The Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions (NASU), University of Lagos (UNILAG) Chapter, on Tuesday, December 16, 2025, held its Annual Lecture at the Rahman Adisa Bello Auditorium, UNILAG. The event was characterized by robust intellectual discourse, a strong sense of solidarity, and renewed commitment to the core ideals of the labour movement.
The gathering brought together union leaders, sister unions, university administrators, policy experts, and members of staff of UNILAG, all united by a shared resolve to interrogate the place of unionism in contemporary public-sector governance and national development.
Unionism Beyond Perception: A Commemorative Lecture
The centrepiece of the event was a Commemorative Lecture titled “The Legitimacy of Unionism in the Public Sector: Challenges and the Way Forward,” delivered by Chairperson of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Lagos State Chapter Comrade (Mrs.) Funmi Agnes Sessi.
Comrade Sessi’s address offered a compelling defence of trade unionism, positioning it as an indispensable pillar of democratic and institutional stability.
Narrowing it to the university system, she cautioned against the tendency of institutional leadership to misconstrue unions as threats to governance. Instead, she described unions as stabilising forces and partners in progress whose advocacy ensures fairness, accountability, and efficiency.
The UNILAG alumna emphasized that unions have historically served as watchdogs and catalysts for reform, citing sustained struggles for workers’ welfare, fair remuneration, child protection, women’s rights, and broader social justice.
According to her, such actions are not acts of confrontation but expressions of responsibility aimed at making institutions and society function better.
To reinforce the legitimacy of unionism, she highlighted critical pathways forward, including:
- Sustaining ethical leadership and internal accountability within unions;
- Promoting continuous dialogue and mutual respect between unions, management, and government;
- Strengthening knowledge-driven advocacy to match evolving governance realities; and
- Upholding a culture of dedicated public service as a contribution to national growth.
She concluded by urging union members to remain diligent, disciplined, and nationally conscious, noting that the quality of service delivered within public institutions ultimately defines the nation’s progress.
Earlier in the programme, participants were engaged by Barrister Chinyere Oloko, a Tax Law Expert and Policy Analyst, who delivered a detailed presentation on Balancing Equity and Growth: Reforming Tax Policy to Address Income and Wealth Inequality.
Her lecture demystified key provisions of the newly approved tax law, drawing attention to its implications for income distribution, institutional compliance, and economic fairness.
By situating taxation within the broader discourse of social equity, she equipped participants with practical knowledge essential for navigating policy reforms in an evolving economic environment.
In his welcome remarks, the Chairman of NASU, UNILAG, Comrade Noah Abiodun, expressed deep appreciation for the presence of sister unions within the University of Lagos and comrades from other institutions. He described their attendance as a powerful testament to the unity and shared purpose that sustain the labour movement.
He also paid glowing tribute to the Guest Speaker, Comrade Funmi Agnes Sessi, acknowledging her wealth of experience and steadfast commitment to workers’ welfare.
Comrade Abiodun reiterated that unionism is not merely an organisational framework but a moral and civic responsibility anchored on transparency, accountability, credible advocacy, and continuous engagement. He encouraged participants to take full advantage of the platform by contributing actively to discussions aimed at strengthening union relevance and credibility in the years ahead.
Representing the Registrar of UNILAG, Mrs. V. Abosede Wickliffe, the Director of UNILAG Property and Development Office, Barrister (Mrs.) Yetunde Ogunlewe commended NASU’s leadership for its constructive approach to staff welfare and institutional harmony. She described unions in the university system as critical stakeholders whose contributions promote stability, morale, and productivity.
Conveying the Registrar’s message, she reaffirmed management’s commitment to sustaining a relationship with unions, noting that the legitimacy of unionism is best strengthened through mutual respect, dialogue, and shared responsibility for institutional success.
The event featured interactive question-and-answer sessions, during which participants engaged speakers on topical issues. The comprehensive session enriched the discourse and underscored the central theme of the lecture; that unionism, when responsibly practiced, remains a vital instrument for equity, good governance, and sustainable development.
