Nigerian Professors Paid Around US$366 Monthly — Investigation Finds Among Africa’s Poorest Remunerated

A recent investigation by The PUNCH has revealed that university professors in Nigeria are among the lowest-paid in Africa, earning on average US$366 a month (approximately ₦500,000) if they have less than 10 years in the professorial cadre.


The report shows a stark contrast in earnings when compared to other African countries. For example, professors in South Africa take home about US$57,471 annually, while Uganda and Kenya pay US$50,595 and US$48,000 respectively. Countries with smaller economies, such as Eswatini, Lesotho, and Gabon, also offer better pay than Nigeria.


Academics interviewed for the investigation voiced concerns about low morale, with many considering leaving the academic sector for government agencies, remote fellowships or foreign institutions. Some reported that the meagre pay makes it difficult to afford essentials such as healthcare, education for their children, or housing.


Under Nigeria’s CONUASS salary structure, a full professor currently earns between ₦525,010 and ₦633,333 monthly before deductions. After deductions, some professors take home significantly less.


ASUU (Academic Staff Union of Universities) and university leadership have called on the Federal Government to urgently review professors’ salaries to reflect inflation and to be more competitive across Africa. They warn that failure to act could worsen brain drain and undermine the quality of higher education in Nigeria.

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