UNILAG Lecturers Declare Indefinite Strike Over ‘Amputated’ Salaries
University of Lagos Lecturers Declare Indefinite Strike Over ‘Amputated’ Salaries
A major disruption has hit one of Nigeria’s most prestigious universities. Lecturers at the University of Lagos (UNILAG) have declared an indefinite strike in protest over what they describe as “amputated” salaries for January and February 2026 — a move that could slow academic activities and leave students in limbo.
The strike begins on Wednesday, March 11, and was announced by the leadership of the Academic Staff Union Universities (ASUU) chapter at UNILAG.
According to the union leadership, several lecturers did not receive their full salaries for the months of January and February. Instead, portions of their pay were withheld, a situation referred to as “amputated salaries.” In an emergency communique issued after a union meeting, ASUU’s UNILAG chairperson, Idou Kehinde, and the secretary, Adesina Arikawe, stated that the incomplete payment of salaries was unacceptable. They said the irregular payment patterns were inconsistent with what lecturers normally receive, and they demanded full payment without further delay. As a result, the union resolved to embark on an indefinite strike action until the full and correct salaries are paid.
What “Amputated” Salaries Mean: In this context, “amputated” refers to salaries that were cut, reduced, or partially withheld without clear explanation or prior notice. This could involve, unpaid allowances, deductions from basic salaries or missing stipends.
Lecturers argue that these irregularities affect morale and undermine the welfare of academic staff. ASUU says it is prepared to sustain the strike until the university authorities address the grievances and pay outstanding entitlements in full.
The indefinite nature of the strike means that, lectures may be suspended, examinations could be delayed, academic calendars may be disrupted and graduation timelines may be pushed back. For many students nearing the end of their programmes, this development is particularly worrisome.
Parents and students have taken to social media to express concern over possible delays in exams, graduations, and academic progress.
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UNILAG is one of Nigeria’s leading federal universities, known for its academic excellence and large student population. The lecturers’ decision to strike over salary issues highlights broader concerns about, fair compensation for academic staff, unpredictable university administration practices, government funding and university autonomy, and employee welfare in public institutions.
In recent years, strikes by academic staff across Nigerian universities have become a recurring issue, often tied to salaries, unpaid allowances, and funding shortfalls. This latest action at UNILAG adds another chapter to that ongoing story.
At the time of reporting, university management had not issued a detailed public response to the strike. Some stakeholders believe the federal government and UNILAG authorities must engage the lecturers in open dialogue to avoid prolonged disruption. Others are calling on the government to address structural problems in the education sector that contribute to salary issues and frequent unrest.
EverydayStoryNetwork Perspective
Strike actions are a tool of last resort, especially in education, where students’ futures are at stake. While lecturers have a legitimate right to fair wages and respect for their welfare, the impact on students must also be carefully considered.
The ideal solution should protect both; the rights and dignity of lecturers and the academic progress and interests of students.
This will require transparent communication from university authorities and a willingness to negotiate in good faith.
Let’s Hear From You
This strike raises important questions about education and employment in Nigeria:
Should lecturers strike over unpaid or reduced salaries?
Are university systems doing enough to protect staff welfare?
How should government intervene to prevent such disruptions?
Share your thoughts in the comments and join the conversation.




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