By The Joint Action Front (JAF) has called for the immediate reinstatement of five dismissed academic staff members of Lagos State University (LASU), describing their nearly decade-long ordeal as a serious violation of labour rights, academic freedom, and democratic principles. The demand was made in a press statement issued on May 1, 2026, to mark International Workers’ Day.
The group condemned the continued dismissal of the lecturers, widely known as the ASUU-LASU 5, despite what it described as sustained public outcry and a 2022 decision by the university’s Governing Council recommending their reinstatement. The affected academics include Dr. Isaac Akinloye Oyewumi, Dr. Adebowale Adeyemi-Suenu, Dr. Tony Dansu, Dr. Adeolu Oyekan, and Dr. Oluwakemi Aboderin-Shonibare.
JAF accused the LASU authorities and Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, who serves as Visitor to the university, of failing to act on the matter, thereby undermining justice and workers’ rights. The group argued that the delay reflects a broader pattern of administrative actions aimed at suppressing dissent within the institution.
According to the statement, the dismissal of the union leaders has weakened unionism within LASU and created a climate of fear among academic staff. It noted that many lecturers have withdrawn from union activities due to concerns over possible reprisals, resulting in diminished internal engagement and reduced accountability within the university system.
The statement further warned that the situation at LASU is having ripple effects across tertiary institutions in Lagos State, discouraging assertive unionism and weakening organized labour. It added that student unionism has also suffered, as shrinking democratic space has limited activism and collective advocacy among students.
JAF also referenced the 2021 killing of student activist Yusuf Nurudeen Omomeewa, describing it as a tragic consequence of an increasingly hostile environment for activism.
“The brutal assassination of Comrade Yusuf Nurudeen Omomeewa represents a chilling symbol of the dangers associated with a systematically constrained civic space,” the statement said.
The group urged Governor Sanwo-Olu to implement the Governing Council’s decision and remove any obstacles preventing the lecturers’ reinstatement.
“The immediate reinstatement of the ASUU-LASU 5, with full restoration of their benefits and promotions, is both a moral and legal imperative,” JAF stated.
JAF also called on the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) in Lagos State to break their silence and support the demand for justice.
“An injury to one is an injury to all,” the statement concluded, urging workers, activists, and civil society groups to stand in solidarity with the affected lecturers.
