ASUU, Vice Chancellors Decry Poor Pay as Professors Earn ₦525,000 Monthly; Strike Looms

Following nationwide protests earlier in the week, the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) is preparing to hold internal congresses to decide its next move amid growing frustration over stagnant salaries, poor working conditions, and unresolved agreements with the Federal Government. 

Despite a ₦50 billion release earlier this year for earned allowances, ASUU is demanding comprehensive action on the renegotiated 2009 FGN-ASUU agreement, better university funding, academic autonomy, and a review of key education regulatory frameworks. 

A crucial meeting scheduled for today is expected to include Education Minister Dr. Tunji Alausa, Labour Minister Muhammadu Maigari Dingyadi, and the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission. 

The goal is to harmonize past reports, including the Nimi Briggs and Yayale Ahmed drafts, and map out a sustainable implementation plan. ASUU President, Prof. Chris Piwuna, confirmed the union was not invited to the meeting and reiterated that ASUU’s next steps would be decided collectively by its members. 

“We operate from the bottom up,” he said. “The protests are over. Now, we’ll consult our members before determining the next line of action.” Amid rising discontent, lecturers and professors have expressed deep concern over poor remuneration. 

According to official documents, Nigerian professors currently earn between ₦525,010 and ₦633,333 monthly, while junior academic staff such as Graduate Assistants earn as low as ₦125,000. 

Reports also highlight dire working conditions—professors are said to live in outdated quarters and struggle with basic transportation, sometimes forced to compete with students for bus space. 

As expectations mount for reforms, the outcome of today’s government meeting and ASUU’s internal resolutions could determine whether another nationwide strike is imminent.