Vice-Chancellor of the Lagos State University, Prof Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello
The Vice-Chancellor of the Lagos State University, Prof Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello, has pleaded with the striking workers to end their industrial action and return to work on Monday, 11 August 2025.
In a message titled “It’s Time to Move Forward,” posted on the official X page of the university on Saturday, Prof. Olatunji-Bello described the past two weeks of campus silence as “deafening” and said the absence of the usual rhythm of learning and work had “weighed heavily on my heart.”
Acknowledging the reasons behind the strike, she assured staff that “our voices have been heard.” Since taking office in September 2021, she said “staff welfare had been central to her administration’s policies.”
She highlighted several 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, and full payment of Earned Academic Allowances.”
Other milestones she listed were “clearing of cooperative dues, unprecedented training opportunities locally and internationally, retroactive qualification approvals, implementation of the 25%/35% salary increase recently approved by the Federal Government, removal of administrative ceilings on career progression, and introduction of free birthday health screenings.”
“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 emphasised.
Prof Olatunji-Bello disclosed that the state government had made offers responding to staff demands but admitted “they may not yet meet every expectation.”
She urged acceptance, saying, “I ask that we accept them as part of the realities of negotiations, and life, where we win some and lose some, while allowing academic and administrative activities to resume this Monday (11th August 2025), as directed by management.”
She warned that prolonging the strike would damage the university’s reputation, disrupt students’ education, and stall 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.”
Appealing for unity, she said, “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’s goals are achievable “but it will 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,” she concluded.
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