Nigerian Professors and their unions, most notably the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), have long been at the forefront of advocacy for improved remuneration and working conditions within the country’s tertiary education sector. These demands are rooted in several critical concerns, including the persistently low salaries of academic staff, which are widely viewed as falling short of both regional and international standards. Professors and lecturers have consistently argued that their current earnings are not commensurate with their qualifications, workload, and the vital role they play in national development through education and research.
Beyond personal welfare, these unions also frame their demands within the broader context of revitalizing the Nigerian university system. They emphasize that inadequate compensation contributes to a brain drain, where top academic talent leaves the country in search of better opportunities abroad, thereby undermining the quality and competitiveness of Nigerian higher education. Moreover, low pay hampers motivation and productivity, potentially diminishing the quality of teaching, research output, and student mentorship.
Demands for salary increases such as the proposed ₦2.5 million monthly wage for professors are not isolated requests but part of a comprehensive push for systemic reform. These include calls for the Federal Government to undertake a holistic review of university staff salary structures, address issues of earned academic allowances, and significantly increase funding for infrastructure, research, and development across public universities. ASUU and similar unions often stress that meaningful investment in university education is crucial for Nigeria’s socio-economic progress, innovation capacity, and global competitiveness.
However, negotiations between the unions and the Federal Government have frequently stalled, leading to protracted strikes and disruptions in the academic calendar. While the government often cites fiscal constraints, unions argue that education must be prioritized in budgetary allocations, especially given the strategic role of higher education in national development. The ongoing debates reflect deeper questions about governance, resource allocation, and the value placed on education in Nigeria’s policy framework.
Background and Context
Nigerian professors currently earn between ₦400,000 and ₦633,333 monthly, depending on seniority and allowances, a figure significantly lower than their counterparts in other African countries, where salaries range from $2,000 to $4,000 (approximately ₦3.2 million to ₦6.4 million at current exchange rates). The Academic Staff Union of Universities has been advocating for better pay and conditions since the 2009 FGN-ASUU agreement, which promised salary reviews, improved university funding, and enhanced working conditions. However, successive governments have failed to fully implement this agreement, leading to protests, strikes, and a deepening crisis in the education sector.
The demand for ₦2.5 million monthly pay is rooted in the rising cost of living, driven by inflation rates that reached 24.5% in January 2025. Professors argue that their current salaries cannot cover essentials like housing, healthcare, and education for their families. For instance, a professor at the University of Lagos highlighted that renting a house in areas like Akoka costs at least ₦3 million annually, far exceeding their monthly earnings. Additionally, the brain drain phenomenon—where skilled academics leave Nigeria for better opportunities abroad—has worsened, with countries like Saudi Arabia offering Nigerian professors salaries of ₦5-7 million monthly.
Reasons for the ₦2.5m Demand
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Inadequate Salaries Compared to African Peers: Nigerian professors are among the lowest paid in Africa. A professor in South Africa or Kenya earns significantly more, with salaries benchmarked at $2,000-$4,000 monthly. This disparity discourages foreign academics from working in Nigeria and drives local talent abroad, weakening the country’s higher education system.
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Economic Hardship and Inflation: The naira’s devaluation and high inflation have eroded purchasing power. For example, a professor earning ₦420,000 monthly struggles to afford basic necessities, forcing many to take loans or side jobs, which detract from their academic responsibilities.
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Failure to Implement Agreements: The 2009 FGN-ASUU agreement proposed a salary structure aligning with African averages, but it was never fully implemented. A government-commissioned report by the Nimi-Briggs Commission recommended ₦2.5 million for professors, yet no action has been taken, fueling distrust.
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Poor Working Conditions: Many professors face dilapidated infrastructure, outdated staff quarters, and reliance on student buses for transport. These conditions undermine their ability to teach effectively and conduct research, further justifying their demand for better pay.
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Brain Drain Crisis: The exodus of academics to countries offering better pay threatens Nigeria’s education sector. Former ASUU President Emmanuel Osodeke warned that without competitive salaries, universities will continue to lose talent, impacting global rankings and national development.
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Comparison with Public Officials: Professors highlight the stark contrast between their salaries and those of political officeholders, who earn millions monthly, including allowances. This disparity underscores the low priority given to education in Nigeria.
Government’s Response and Challenges
The Federal Government has acknowledged the economic challenges but cites fiscal constraints as a barrier to meeting ASUU’s demands. Initiatives like the Tertiary Institutions Staff Support Fund (TISSF) and a 23.5% salary increase for lecturers have been introduced, but these fall short of expectations. The government has also proposed loans for academics, a move criticized by ASUU as inadequate compared to proper salary adjustments. Meanwhile, the naira’s volatility and a fiscal deficit narrowing from 6.4% of GDP in 2023 to 4.4% in 2024 limit the government’s ability to fund salary increases without broader economic reforms.
Implications for Nigeria’s Education Sector
The ongoing dispute risks further disruptions, including strikes, which have historically paralyzed universities. Poor remuneration not only affects lecturers’ morale but also discourages young scholars from pursuing academic careers, perpetuating a cycle of understaffing and declining educational quality. If unaddressed, the brain drain will continue, with Nigeria losing its intellectual capital to other nations. Moreover, the failure to prioritize education funding—currently at 6-8% of the national budget against UNESCO’s recommended 15-20% hampers Nigeria’s ability to compete globally.
READ ALSO: ASUU Strike Update 2025: Minister Admits 2009 FG-ASUU Deal
FAQs
Why are Nigerian professors demanding ₦2.5 million monthly?
They cite inadequate pay compared to African peers, rising living costs, and the government’s failure to implement the 2009 FGN-ASUU agreement. Their current salaries (₦400,000-₦633,333) are insufficient to cover basic needs.
How does their pay compare to other African countries?
Professors in other African countries earn $2,000-$4,000 monthly, equivalent to ₦3.2 million-₦6.4 million, while Nigerian professors earn less than $400 (₦633,333) monthly.
What is the 2009 FGN-ASUU agreement?
It’s an agreement between the Federal Government and ASUU promising improved salaries, better university funding, and enhanced working conditions, which has not been fully implemented.
How does inflation affect professors’ salaries?
With inflation at 24.5% in January 2025, the naira’s value has plummeted, making it difficult for professors to afford housing, healthcare, and other essentials on their current salaries.
What is the brain drain, and why is it a concern?
Brain drain refers to the migration of skilled professionals abroad for better opportunities. For Nigeria, losing professors to countries like Saudi Arabia weakens universities and national development.
Has the government responded to the demand?
The government has offered a 23.5% salary increase and introduced the Tertiary Institutions Staff Support Fund, but ASUU considers these inadequate compared to the ₦2.5 million demand.
Why do professors compare their pay to political officeholders?
Political officeholders earn millions monthly, including allowances, while professors earn far less, highlighting the low priority given to education despite its critical role.
What happens if the demand is not met?
ASUU may resort to strikes, disrupting academic calendars, while the brain drain will worsen, further weakening Nigeria’s education sector.
