Lagos professors earn less than principals, ASUU alleges; demands agreement implementation

Senior professors in Lagos State-owned universities are reportedly earning less in monthly remuneration than secondary school principals, according to the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU). The union decried the situation as a stark indicator of declining academic welfare and accused the Lagos State Government of failing to implement the 2025 Federal Government-ASUU Agreement. This failure, ASUU claims, has subjected lecturers to "starvation wages," increased tax deductions, and alleged victimisation of union leaders.

The allegations were voiced during an emergency joint press conference held by ASUU branches from Lagos State University (LASU), Lagos State University of Science and Technology (LASUSTECH), and Lagos State University of Education (LASUED). Comrade Oluwaseun Babalola, ASUU Zonal Coordinator, appealed directly to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for the urgent implementation of the 2025 agreement in the state's public universities. He highlighted that the government's inaction, eight months past the agreed commencement date of January 1, 2026, has significantly worsened the conditions for academic staff.

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We have invited you today to draw the attention of the Lagos State Government, the people of Lagos State, and indeed all Nigerians to the continued failure of the State Government to implement the provisions of the 2025 Federal Government/ASUU Agreement in its three public universities, despite the mutually agreed commencement date of January 1, 2026.

To substantiate the claim of salary disparity, Babalola presented a payslip of a secondary school principal, showing a monthly earning of N799,000, and asserted that no professor at LASU currently reaches this figure. He also criticized the increased tax deductions imposed on lecturers, despite the non-implementation of the new salary structure. "Somebody that is already complaining of what he is earning is not enough. You are increasing your deduction," he stated, noting that associate professors and professors face monthly tax deductions exceeding N120,000 from their already inadequate salaries.

Furthermore, the union demanded the unconditional reinstatement of five ASUU-LASU executives who were dismissed between seven and nine years ago. ASUU alleges these leaders were targeted and punished for their union activities. The affected officials include former Chairman Dr. Isaac Oyewunmi, Vice Chairman Dr. Suenu, Secretary Dr. Tony Dansu, Assistant Secretary Dr. Oyekan, and Treasurer Dr. (Mrs.) Sonibare. ASUU-LASUED Chairman Dr. Victor Akinola also spoke, addressing internal mechanisms for dispute resolution.

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Somebody that is already complaining of what he is earning is not enough. You are increasing your deduction.