Call to Align Professors’ Pay with Judges’ Remuneration – Adesanya-Davies

By Prof Funmilayo Adesanya-Davies

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s recent approval of salary increases for judges in Nigeria has sparked renewed debate about the remuneration of other critical professionals, particularly university professors, whose roles in education, research, and national development are invaluable.

The remuneration of professors in Nigeria has long been a topic of concern, with many arguing that their salaries do not reflect their value to society. This article proposes that professors be compensated on par with judges, given the similarities in their roles, expertise, and impact on national progress.

The Value of Professors and Judges

1. Professors: As educators and researchers, professors advance knowledge, nurture critical thinking, and prepare future leaders. Their work drives innovation and societal development.

2. Judges: As custodians of the law, judges uphold justice and interpret legislation, shaping society through their decisions, which have far-reaching implications for peace, order, and socio-economic growth.

Similarities Between Professors and Judges

1. Expertise and Authority: Both require extensive education, experience, and recognised authority in their fields. Professors lead academic disciplines, while judges wield legal authority crucial to societal stability.

2. Societal Impact: Professors shape generations through teaching and research, while judges maintain justice and rule of law, protecting citizens’ rights and sustaining national cohesion.

3. Professional Demands: Both professions demand integrity, ethical conduct, and deep understanding of complex systems—legal frameworks for judges and academic disciplines for professors.

Proposal

Given these parallels in expertise, societal impact, and professional demands, it is reasonable to propose that professors’ remuneration be aligned with that of judges. This would involve:

1. Salary Parity: Establishing a salary structure for professors comparable to judges, reflecting their societal value.

2. Benefits and Allowances: Providing similar benefits and allowances, including housing, transportation, and healthcare, to acknowledge their responsibilities and expertise.

3. Professional Development: Supporting continuous professional development, akin to judicial training programs, to ensure professors remain leaders in their fields.

Benefits of the Proposal

1. Talent Attraction and Retention: Equitable compensation would attract and retain top academic talent, enhancing the competitiveness of Nigerian universities.

2. Enhanced Prestige and Motivation: Aligning salaries would elevate the status of academia and motivate professors to excel further.

3. Societal Recognition: This would reflect society’s appreciation for academics’ roles in national development, leading to increased institutional support.

4. Productivity and Job Satisfaction: Fair remuneration would boost professors’ motivation and productivity, benefiting students and the wider community.

5. National Development: Prioritising professors’ welfare underscores education and research as drivers of national progress, encouraging greater investment in the sector.

Aligning professors’ compensation with judicial remuneration is a progressive step towards recognising their invaluable contributions to Nigeria’s development. Such a move would foster a vibrant, motivated, and prestigious academic community, positioning the nation for sustainable growth and global competitiveness.

Prof Funmilayo Adesanya-Davies
Professor of Applied Linguistics, Department of Linguistics, Faculty of Humanities, Ignatius Ajuru University of Education, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria.