ASUU Raises Concerns: Nigerian University Professors Earn Lowest Salaries Worldwide
The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) at Modibbo Adama University (MAU) in Yola, Adamawa State, has raised concerns about Nigerian university professors earning the lowest salaries globally. ASUU branch leader El-Maude Gambo Jibreel highlighted this during a press briefing in Yola, emphasizing that Nigerian lecturers have not received a salary increase in over 15 years since the last review in 2009. He pointed out that Nigerian lecturers earn less than their counterparts in Africa and globally, with even professors earning less than $300 per month at the current exchange rate of N1,489 per dollar.
Jibreel emphasized that many Nigerians do not fully understand why ASUU goes on strike so often. He said it is crucial for the public to support ASUU’s goals to improve Nigeria’s education and help the country develop.
The ASUU leader explained that the extensive strike action in 2022 aimed to pressure the Nigerian government into fulfilling the terms of the Memorandum of Action (MoA) signed on February 7, 2019. These agreements were mutually agreed upon to address longstanding issues within the university system.
El-Maude emphasized that ASUU has consistently asked the government to honour agreements made since 2017. He expressed disappointment about the insufficient amount of money allocated and released for universities, such as the N170 billion fund meant for revitalizing them in the last budget. This lack of funds has worsened the decay of university buildings and facilities all over the country.
El-Maude called on all Nigerians, including the media, labor unions, student groups, and civil society, to join ASUU in protecting Nigeria’s education system. He assured everyone that ASUU is fully dedicated to bringing back and upholding the high-quality education that’s crucial for Nigeria’s future success.
