Students at three Lagos State owned universities are set to return to academic activities following the suspension of an industrial action by lecturers, although negotiations over staff welfare remain ongoing. The decision offers a reprieve for students and parents whose academic plans were disrupted by the dispute.

The Academic Staff Union of Universities announced the suspension on Friday, confirming that its members would return to classrooms with immediate effect at Lagos State University, Lagos State University of Education and Lagos State University of Science and Technology.

In a joint statement, the union said the decision followed negotiations over lecturers’ welfare and the implementation of previously reached agreements. It described the development as a significant step towards addressing members’ concerns, while reaffirming its commitment to academic standards and quality public university education.

The statement was signed by Olusegun Babalola, Coordinator of the ASUU-LASU Steering Committee; Grace Abimbola, Acting Chairman of ASUU-LASUED; and Murisiku Onigemo, Chairman of ASUU-LASUSTECH. The union also thanked students and parents for their patience during the dispute.

ASUU acknowledged the support of civil society groups, traditional rulers, the media and other stakeholders who backed its demands during the negotiations. It specifically recognised the contributions of the Joint Action Front, Education Rights Concern and the Campaign for Democratic Workers Rights in advocating improved staff welfare and quality public tertiary education.

Despite the suspension, the union said discussions with the Lagos State Government would continue to secure a comprehensive resolution of the outstanding issues affecting lecturers’ welfare packages. The announcement therefore signals a return to teaching without suggesting that all the disagreements have been settled.

Attention will now turn to the resumption of lectures and the progress of further negotiations between the union and the state government. For students and parents, the immediate priority is a return to academic routines, while the longer-term outcome will depend on whether the outstanding commitments can be resolved without another disruption.