Tutors at the International School, University of Lagos, have begun a work-to-rule action to demand the implementation of a National Industrial Court judgment, payment of outstanding salary arrears and restoration of affected staff to the university’s payroll.
The tutors announced the industrial action after a peaceful demonstration on Wednesday, accusing the university management of delaying the resolution of their employment and financial disputes.
Their demands include the payment of outstanding Consolidated Non-Teaching Tool Allowance arrears and arrears arising from the 25 per cent and 35 per cent salary adjustments approved for 2024.
They also want affected tutors restored to the university payroll, insisting that their appointment letters and years of service establish their employment relationship with the institution.
The tutors argued that their posting to the International School did not absolve the university of its responsibilities as their employer. They maintained that the National Industrial Court judgment recognised their status as bona fide university employees and should be implemented without further delay.
They warned that the continued exclusion of affected staff from the payroll had placed them at a disadvantage compared with other university employees, raising concerns about fairness and respect for the rule of law.
Acknowledging that the university might have concerns about funding their salaries, the tutors urged the management to address such issues through appropriate administrative channels rather than leave them uncertain about their employment status and entitlements.
They also suggested that redeployment to other university departments could be considered based on their qualifications and experience.
On the outstanding payments, the tutors said the delays had worsened the financial difficulties facing them and their families amid rising living costs.
They called on the management to provide a clear payment plan detailing the amounts owed, the process for settlement and the expected timeline.
The tutors also rejected any suggestion that the interim arrangement under the university’s Council protocol amounted to an act of charity or goodwill, arguing that their demands were based on employment rights rather than a request for special treatment.
They said the work-to-rule action was intended to compel the management to address the unresolved issues and provide concrete commitments.
Despite the industrial action, the tutors expressed willingness to engage with the university management and their representatives to reach a lasting resolution.
They urged the institution to implement the court judgment, restore affected staff to the payroll, settle outstanding entitlements and establish a timetable for resolving the dispute.
The tutors said a timely resolution would restore industrial harmony and enable them to continue their duties with greater financial security and confidence in the university’s administrative processes.
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