Tutors of the International School, University of Lagos (ISL), have begun a work-to-rule action over the alleged delay in implementing a National Industrial Court (NIC) judgment, paying outstanding salary arrears and restoring their names to the university payroll.

The tutors said the action followed prolonged uncertainty over their employment status and financial entitlements, despite years of service to the university.

At a peaceful demonstration, the tutors said their demands included implementing the court judgment, paying outstanding Consolidated Non-Teaching Tool Allowance (CONTTA) arrears, and payment of the 2024 arrears arising from the 25 per cent and 35 per cent salary adjustments.

They also demanded the restoration of affected tutors to the university payroll, arguing that their appointment letters and years of service established their employment relationship with the University of Lagos.

They argued that their posting to the International School does not absolve the university of its responsibilities as their employer.

The tutors maintained that the National Industrial Court’s judgment supported their status as bona fide university employees, urging the management to implement the ruling and give effect to the rights recognised by the court.

They warned that continued delays in implementing the judgment raised concerns about fairness, accountability and respect for the rule of law.

The tutors also said their exclusion from the university payroll placed them at a disadvantage compared with other university staff, insisting that they deserved fair treatment in line with the court’s order and applicable employment arrangements.

While acknowledging the university’s funding concerns, they urged management to address them through appropriate administrative channels rather than leave them in prolonged uncertainty over their employment and entitlements.

They also suggested that the university could consider redeployment options based on their qualifications and experience.

On the outstanding financial obligations, the tutors called for payment of CONTTA arrears and the 2024 salary adjustment arrears, saying the delays had compounded hardship and affected their livelihoods and family welfare amid rising living costs.

The tutors further rejected any suggestion that the interim arrangement under the university’s Council protocol was an act of charity or goodwill.

Explaining the rationale for the industrial action, the tutors said the work-to-rule was intended to draw attention to the unresolved issues and secure a concrete response from the university management.

The tutors urged the university to implement the court judgment, restore affected staff to the payroll, settle outstanding financial entitlements and establish a clear timetable for resolving the dispute.