LAUTECH ASUU begins indefinite strike over unpaid arrears
By Adejayan Gbenga
Academic activities have been disrupted at Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH), Ogbomoso, Oyo State, following the commencement of an indefinite strike by the institution’s chapter of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) on Thursday.
The strike followed the expiration of a 14-day ultimatum issued by the union to the university management over unresolved financial and administrative demands. The union said the issues remained unsettled despite previous engagements with the management.
Among its major demands is the implementation of the December 2025 Federal Government of Nigeria (FGN)-ASUU agreement, including the payment of consequential arrears dating back to January 2026. It is also demanding the payment of outstanding Earned Academic Allowances (EAA) and promotion arrears covering the period from 2013 to 2025.
According to the union, the university’s Governing Council had formally accepted and approved the implementation of the agreement. However, ASUU said the management had repeatedly cited a lack of funds as the reason for the delay.
Beyond the financial issues, the union is seeking the resolution of administrative and governance concerns involving the vice-chancellor and the university management. These include the composition of the Staff Disciplinary Committee, the reconstitution of the Committee of Provosts and Deans, and greater transparency in the institution’s electronic voting system.
In a statement jointly signed by the branch Chairperson, Prof. Olujimi Dada, and the Secretary, Dr. Soji Arinola, the union expressed frustration over the failure to resolve the issues despite repeated formal and informal engagements. It said the indefinite strike became necessary after previous efforts to reach an agreement failed.
Meanwhile, the union urged its members to remain united throughout the industrial action as they press for the fulfilment of their demands. It also advised them to disregard information and directives not issued directly by the branch chairperson, stressing that only official communications from the chairperson should be regarded as authentic during the strike.
The strike is expected to affect teaching and other academic activities at the university until the outstanding issues are resolved. However, the union did not specify when the industrial action would be suspended, leaving the resumption of normal academic activities dependent on further engagements between ASUU and the university management.
