University lecturers in Nigeria are threatening another action with the Federal Government over poor wages, saying their pay no longer reflects economic realities.
The three registered unions, the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), the Congress of University Academics (CONUA), and the Medical and Dental Consultants’ Association of Nigeria (MDCAN), claim that salaries have remained largely stagnant since 2009, despite repeated agreements with the government.
According to reports, professors in federal universities currently earn approximately N633,333 monthly. In contrast, their counterparts at Imo State University recently had their pay raised to N812,000 following a wage adjustment by Governor Hope Uzodimma.
By contrast, lawmakers earn far more. Although the Revenue Mobilisation, Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) puts senators’ salaries at about N1 million monthly, former Senator Shehu Sani disclosed he earned N13.5 million during his tenure, alleging that current senators now earn as much as N21 million.
The union leaders argue the disparity shows how little value is placed on education. “Salary has remained stagnant since 2009, and what the government offers is mere tokenism,” said CONUA President, Dr Niyi Sunmonu. “Lecturers deserve a living wage.”
ASUU leaders have also warned that another strike is imminent unless the government honours the 2009 agreement, which promised N200 billion in yearly revitalisation funds, earned academic allowances, and improved facilities.
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