LASUED Staff Petition Lagos Govt Over Alleged Salary Gaps, Promotion Bias, and Corruption

LASUED Staff Petition Lagos Govt Over Alleged Salary Gaps, Promotion Bias, and Corruption

By Naomi Onome

Lagos State University of Education (LASUED) is facing mounting unrest as staff members have submitted a scathing petition to the Lagos State Government, accusing Vice Chancellor Professor Bilikis Okuneye of withholding approved salary increases, unpaid hazard and transport allowances stretching 72 months, discriminatory end-of-year bonuses, suppression of union activities, and promotion practices based on loyalty rather than merit.

The petition also alleges admission racketeering, sale of university assets, and widespread corruption, urging the state to establish an independent investigative panel to restore transparency and protect whistleblowers.

The petition, addressed to the Governor of Lagos State, the Commissioner for Education, the Special Adviser on Education, other key government stakeholders, and the Governing Council of LASUED, describes what the workers call a steady decline of the institution under the current leadership.

According to the petitioners, despite the Lagos State Government’s release of funds for salary harmonisation, LASUED staff are yet to receive their approved arrears. Junior academic staff were reportedly entitled to a 25 per cent salary increase, while senior academics were due for a 35 per cent increase. The workers allege that while other state-owned universities such as Lagos State University (LASU) and Lagos State University of Science and Technology (LASUSTECH) have complied with the directive, LASUED has failed to do so.

The workers further claim that hazard and transportation allowances spanning 72 months remain unpaid, worsening staff welfare and morale. They say the prolonged non-payment has plunged many workers into financial hardship and negatively affected service delivery within the institution.

Disparities in end-of-year bonuses also featured prominently in the petition. While staff of other Lagos State universities reportedly received bonuses equivalent to 100 per cent of their basic salaries, LASUED workers allegedly received only 30 per cent in 2023, 40 per cent in 2024, and 60 per cent in 2025, a situation they described as discriminatory and unjust.

Beyond financial issues, the petition accuses the university management of fostering a climate of fear and intimidation. The workers allege that union activities are deliberately suppressed and that staff who speak out face retaliation. One such case cited is that of Dr Zosu Segbenu, whose promotion was allegedly revoked due to his involvement in union activities.

Serious concerns were also raised over staff promotions and recruitment. The petitioners allege that promotions are no longer merit-based but determined by loyalty to the vice chancellor. They cited instances of unusually rapid promotions, including staff allegedly moving from level 3 to level 8 and later to level 13 within three years, as well as others jumping multiple grade levels within short periods.

In addition, the workers accused the administration of admission racketeering, claiming that admission slots are sold and that some prospective students are made to pay acceptance and medical fees without eventually gaining admission. They warned that such practices undermine academic integrity and devalue LASUED’s certificates.

The petition also alleged widespread corruption within the institution, including the sale of university assets, misallocation of funds, and manipulation of employment and promotion processes.

In response to these allegations, the concerned workers called on the Lagos State Government to urgently constitute an independent and impartial investigative panel to probe the activities of the vice chancellor and her administration. They stressed that the panel must protect whistleblowers and allow staff to present their grievances without fear of victimisation.

The workers appealed to the state government to intervene swiftly to restore fairness, transparency, and dignity to LASUED, warning that continued inaction could further erode the institution’s credibility and stability.

As of the time of filing this report, the LASUED management had not issued an official response to the allegations.