News
ASUU Says Lagos Paying Professors Starvation Wages, Laments Tax Burden
The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has alleged that senior professors in Lagos State-owned universities now earn less in monthly remuneration than secondary school principals in the state’s public service.
The union described the situation as a reflection of the declining welfare of academics, while accusing the Lagos State Government of failing to implement the 2025 Federal Government-ASUU Agreement, subjecting lecturers to what it called “starvation wages,” increased tax deductions and alleged victimisation of union leaders.
The allegations were made on Wednesday during an emergency joint press conference by ASUU branches in Lagos State University (LASU), Lagos State University of Science and Technology (LASUSTECH), and Lagos State University of Education (LASUED), held at the ASUU Secretariat, LASU, Ojo.
Speaking on behalf of the coalition, ASUU Zonal Coordinator, Comrade Oluwaseun Babalola, appealed to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to urgently implement the 2025 agreement in the state-owned universities.
He said the government’s failure to implement the agreement, eight months after its agreed commencement date of January 1, 2026, had worsened the condition of academic staff.
“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,” Babalola said.
To support the union’s claim on salary disparity, Babalola displayed what he described as a payslip of a secondary school principal showing a monthly earning of N799,000, insisting that no professor in LASU currently earns such an amount.
He also criticised increased tax deductions 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 said.
Babalola added that associate professors and professors were paying over N120,000 monthly in tax deductions from salaries he described as inadequate.
The union also demanded the unconditional reinstatement of five ASUU-LASU executives dismissed between seven and nine years ago, alleging that they were 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.
Babalola alleged that the affected officials were subjected to disciplinary actions over issues connected to their union activities.
Also speaking, ASUU-LASUED Chairman, Dr. Victor Akinola, said internal mechanisms for addressing grievances within the universities had become ineffective.
He alleged that complaints from unions to governing councils and relevant authorities often received no attention, leaving lecturers without effective channels for redress.
Akinola also alleged that threats from management had created an atmosphere of fear on campuses, discouraging some lecturers from participating in union activities.
Captain Rasheedat Ajibade, goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie and dependable defender Michelle Alozie have arrived at the Super Falcons’ camp in Ijebu Ode ahead of their 2028 Olympic Games qualifying fixture against Comoros.
Also joining the team are midfielder Jennifer Echegini and forward Folashade Ijamilusi, bringing the number of players in camp to 22.
Only four players—Comfort Erhabor, Gift Monday, Joy Omewa and Uchenna Kanu—are still expected to join the squad.
The Super Falcons will continue their preparations with another training session at the Otunba Dipo Dina Stadium, Ijebu Ode, tonight.
Meanwhile, the Comoros senior women’s national team arrived in Ijebu Ode on Monday and held their first training session on Tuesday night as they intensify preparations for the first leg.
Friday’s encounter, which was originally scheduled to take place in Comoros, will now be played at the Remo Stars Stadium, Ikenne-Remo, with kick-off set for 6pm.
The reverse fixture will hold at the same venue next week Tuesday.
Players In Camp
Goalkeepers: Christiana Uzoma, Chiamaka Nnadozie
Defenders: Farida Abdulwahab; Sandra John; Tumininu Adeshina; Valentina Uroko; Glory Edet; Shukurat Oladipo; Glory Ogbonna
Midfielders: Christy Ucheibe; Toni Payne; Favour Omenazu; Joy Igbokwe; Jennifer Echegini; Fatimoh Solaty, Suliat Abideen
Forwards: Rasheedat Ajibade; Shakirat Moshood; Blessing Nkor; Sandra John, Folashade Ijamilusi; Janet Akekoromowei
Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, on Wednesday said God used a former military Head of State, Sani Abacha, to create the state.
Governor Oyebanji said without Abacha, Ekiti State would not have been created.
Ekiti State was created on October 1, 1996, out of the old Ondo State, during Abacha’s military regime.
The governor said Ekiti State owes a debt of gratitude to the former military ruler.
Speaking during the ‘Ekiti at 30 Future Summit’ in Ado Ekiti, the state capital, Oyebanji said people of the state have distinguished themselves in various sectors of the economy.
He said: “In the old Western region and later Ondo State, Ekiti men and women distinguished themselves in education, public administration, commerce, agriculture, culture, and national service.
“Through the act of persistent advocacy, leaders made a compelling case for the creation of the state, that way the aspiration of our people would be more effectively pursued.
“We therefore owe an eternal debt of gratitude to the founding fathers of Ekiti State, to the traditional rulers, community leaders, professionals, academics, political actors, and women organisations whose sacrifices made the creation possible.
“Some people will not like to hear my next statement but that is the truth, we owe a debt of gratitude to Gen. Sani Abacha who was the Head of State when the state was created.
“Without that man, Abacha, we will not be here. Kabiyesi will tell you what they contended with but God used Abacha and we are grateful.”
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has expressed condolences to the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) over the aircraft crash in Ondo State that claimed the lives of several NAF personnel and others.
The NDLEA Chairman/Chief Executive Officer, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), conveyed the agency’s sympathies in a letter of condolence addressed to the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke.
In a statement made available to thecolumn.ng by the
Director, Media and Advocacy Femi Babafemi
in Abuja on Wednesday (today) Marwa extended the agency’s condolences to the NAF leadership, officers and personnel, as well as the families of those who lost their lives in the crash.
He described the incident as devastating, saying the news was received with profound grief.
The NDLEA boss commended the Nigerian Air Force for what he described as its consistent patriotism, gallantry and commitment to the defence and security of the country.
According to him, the loss of personnel who dedicated their lives to national service was a painful blow to the Air Force, the country and the wider national security community.
“In this moment of deep sorrow, our thoughts and prayers are with the grieving families of the fallen heroes, as well as the entire NAF family,” Marwa said.
He prayed that God would comfort the bereaved families, strengthen the Nigerian Air Force and grant the deceased eternal rest.
Marwa also assured the Air Force of the solidarity and support of the officers, men and women of the NDLEA during the period of mourning.
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