As the Lagos Zone of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) joined other zones to mark the 2025 ASUU Day of Solidarity nationwide, the union has called on the management of the Lagos State University (LASU) to implement the directive of the Governing Council of the institution reinstating the LASU-Five.
Adesola Nassir, Zonal Coordinator, Lagos Zone of ASUU made the demand in a statement issued at the end of a solidarity visit by members of the zone to the Ojo main campus of LASU in commemoration of ASUU Day Of Solidarity.
Explaining rationale for the declaration of every 10th day of September solidarity day, Adesola Nassir, said the day is meant to “Bring to fore the matter of members across the country being victimised by the University administration not for any proven infraction but for choosing to stand by the demands of their calling as academics and the principles of our Union.”
Giving instances of institutions where its members are being persecuted for no just reasons, the Lagos ASUU Zone Coordinator said, “Among the many stories of resilience and injustice the case of the five officials of our union at LASU (ASUU-LASU 5) who were dismissed from their posts under questionable circumstances stands out.
Despite the tireless services of these individuals to the university and its community, the LASU authorities have continued to subject them to hardship caused by their unjust dismissal.
These individuals, despite their tireless services to the university and its community, have been subjected to hardship by the LASU authorities because of their unjust dismissal.
“We also equally remember the matter of our members victimised at Prince Abubakar Audu University (formerly Kogi State University) and Federal University of Technology, Owerri.”
According to him, September 10th is not only a symbolic event but also a call to conscience, a demand for accountability, and a tribute to the unwavering courage displayed by those who have paid the price for speaking truth to power.
He described the dismissal of five Comrades at LASU between 2017 and 2019 following their vocal opposition to administrative irregularities and their advocacy for staff welfare as flawed.
Their dismissal was both procedurally flawed and morally indefensible. These individuals were targeted not because they did something wrong, but because they were willing to challenge a system that had become increasingly opaque and unaccountable.
He asked the university administration to follow the advice of the independent investigative panel and reinstate the ASUU-LASU five who did not commit any offence worthy of termination.
The rule of law within Lagos State University is being called into question due to the continued exclusion of these officials, despite their exoneration and recall.
“We, therefore, urge LASU to, without delay, reinstate the five dismissed union officials to their rightful positions following the directive of the Governing Council.
He added, “To the ASUU-LASU 5, and indeed our victimized members nationwide, your courage inspires us.”
In solidarity, other branch members from the zone; Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU); University of Lagos (UNILAG); Lagos State University of Science And Technology (LASUSTECH); Lagos State University of Education (LASUED); Tai Solarin University of Education (TASUED) and the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB) encouraged the ASUU-LASU members for their support and urged them to remain committed and resolute with assurances that they will not be left to weather the storm alone.
