As workers globally mark International Workers’ Day, a coalition of labour and civil society organisations has called for urgent intervention in what it describes as a prolonged injustice involving five lecturers at Lagos State University.
The Joint Action Front (JAF) has urged the Lagos State Government to reinstate the affected academics, popularly referred to as the “ASUU-LASU 5”, nearly a decade after their dismissal.
The affected lecturers include Isaac Akinloye Oyewumi, Adebowale Adeyemi-Suenu, Tony Dansu, Adeolu Oyekan, and Oluwakemi Aboderin-Shonibare.
In a statement signed by its National Mobilisation Officer, Peluola Adewale, JAF alleged that the continued non-reinstatement of the lecturers represents a violation of labour rights, academic freedom, and democratic principles.
The group criticised the university authorities and the Visitor to the institution, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, over what it described as a delay in implementing a 2022 decision by the university’s governing council, which reportedly found merit in the lecturers’ case.
JAF argued that the dismissal of the union leaders reflects a broader pattern of suppressing dissent within the institution, warning that it has weakened union activities and discouraged academic staff from participating in collective advocacy.
According to the group, the development has created a climate of fear within the university, where staff are reluctant to engage in unionism due to concerns about possible reprisals.
The coalition further warned that the situation has implications beyond LASU, suggesting that it sends a discouraging signal to workers and unions across Lagos State’s tertiary institutions and public service.
JAF also referenced the 2021 killing of student activist Yusuf Nurudeen Omomeewa, describing it as a tragic development that underscores concerns about shrinking civic space and the risks faced by those involved in activism.
Calling for urgent action, the group urged Governor Sanwo-Olu to facilitate the immediate reinstatement of the lecturers, including the restoration of their entitlements and career progression.
It also called on the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) to speak out on the matter, insisting that labour solidarity requires active support for affected members.
