LASU directs students to vacate hostels amid workers’ strike

The management of Lagos State University (LASU) has directed all students residing in its hostels to vacate the premises following an ongoing strike by staff unions.

According to a statement issued by Oluwayemisi Thomas-Onashile, Deputy Registrar and Coordinator of the Centre for Information and Public Relations, the directive takes effect from Sunday, August 4.

The statement noted that the decision was reached at a virtual meeting of the university’s Senate on Saturday, during which it reviewed the status of the strike, which began on July 31.

The industrial action involves members of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Non-Academic Staff Union (NASU), Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU), and the National Association of Academic Technologists (NAAT), under the Joint Action Committee (JAC).

“The Senate, while considering the report, noted the information provided by the Vice Chancellor and Chairman of Senate. The demands of the striking unions are primarily directed at the Lagos State Government,” the statement said.

It added that the university management had, in recent weeks, facilitated dialogue between the unions and the state government, culminating in a meeting on August 1 at the Office of the Head of Service in Alausa, Ikeja. The meeting, chaired by the Head of Service, Olabode Agoro, agreed to reconvene on August 7 for further consultations.

Following deliberations, the Senate resolved to suspend the second semester examinations for the 2024/2025 academic session, which were scheduled to begin on August 4. All academic activities have also been suspended until further notice.

“In addition, all students residing in the university hostels across Ojo, LASUCOM, Ikeja, Epe, and Badagry campuses are to vacate the hostels by 6:00 a.m. on August 4,” the statement said.

The university advised all members of the LASU community, especially students, to remain calm and law-abiding during the period.