University of Lagos (UNILAG) highlights a significant tension between institutional academic calendars and the labor rights of academic staff

The situation at the University of Lagos (UNILAG) highlights a significant tension between institutional academic calendars and the labor rights of academic staff. This clash puts students in a difficult position as they navigate the uncertainty of whether to prepare for examinations or anticipate a total shutdown.

ASUU UNILAG members are protesting "amputated" salaries for January and February 2026. Professor Kayode Adebayo (the current chairman) and the union's congress have stated that lecturers cannot be expected to work while receiving incomplete pay.

 

UNILAG management insists that the strike did not follow the mandated "due process" for industrial action. By declaring that exams will proceed, they are attempting to maintain the university's stability and prevent further disruption to the academic session.

 This dispute often traces back to the federal government’s Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS), which has been a long-standing point of friction regarding how university salaries are calculated and disbursed.

Management Wins | Exams proceed with heavy security or non-ASUU staff invigilating. However, the quality of grading and future lectures may suffer due to low morale.

ASUU Wins | Exams are postponed indefinitely until salary issues are resolved. This could lead to a backlog in the academic calendar and delayed graduations. 

The Federal Government or University Council intervenes with a partial payment or a "status quo" agreement to allow exams to finish before further negotiations. 

In these situations, university management often keeps portals open and halls available, but the actual presence of lecturers to administer papers is the final hurdle. It is generally advised to continue studying as if exams are holding to avoid being caught off guard if a last-minute resolution is reached.