University lecturers, represented by the Congress of University Academics, are calling on the Federal Government to consider raising their salaries once again.
This request comes after the recent announcement by the government of a 35 percent and 25 percent salary increment for university lecturers.
Dr. ‘Niyi Sunmonu, the National President of CONUA, conveyed this message in a statement made available to the media by Dr. Henry Oripeloye, the National Secretary of the union.
CONUA explained that the salary increment had been initiated before the removal of fuel subsidy, in response to long-standing complaints from lecturers regarding stagnant salaries.
CONUA acknowledged the government’s efforts in addressing the salary issue, saying, “We have seen the memo from the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission on the implementation of 35% and 23.5% salary increment for staff of tertiary institutions. CONUA applauds the efforts of the present government for implementing this salary increment at this material time.”
The union also recognized the role played by former Minister of Labour, Senator (Dr.) Chris Ngige, who discussed the matter with CONUA delegates in May 2023.
During that meeting, concerns were raised about salary stagnation. The former Minister assured the delegates that the government was committed to paying the offer announced by the former Minister of Education, Malam Adamu Adamu, in September 2022.
“CONUA delegates then pressed the immediate past Minister of Labour and Employment to raise that of the non-professorial cadre to 25%,” the statement noted.
The former Minister promised to bring this matter to the attention of relevant government bodies, with the possibility of payment starting in May 2023.
While expressing appreciation for the government’s acknowledgment of academic staff with the salary increment, CONUA pointed out that this award was decided upon before the removal of fuel subsidy.
The union intends to continue engaging with the government to advocate for further salary increases for university lecturers to align with the current economic conditions.
CONUA emphasized that their objective is to secure better salaries for lecturers in Nigerian universities, not only to boost the morale of academics but also to reduce the issue of brain drain from these institutions.
