August 28, 2025
The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has warned of possible industrial action following nationwide protests over poor pay and stalled agreements with the Federal Government.
Although the Tinubu administration earlier released ₦50bn to clear earned allowances, lecturers insist the government has failed to implement the renegotiated 2009 FGN-ASUU agreement, which was concluded in December 2024 and submitted in February.
Government officials, including the Ministers of Education and Labour, are expected to meet today with the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission to reconcile the Yayale Ahmed draft, the original 2009 agreement, and the Nimi Briggs report. The talks are expected to produce a timetable for phased implementation and legal backing.
However, ASUU president Prof. Chris Piwuna said the union was not invited to the meeting. He added that lecturers would hold congresses to decide their next step.
“Our members are tired of empty promises. After the protests, we’ll return to them to determine the next line of action,” Piwuna said.
Professors Earn Less Than ₦600,000 Monthly
Documents show that under the Consolidated University Academic Salary Structure, professors earn between ₦525,010 and ₦633,333, while Graduate Assistants take home as little as ₦125,000. After deductions, many professors earn about ₦300,000.
A former UNILAG Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Oluwatoyin Ogundipe, described the pay as demoralising:
“As VC, I earned ₦900,000. Today, as a professor, I earn ₦700,000. My son saw my payslip and called it a joke. Some lecturers now sleep in their offices.”
Lecturers argue that stagnant salaries, poor funding, and lack of facilities are driving talent out of Nigerian universities.
Prof. Tunde Adeoye of UNILAG noted that lecturers in Kenya and Zimbabwe earn more than their Nigerian counterparts, warning that the situation could fuel brain drain.
He added, “Many members can’t pay rent, some can’t afford drugs for hypertension, and some have died from treatable illnesses.”
The Secretary of the Committee of Vice Chancellors, Prof. Andrew Haruna, also faulted the government for undervaluing academics compared to peers abroad.
“I’ve taught in over 10 European universities. If you pay a professor $4,000 abroad but ₦400,000 here, it shows the value our leaders place on education,” Haruna said.
Next Steps
ASUU has rejected government’s offer of loan-style “support funds” instead of direct entitlements. The union insists only a review of salaries, proper funding, and improved conditions of service will avert another shutdown of public universities.
With professors earning barely half a million naira while politicians push for pay rises, the coming days may determine whether campuses across Nigeria face another prolonged strike.
