NASU Annual Lecture at UNILAG: NLC Chairperson Reaffirms Unionism as Pillar of Public-Sector Governance

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, drawing union leaders, university administrators, policy experts, and staff into a robust conversation on the relevance of unionism in public-sector governance.

The lecture provided a platform for critical engagement on labour relations, institutional stability, and national development, with participants united around the need to reposition unionism as a constructive force within the public service.

The highlight of the event was a Commemorative Lecture titled “The Legitimacy of Unionism in the Public Sector: Challenges and the Way Forward,” delivered by the Chairperson of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Lagos State Chapter, Comrade (Mrs.) Funmi Agnes Sessi.

In her address, Comrade Sessi offered a strong defence of trade unionism, describing it as an indispensable component of democratic governance and institutional balance rather than an obstacle to effective administration. She cautioned against the perception of unions as adversarial bodies, particularly within the university system, stressing that unions function as stabilising partners whose advocacy promotes fairness, accountability, and operational efficiency.

Drawing from historical and contemporary contexts, she noted that unions have consistently served as watchdogs and catalysts for reform, championing issues such as workers’ welfare, fair remuneration, child protection, women’s rights, and broader social justice. According to her, such interventions represent responsible engagement aimed at strengthening institutions and society, not acts of confrontation.

She identified key pathways for sustaining the legitimacy of unionism, including ethical leadership and internal accountability within unions, continuous dialogue between unions, management, and government, knowledge-driven advocacy aligned with evolving governance realities, and a renewed commitment to dedicated public service as a contribution to national development.

Comrade Sessi urged union members to remain disciplined, diligent, and nationally conscious, emphasizing that the quality of service delivered within public institutions ultimately defines a nation’s progress.

Earlier in the programme, participants were engaged by Barrister Chinyere Oloko, a Tax Law Expert and Policy Analyst, who delivered a presentation titled “Balancing Equity and Growth: Reforming Tax Policy to Address Income and Wealth Inequality.” Her session examined key provisions of the newly approved tax law, highlighting its implications for income distribution, institutional compliance, and economic fairness. She positioned taxation as a critical tool for advancing social equity and equipped participants with practical insights for navigating policy reforms in a changing economic environment.

In his welcome address, the Chairman of NASU, UNILAG Chapter, Comrade Noah Abiodun, expressed appreciation to sister unions within the University and comrades from other institutions, describing their presence as a reflection of solidarity and shared purpose within the labour movement. He also commended the Guest Speaker for her depth of experience and long-standing commitment to workers’ welfare.

Comrade Abiodun described unionism as both a moral and civic responsibility anchored on transparency, accountability, credible advocacy, and continuous engagement. He encouraged participants to actively contribute to discussions aimed at strengthening the relevance and credibility of unions in the years ahead.

Representing the Registrar of UNILAG, Mrs. V. Abosede Wickliffe, the Director of the 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 within the university system as critical stakeholders whose contributions enhance stability, morale, and productivity.

Conveying the Registrar’s message, she reaffirmed the University Management’s commitment to sustaining collaborative relationships with unions, noting that mutual respect, dialogue, and shared responsibility remain essential to institutional success.

The event concluded with interactive question-and-answer sessions that allowed participants to engage speakers on topical labour, policy, and governance issues, reinforcing the central message that responsible unionism remains a vital instrument for equity, good governance, and sustainable development in the public sector.