Official Salary Structure For Professors In Nigeria: Average Pay Per Month

The salary structure for professors in Nigeria is a reflection of the broader challenges and complexities within the country’s academic sector. Despite their critical role in education, research, and national development, Nigerian professors are not as well-compensated as their peers in other countries, leading to frequent demands for salary adjustments and improved working conditions. This blog post delves into the official salary structure for professors in Nigeria and the factors affecting their pay.

Professors' Salary Structure in Nigeria

As of 2024, the salary structure for professors in Nigerian universities is regulated by the Consolidated University Academic Salary Structure (CONUASS). This structure places professors among the highest-earning academic staff, but the pay varies slightly depending on whether the institution is federal, state, or private. On average, a full professor at a government-owned university earns N342,442 per month after deductions such as taxes, pension, and other statutory contributions. This salary used to be higher, around N400,000, but the introduction of the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS) brought about reductions.

Breakdown of Salary Tiers

The salaries of professors, like other academic staff, fall under different categories based on rank, years of service, and qualifications:

• Professor: A professor with over 15 years of academic and research experience can expect a basic salary of N342,442 per month. Attaining this rank requires extensive contributions to academia, including publications, years of teaching, and leadership in research.
• Associate Professor (Reader): One step below a full professor, an associate professor (or reader) typically earns around N281,867 per month. This role also requires a Ph.D. and over 12 years of research and teaching experience
• Senior Lecturer: Below the professor and reader ranks, a senior lecturer—usually with a Ph.D. and a minimum of eight years of teaching and research experience—earns N231,393 per month.

Factors Affecting Professors' Salaries in Nigeria

• Government Funding and Budget Allocations: The government’s funding for education directly impacts the salaries of professors and other academic staff. Low budgetary allocations result in delayed salary payments, inadequate resources for research, and underpayment compared to international standards. This lack of adequate funding has been a critical point in negotiations between the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) and the Nigerian government
• Economic Challenges and Inflation: Nigeria’s high inflation rate significantly reduces the purchasing power of professors' salaries. Even though a professor’s salary may appear substantial, the rising cost of living erodes its real value, making it difficult for academic staff to maintain a comfortable lifestyle
• Strikes and Negotiations: ASUU has consistently engaged the government in negotiations to improve salaries and working conditions. These negotiations have often led to strikes, which disrupt academic calendars and affect both staff and students. While some progress has been made, such as salary reviews and temporary bonuses, the challenges persist due to the slow implementation of reforms.
• External Grants and Consultancy Work: To supplement their income, professors often engage in consultancy work, external research grants, and partnerships with international organizations. These additional streams of income can help bridge the gap between the official salary and the real financial needs of academic staff. However, opportunities for such engagements are not always accessible to all professors, especially those in less-researched fields.

Comparison to Global Standards

When compared to their counterparts in other countries, Nigerian professors are paid considerably less. For instance, professors in South Africa or the United States earn significantly higher salaries, and this discrepancy often leads to brain drain—where Nigerian academics migrate to other countries for better pay and research opportunities. The exodus of skilled professors has a detrimental effect on the quality of education and research in Nigeria, further deepening the challenges faced by the academic sector.

Efforts to Improve Professors' Salaries

There have been some efforts to address the issue of low pay for Nigerian professors. These include:

• Periodic Salary Reviews: Every few years, the Nigerian government conducts salary reviews under the CONUASS structure to adjust academic salaries in line with inflation and economic realities. However, these reviews are often delayed, and the increases are not always sufficient to match the rising cost of living.
• Government Interventions: On several occasions, the Nigerian government has intervened to resolve disputes between ASUU and university administrations. This sometimes results in temporary salary increments or bonuses to placate academic staff during negotiations.
• Increased Funding for Education: Advocates for higher education in Nigeria have continuously called for an increase in budgetary allocations to the education sector. By improving funding, the government can ensure better salaries, research grants, and academic resources.
• Encouraging Innovation and Entrepreneurship: Universities are being encouraged to foster a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship, which could provide additional income streams for professors. By leveraging advancements in technology and research, professors can engage in consultancy services, apply for research grants, and collaborate with the private sector to supplement their salaries.

Conclusion

The salary of a professor in Nigeria, while higher than that of most other public sector workers, still lags behind global standards. Economic challenges, inadequate government funding, and the high inflation rate exacerbate the issue, leading to frequent strikes and unrest within the academic community. While there are efforts underway to improve the situation, including salary reviews and external income opportunities, achieving a satisfactory remuneration package for professors remains an ongoing struggle.

Improving the salary structure for Nigerian professors is essential for retaining top academic talent, enhancing the quality of education, and ensuring that Nigeria’s universities can compete on the global stage.