In a move that has reignited conversations about pay equity and the state of higher education in Nigeria, university professors are demanding a new minimum salary of ₦2.5 million per month. This demand, reported by The Punch, has sparked debates across campuses, government circles, and among the general public, raising key questions about the future of academic work in Nigeria.
For years, Nigerian lecturers—particularly professors—have complained of being grossly underpaid, especially when compared with their peers abroad, and even when weighed against what some politicians earn locally. Let us unpack the issues behind this demand and explore what it means for Nigeria’s education sector.
📌 Current Realities: What Professors Actually Earn
At the moment, the salary of a professor in Nigeria is governed by the Consolidated University Academic Salary Structure (CONUASS). The figures paint a picture far different from the ₦2.5 million monthly request.
- Basic Annual Salary (CONUASS 7): ₦4.6 million – ₦6 million
- Monthly Salary Range: Approximately ₦381,000 – ₦502,000
- With Allowances (housing, transport, research, hazard): ₦650,000 – ₦900,000 monthly on average
This means that, in reality, many professors earn less than ₦1 million per month. Compared to the ₦2.5 million now being demanded, the gap is more than double to triple their current take-home pay.
📌 Why Are Professors Demanding ₦2.5 Million?
Several factors fuel this bold request:
1. Inflation and Rising Cost of Living
Nigeria has faced surging inflation rates, with food, housing, fuel, and healthcare costs skyrocketing. Professors argue that their current salaries can no longer sustain the dignity of their profession, especially in urban areas where living expenses are extremely high.
2. Stagnant Wages for Over 16 Years
Many academics point out that their pay structure has not been comprehensively reviewed in over a decade and a half, despite repeated government promises. During this period, political office holders have had their salaries and allowances revised multiple times, creating frustration among lecturers.
3. Brain Drain in Academia
Nigeria has been witnessing an alarming exodus of its best academics to universities in the UK, Canada, South Africa, and the Middle East. Better pay and working conditions abroad are enticing Nigerian professors to leave, leading to shortages in manpower at home. The ₦2.5 million salary demand is seen as a way to slow down this brain drain.
4. Comparison with Politicians
The stark contrast between what professors earn and what lawmakers or political appointees take home fuels anger. For instance, a Nigerian senator reportedly earns tens of millions monthly in salaries and allowances, far above the lifetime earnings of many professors. This comparison makes the academic community feel undervalued despite their contributions to national development.
5. Value of Intellectual Work
Professors train future leaders, engineers, doctors, scientists, and professionals who drive the nation forward. Many argue that paying them peanuts diminishes the importance of knowledge and research in nation-building.
📌 The Numbers in Perspective
| Category | Amount |
|---|---|
| Current Monthly Base Salary | ₦381,000 – ₦502,000 |
| Current Total (with perks) | ₦650,000 – ₦900,000 |
| Professors’ Demand | ₦2.5 million per month |
| Difference | ~3 to 5 times current pay |
With ₦2.5 million monthly, a professor would earn about ₦30 million annually. That figure sounds high until it’s compared to:
- Private sector executives who earn several millions monthly.
- Politicians’ pay packages, which dwarf even this proposed amount.
- Global standards, where professors in countries like the US, UK, or Canada earn the equivalent of ₦15 million – ₦40 million annually, depending on rank and institution.
📌 Government’s Dilemma
While the professors’ demands may be justified, the government faces a daunting fiscal challenge. Nigeria is battling budget deficits, heavy debt servicing, and competing priorities such as infrastructure, healthcare, and security. Meeting a ₦2.5 million minimum salary request for professors would mean massive adjustments across the public wage bill.
Some policymakers argue that while the demand is legitimate, the country simply cannot afford it right now. Others counter that Nigeria cannot afford to lose its brightest minds either.
📌 Possible Outcomes
- Incremental Adjustment
Rather than jumping straight to ₦2.5 million, government may negotiate a phased salary increase over several years. - Tiered Salary System
Professors at federal universities might earn more than their state counterparts, depending on funding capacity. - Performance-Linked Pay
Another option may involve rewarding professors based on research output, grants attracted, or global recognition. - Continued Agitations
If no resolution is reached, Nigerian universities risk further strikes by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), which has historically shut down campuses for months over salary and funding disputes.
📌 Why This Matters for Students and the Public
- Students: Prolonged strikes from unresolved disputes directly affect academic calendars, graduations, and career plans.
- Parents: Rising tuition fees in private universities may not be affordable, so better funding of public universities is in everyone’s interest.
- Nation: If professors remain underpaid, Nigeria risks a worsening brain drain, leaving its universities hollow and its workforce underprepared.
