THE SALARY RATE OF PROFESSORS IN NIGERIA

 

Introduction

Education is widely recognized as the key to progress and development in any society. In Nigeria, universities play a crucial role in the country's education system, producing skilled professionals and leaders in various fields. As such, the quality of education provided by these institutions is highly dependent on the caliber of academic staff employed, particularly professors who are considered the most senior and experienced in their respective fields. However, there has been ongoing debate and concern about the salary of professors in Nigerian universities, with many arguing that it is inadequate and does not reflect the value and importance of their role. This thesis aims to critically examine and analyze the salary of professors in Nigerian universities, looking at the current situation, factors influencing it, and potential solutions to address the issue.

Current Situation of Professor's Salary in Nigerian Universities

The salary of professors in Nigerian universities has been a subject of discussion and controversy for many years. According to a report by the National Salaries, Income, and Wages Commission (NSIWC), the average monthly salary of professors in federal universities in Nigeria is between 500,000 to 600,000 naira, which is equivalent to $1,300 to $1,500. This amount is significantly lower than the salaries of professors in other countries such as the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom, where they earn an average of $8,000 to $10,000 per month. This significant difference in salaries has led to dissatisfaction and demotivation among Nigerian professors who feel undervalued and underpaid for their contributions to the education sector.

Factors Influencing Professor's Salary in Nigerian Universities

Several factors contribute to the low salary of professors in Nigerian universities. One of the main factors is the inadequate funding of the education sector by the government. The Nigerian government allocates a small percentage of its annual budget to the education sector, with only 7% of the 2021 budget allocated to education. This limited funding has a direct impact on the salaries of professors as it affects the overall budget of universities, leaving little room for increases in salaries.

Another factor is the lack of a standardized and transparent salary structure for professors in Nigerian universities. The current salary structure is based on the Consolidated University Academic Salary Structure (CONUASS), which was implemented in 2009. This structure is not regularly reviewed and has been criticized for not adequately reflecting the qualifications, experience, and contributions of professors. It also lacks transparency, with no clear criteria for determining salary increments, leading to disparities in salaries among professors.

Moreover, the devaluation of the Nigerian currency also affects the salary of professors. With the persistent inflation rate in the country, the value of the Nigerian Naira continues to decline, making the salaries of professors even lower in comparison to their counterparts in other countries. This has a significant impact on the standard of living of professors, making it difficult for them to meet their basic needs, especially in urban areas where the cost of living is high.

Impact of Low Salary on Professors and Nigerian Universities

The low salary of professors has far-reaching consequences on both the individual professors and the Nigerian education system as a whole. Firstly, it leads to demotivation and dissatisfaction among professors, affecting their productivity and commitment to their roles. This, in turn, affects the quality of education provided to students, as professors may not be able to give their best in teaching, research, and mentoring of students.

Moreover, the low salary of professors contributes to the brain drain phenomenon, where highly qualified and experienced professors leave the country in search of better opportunities and salaries in other countries. This has a negative impact on the Nigerian education system as it results in a shortage of skilled and experienced professors, affecting the overall quality of education.

Potential Solutions to Address the Issue

To address the issue of low salary for professors in Nigerian universities, there is a need for a multi-faceted approach involving both the government and universities. The government should prioritize the education sector by allocating a more significant percentage of the annual budget to it. This will enable universities to have more resources to increase the salaries of professors and improve the overall quality of education.

There is also a need for a review of the current salary structure for professors. A transparent and standardized salary structure that adequately reflects the qualifications, experience, and contributions of professors should be implemented. This will promote fairness and reduce disparities in salaries among professors.

Furthermore, universities should explore alternative sources of funding, such as partnerships with the private sector and alumni donations. This will provide additional resources to increase the salaries of professors and improve the overall financial stability of universities.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the salary of professors in Nigerian universities is significantly lower compared to their counterparts in other countries. This has a demotivating effect on professors and affects the quality of education provided in Nigerian universities. The issue of low salary can be addressed through increased funding by the government, a review of the current salary structure, and the exploration of alternative sources of funding by universities. It is crucial for the government and universities to take action to ensure that the salary of professors in Nigerian universities reflects their value and importance in the education sector. This will not only motivate professors but also contribute to the progress and development of the country.