ASUU-FG Faceoff: How Much Should Nigerian Professors Be Paid?
- Education
- 15.09.2025
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ASUU-FG Faceoff: How Much Should Nigerian Professors Be Paid?
The ongoing faceoff between the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) and the Federal Government has sparked heated debate in Nigeria.
This has become one of the most discussed topics in the education sector, with Nigerians asking:
How much should a Nigerian professor actually earn?
The agreement reached then was never fully implemented.
For over 16 years, professors have been receiving almost the same pay while the economy has worsened due to inflation, devaluation of the naira, and rising costs of living.
In 2025, a Nigerian professor reportedly earns between ₦525,000 and ₦633,000 monthly, equivalent to just $328–$396 at current Nairaland
- South Africa: Over R1 million annually (about ₦75 million or $4,666 monthly).
- Kenya: Professors earn more than KSh 500,000 monthly.
- Uganda: UGX 9 million–15 million monthly ($2,400–$4,000).
- Botswana: P30,936–P49,969 monthly with additional allowances.
- Morocco: Around $2,031 monthly.
Compared to these figures, Nigerian professors are among the lowest paid despite Nigeria being called the “giant of Africa.”
How Much Should Professors Earn?
Opinions vary across the country on what the right salary should be for professors. Here are some sampled views:
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Abiodun Is-haq Egunjobi
“It is unjust for professors to remain on the same salary for over 16 years.
They should earn the highest salary among African professors, between ₦3 million to ₦5 million monthly.”
Osakue Joshua
“The issue is not just salary but the naira’s instability.
Until the naira is stabilized, wage demands will continue to rise.”
Osadola Oluwaseun
“Professors deserve at least ₦1.5 million monthly.
Beyond salary, welfare and research funding are equally important.”
Sunday Abimbade
“In South Africa and Botswana, professors earn much more.
Nigerian professors should not earn less than £12,000 monthly to remain competitive globally.”
Livinus Anthony
“Professors should receive not less than ₦4.5 million monthly.
Even primary and secondary teachers deserve a salary review.”
Raphael Ogbe
“Professors train doctors, lawyers, engineers, and other professionals.
They deserve at least ₦4.5 million per month.”
Yusuf Olayinka
“Globally, Nigerian professors are among the least paid.
They deserve ₦2 million monthly plus allowances.”
Joseph Gana
“As of 2025, professors earn ₦525,000–₦633,000.
This is inadequate compared to South Africa’s ₦75m annually.
Professors should earn at least ₦2.5m monthly.”
Ayo Ajayi
“A professor’s salary should be at par with a Nigerian army general or a Supreme Court judge, about ₦1.8 million monthly after tax.”
They train future professionals, conduct research, and contribute to policy development.
In contrast, Nigerian politicians earn millions monthly while professors struggle.
Critics say this imbalance fuels brain drain, with academics leaving for better-paying jobs abroad.
Others stress that the government must balance salary increases with sustainable funding for education and research facilities.
Without comprehensive reforms, salary adjustments alone may not solve the crisis in Nigerian universities.
While professors deserve better pay — ideally around ₦2.5 million to ₦5 million monthly —
the government must also address structural issues like research funding, university autonomy, and economic stability.
Without urgent reforms, Nigeria risks losing its brightest minds to other countries, weakening its higher education system even further.
