As a nation, we stand at a defining moment where the future of our education system is under serious threat. The recent strike declared by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has once again highlighted the deep-rooted problems confronting our tertiary institutions. As a former presidential candidate, I feel a strong responsibility to add my voice to the growing call for decisive and immediate action to resolve the crises undermining Nigeria’s education sector.
One of the key issues driving the ASUU strike is the poor remuneration of university professors. A recent comparison of monthly salaries of university professors across some African countries is a stark reminder of the disparities and injustices that exist in our system. While professors in countries like South Africa, Uganda, and Kenya earn monthly salaries equivalent to N6.99 – N5.84 million, their counterparts in Nigeria earn a paltry N535,000. This disparity is not only unacceptable but also demotivating for our educators.
As we continue to grapple with the challenges facing our education system, it’s imperative that we take a closer look at the welfare of our university professors. A recent comparison of monthly salaries of university professors across some African countries is a stark reminder of the disparities and injustices that exist in our system. For instance:
Monthly Salary of University Professors in Naira equivalent in top five countries in Africa:
South Africa: N6.99 million
Uganda: N6.15 million
Kenya: N5.84 million
Eswatini: N5.03 million
Equatorial Guinea: N4.36 million
Nigeria’s Position: N535,000
The fact remains that professors in Nigeria should be paid on the same scale as judges.
It’s clear that Nigerian professors are among the lowest paid in Africa. Given the size and complexity of Nigeria’s economy, it’s unconscionable that our professors are not better compensated. This disparity is a major reason why the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has embarked on a strike.
The implications of this disparity are far-reaching. Our universities are struggling to attract and retain top talent, and many of our professors are forced to take on multiple jobs to make ends meet. This not only affects the quality of teaching and research but also undermines the morale of our educators. It’s unconscionable that in a country with vast human and natural resources, our professors are among the lowest paid in Africa.
The strike by ASUU is a wake-up call for our leaders to take urgent action to address the challenges facing our education sector. It’s time for us to prioritize the welfare of our educators and invest in the future of our nation. Education is the bedrock of any society, and it’s imperative that we get it right. By investing in our educators, we are investing in the future of our nation.
I urge the federal government to listen to ASUU and engage in meaningful dialogue to address the challenges facing our education sector. We need to think outside the box and come up with innovative solutions to address the funding challenges facing our universities. We also need to ensure that our educators are well-remunerated and motivated to deliver quality teaching and research.
The strike by ASUU is not just about the welfare of university professors; it’s about the future of our nation. It’s about the kind of society we want to build and the kind of citizens we want to produce. I believe that our leaders have a responsibility to ensure that our education system is well-funded and that our educators are given the support they need to deliver quality teaching and research.
I urge our leaders to listen to ASUU and engage in meaningful dialogue to address the challenges facing our education sector. It’s time to prioritize the welfare of our educators and invest in the future of our nation. As we move forward, I urge all stakeholders to come together to find a lasting solution to the challenges facing our education sector. Let’s prioritize education and invest in the future of our nation. Together, we can build a brighter future for our children and our country.
#AlutaContinua
By Professor Funmilayo Adesanya-Davies,
Former Presidential Candidate
