Salary

• Konnect
• 5 Min Read
• 43 Views

New Teachers’ Salary Structure In Nigeria: How Much They Earn

Teaching is a noble profession that shapes the future of any nation. In Nigeria, teachers play a pivotal role in molding young minds, yet their compensation has been a topic of extensive discussion. Understanding the salary structure for new teachers in Nigeria involves examining various factors, including government policies, educational qualifications, and the type of employing institution.

Government Initiatives to Enhance Teachers' Salaries

Recognizing the importance of education, the Nigerian government has implemented measures to improve teachers' welfare. In 2025, a special salary scale for teachers was approved to encourage better service delivery and attract more qualified individuals to the profession. 

Federal Government Teachers' Salary Structure

Teachers employed by the Federal Government typically receive higher salaries compared to their state counterparts. The salary structure is organized based on Grade Levels (GL) and Steps, reflecting experience and qualifications. As of 2025, the salary breakdown is as follows:

• GL 07: Assistant Education Officer (AEO) – ₦198,000 per month

• GL 08: Education Officer (EO) – ₦254,000 per month

• GL 09: Senior Education Officer II (SEO II) – ₦271,000 per month

• GL 10: Senior Education Officer I (SEO I) – ₦296,000 per month

• GL 12: Principal Education Officer (PEO) – ₦321,000 per month

These figures indicate a significant improvement from previous years, reflecting the government's commitment to enhancing the teaching profession. 

State Government Teachers' Salary Structure

Salaries for state-employed teachers vary across Nigeria, influenced by each state's financial capacity and prioritization of education. For instance, in Oyo State, the salary structure for Teaching Service Commission (TESCOM) officers in 2025 is as follows:

• GL 05: Step 1 – Step 15 – ₦97,408.58 – ₦111,186.42 per month

• GL 06: Step 1 – Step 15 – ₦121,863.19 – ₦140,130.09 per month

• GL 07: Step 1 – Step 15 – ₦132,164.91 – ₦153,308.57 per month

• GL 08: Step 1 – Step 15 – ₦132,164.91 – ₦153,308.57 per month

• GL 09: Step 1 – Step 15 – ₦146,092.32 – ₦169,481.72 per month

• GL 10: Step 1 – Step 15 – ₦157,132.98 – ₦183,115.05 per month

• GL 12: Step 1 – Step 11 – ₦180,482.54 – ₦202,288.07 per month

• GL 13: Step 1 – Step 11 – ₦183,007.28 – ₦206,969.34 per month

• GL 14: Step 1 – Step 11 – ₦188,900.60 – ₦213,497.90 per month

• GL 15: Step 1 – Step 9 – ₦298,215.85 – ₦320,206.91 per month

• GL 16: Step 1 – Step 9 – ₦404,809.48 – ₦431,867.46 per month

• GL 17: Step 1 – Step 9 – ₦411,141.21 – ₦442,343.93 per month

These figures demonstrate that Oyo State offers competitive salaries to its teachers, reflecting a commitment to educational development. 

Salary Structure in Private and International Schools

Private schools in Nigeria offer varying salary scales, often influenced by the school's reputation, location, and financial resources. Generally, private school teachers earn between ₦80,000 and ₦300,000 per month. International schools, catering to expatriates and affluent Nigerians, offer higher salaries, ranging from ₦300,000 to ₦1,000,000 per month, to attract and retain highly qualified educators. 

Factors Influencing Teachers' Salaries in Nigeria

Several factors contribute to the variation in teachers' salaries across Nigeria:

• Educational Qualifications: Teachers with higher academic qualifications, such as bachelor's or master's degrees, typically start at higher grade levels, resulting in better pay.

• Years of Experience: Experience plays a crucial role in salary determination. More experienced teachers progress through grade levels and steps, leading to increased earnings.

• Location: Urban areas, especially cities like Lagos and Abuja, often offer higher salaries due to the higher cost of living and increased competition among schools for qualified teachers.

• Type of Institution: As previously noted, federal institutions, private schools, and international schools tend to offer more competitive salaries compared to state schools.

• Subject Specialization: Teachers specializing in subjects with high demand, such as sciences and mathematics, may receive additional incentives or higher pay.

Challenges Facing Teachers' Compensation in Nigeria

Despite improvements, several challenges persist in ensuring fair compensation for Nigerian teachers:

1. Delayed Payments: Some teachers, particularly in state schools, experience delays in salary payments, affecting morale and financial stability.

2. Disparities Among States: There is significant variation in teachers' salaries across different states, leading to inequities and migration of teachers to better-paying regions. Some states struggle with financial constraints, affecting their ability to implement competitive salaries.

3. Lack of Adequate Allowances and Benefits: Unlike other professions, many teachers in Nigeria do not receive sufficient allowances such as housing, transport, and healthcare benefits. This makes it difficult for them to maintain a good standard of living.

4. Overloaded Workload: Many teachers handle large class sizes and administrative duties without corresponding financial incentives. This can lead to burnout and decreased job satisfaction.

5. Poor Retirement Benefits: Retired teachers often face challenges in receiving their pensions and gratuities on time, discouraging younger individuals from considering teaching as a long-term career.

Recent Government Reforms to Improve Teachers' Salaries

To address these challenges, the Nigerian government has introduced reforms aimed at improving teachers' salaries and overall welfare:

• Special Salary Scale for Teachers – In 2021, the Federal Government approved a new salary structure for teachers, increasing their earnings to encourage professionalism and commitment.

• Extended Retirement Age – The retirement age for teachers was increased from 60 to 65 years, while the years of service were extended from 35 to 40. This allows experienced teachers to contribute more before retiring.

• Scholarships and Bursaries for Education Students – To encourage young Nigerians to take up teaching, the government introduced scholarships and bursaries for students studying education-related courses.

• Housing and Loan Support – Teachers are now eligible for low-interest housing loans, making it easier for them to own homes.

How to Maximize Earnings as a Teacher in Nigeria

While teaching salaries in Nigeria are gradually improving, teachers can explore additional opportunities to increase their income:

1. Private Tutoring – Many teachers offer after-school or weekend tutoring to students, earning extra income. Platforms like TeachMe.ng and PrepClass connect tutors with students willing to pay for personalized lessons.

2. Online Teaching – With the rise of digital learning, teachers can create and sell online courses, offer virtual lessons, or join platforms like Udemy, Coursera, and YouTube.

3. Writing Educational Books and Materials – Teachers can publish textbooks, workbooks, or digital resources for students and schools.

4. Running a Lesson Center – Establishing a coaching or lesson center for students preparing for exams like WAEC, NECO, and JAMB can be a lucrative venture.

5. Engaging in Side Businesses – Many teachers supplement their income by running small businesses, such as selling educational materials, recharge cards, or farming.

Final Thoughts: The Future of Teachers' Salaries in Nigeria

Teaching remains one of the most critical professions in Nigeria, but compensation has long been a concern. While recent government reforms have improved teachers' salaries and benefits, more work needs to be done to ensure fair and timely payments, competitive wages, and better working conditions.

Teachers play a vital role in shaping the nation's future, and their salaries should reflect their importance in society. As Nigeria continues to prioritize education, there is hope that teachers will receive the financial recognition they deserve, ensuring a more motivated and productive workforce.