Nigerian Lecturers Demand Salary Increase Amidst Low Morale

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has expressed concerns over the low morale among lecturers due to poor salaries.

According to the Consolidated University Academic Salary structure, professors earn between N525,010 and N633,333 per month, while graduate assistants earn between N125,000 and N138,020.

ASUU President Piwuna criticized the government for neglecting academia, noting that lecturers' salaries have remained stagnant since 2009. He stated that the government's increase in the minimum wage only added N40,000 to lecturers' salaries, which has not significantly impacted their overall earnings.

Prof. Oluwatoyin Ogundipe, a past Vice Chancellor of the University of Lagos, shared his experience, stating that he earned N900,000 as Vice Chancellor and currently earns N700,000 as a professor. He expressed concern over the decline in morale among lecturers, noting that some struggle to make ends meet.

The union is demanding a review of the salary structure to reflect the current economic realities and to motivate lecturers to perform optimally. The situation highlights the need for the government to prioritize the welfare of academics and address the long-standing issue of poor remuneration.