Olayiwola Matthew
The Vice-Chancellor of Lagos State University, Prof. Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello, has urged the institution’s striking staff to call off their industrial action and resume work on Monday, August 11, 2025, emphasising that the university’s significant progress has been achieved through unity and constructive dialogue.
In a message titled “It’s Time to Move Forward” posted on the official X page of the university on Saturday, the VC described the last two weeks of silence on campus as “deafening” and said the absence of the usual rhythm of learning and work had “weighed heavily on my heart.”
She acknowledged the reasons for the strike and assured staff that “our voices have been heard.”
Olatunji-Bello, who assumed office in September 2021, said staff welfare had been central to her administration’s policies.
She listed numerous 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 gains, according to her, include 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 stressed.
The VC disclosed that the state government had made offers in response to staff demands.
While admitting the offers might not meet every expectation, she called for acceptance, noting that it is part of the realities of negotiations, where there are both wins and losses.
She said, “Today, the state government has made offers in response to our demands. I know they may not yet meet every expectation. But 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.
“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.”
She warned that prolonged strike action would harm the university’s reputation, disrupt students’ education, and stall collective progress.
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 could achieve all its goals “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,” the VC concluded.