on lecturers’ salaries, stating that associate professors and professors pay over N120,000 monthly in taxes despite inadequate earnings.
The union also demanded the reinstatement of five ASUU‑LASU executives dismissed between seven and nine years ago, alleging they were punished for union activities. Those affected include former Chairman Dr. Isaac Oyewunmi, Vice Chairman Dr. Suenu, Secretary Dr. Tony Dansu, Assistant Secretary Dr. Oyekan, and Treasurer Dr. (Mrs.) Sonibare.
ASUU leaders across the three universities accused management of creating an atmosphere of fear, discouraging union participation, and failing to address grievances through governing councils. They also cited irregular promotion exercises as a factor undermining morale and institutional growth.
The union called on the Lagos State Government to urgently implement the 2025 agreement across all state‑owned universities, address welfare concerns, reinstate dismissed officials, and end what it described as victimisation of union leaders.
