Korede Abdullah 
LAGOS, Nigeria – Medical and dental lecturers at the University of Lagos begin an indefinite strike over unpaid salary arrears and the alleged failure to implement the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure.
The industrial action was announced on Wednesday by the National Association of Medical and Dental Academics during a press conference at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital.
NAMDA-UNILAG President Ugboro Omotayo says the strike follows the collapse of negotiations with university management after an ultimatum expired on May 14.
“This strike is not about seeking higher pay but about equity, justice and adherence to government policy,” Omotayo says.
The union accuses the university of failing to implement the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS) and pay outstanding arrears dating back to July 2024.
Lecturers are also demanding payment of Clinical Academic Teaching Allowance, Professorial Allowance and proper salary placement for newly employed academics.
The union warns that widening salary disparities are worsening staff shortages and driving experienced lecturers abroad.
Meanwhile, the Lagos Zone of the Academic Staff Union of Universities accuses both the Federal Government and Lagos State Government of failing to fully implement the 2025 FGN-ASUU agreement.
ASUU Lagos Zonal Coordinator Adesola Nassir describes the non-remittance of deductions and unpaid salaries as “fraudulent and criminal”.
The union warns that continued neglect of welfare issues could destabilise universities nationwide and deepen the ongoing brain drain crisis affecting Nigeria’s higher education sector.
About the Author
Edino Chubiyo Cornelius 
Oluwatobi Adu 
Mirian Gom