Are you trying to understand the difference between academic vs non-academic staff salary in Nigerian universities? Whether you're a student, job seeker, or education researcher, this detailed guide will help you understand how much each group earns, their roles, salary structures, and what to expect in 2025.
In every Nigerian university, both academic and non-academic workers are important. Academic staff teach and do research. Non-academic staff handle administration, security, and support services.
But how much do they earn? And who gets paid more in 2025? Let's break it down.
What Is the Difference Between Academic and Non-Academic Staff?
Before we dive into salaries, it's important to understand the roles of both categories:
Academic Staff
These are the lecturers and professors. Their duties include:
Teaching undergraduate and postgraduate students
Conducting academic research
Writing and publishing academic papers
Attending conferences and workshops
Supervising projects and thesis
Representing the university in academic circles
They are the face of the university’s academic performance.
Non-Academic Staff
These are the workers who do not teach but are vital for running the university smoothly. They include:
Administrative officers
Secretaries
ICT staff
Library workers
Lab technologists
Bursary staff
Health workers
Security and maintenance workers
They handle documentation, finances, tech, student support, and many other key services.
Both roles are essential, but their salary structures are different.
Salary Structure for Academic Staff in Nigerian Universities (2025)
Academic staff are paid using the CONUASS structure (Consolidated University Academic Salary Structure).
Their salary depends on:
Their rank (e.g., Lecturer II, Lecturer I, Senior Lecturer, Professor)
Their academic qualifications (M.Sc., PhD)
Their years of experience
The university type (federal or state)
Let’s look at the 2025 academic staff salary by rank:
Lecturer II (Entry-level PhD holder)
Basic Salary: ₦120,000 – ₦160,000
Total Monthly Pay with Allowances: ₦180,000 – ₦250,000
Lecturer I
Basic Salary: ₦160,000 – ₦210,000
Total Monthly Pay: ₦240,000 – ₦310,000
Senior Lecturer
Basic Salary: ₦220,000 – ₦280,000
Total Monthly Pay: ₦330,000 – ₦400,000
Associate Professor (Reader)
Basic Salary: ₦300,000 – ₦350,000
Total Monthly Pay: ₦430,000 – ₦500,000
Professor
Basic Salary: ₦400,000 – ₦500,000
Total Monthly Pay: ₦550,000 – ₦700,000+
This includes allowances such as:
Responsibility allowance
Research allowance
Housing allowance
Publication allowance
Hazard allowance
Leave allowance
Salary Structure for Non-Academic Staff in Nigerian Universities (2025)
Non-academic staff are paid using the CONTISS salary scale (Consolidated Tertiary Institutions Salary Structure).
Their pay depends on:
Grade level (CONTISS 6 to 15)
Job type (administrative, technical, support)
Years of service
Federal or state university
Here’s the 2025 non-academic staff salary by grade level:
CONTISS 6 (Entry-level admin or clerk)
Basic Salary: ₦70,000 – ₦90,000
Total Monthly Pay: ₦100,000 – ₦130,000
CONTISS 7 – 8 (Admin officers, assistant librarians)
Basic Salary: ₦90,000 – ₦130,000
Total Pay: ₦130,000 – ₦180,000
CONTISS 9 – 10 (Principal officers, lab technologists)
Basic Salary: ₦140,000 – ₦170,000
Total Monthly Pay: ₦180,000 – ₦230,000
CONTISS 11 – 12 (Senior officers)
Basic Salary: ₦180,000 – ₦210,000
Total Pay: ₦230,000 – ₦280,000
CONTISS 13 – 15 (Chief officers, Directors, Registrars)
Basic Salary: ₦250,000 – ₦350,000
Total Monthly Pay: ₦320,000 – ₦500,000+
They also enjoy:
Transport allowance
Housing allowance
Leave allowance
Uniform allowance (for security staff)
Utility and hazard allowance (for health, ICT staff)
Academic vs Non-Academic Staff Salary: Who Earns More?
Let’s do a clear salary comparison using 2025 data:
| Rank/Grade Level | Academic Staff Pay | Non-Academic Staff Pay |
|---|---|---|
| Entry-level (Lecturer II / CONTISS 6) | ₦180k – ₦250k | ₦100k – ₦130k |
| Mid-level (Lecturer I / CONTISS 9) | ₦240k – ₦310k | ₦180k – ₦230k |
| Senior (Senior Lecturer / CONTISS 12) | ₦330k – ₦400k | ₦230k – ₦280k |
| Top (Professor / CONTISS 15) | ₦550k – ₦700k+ | ₦320k – ₦500k+ |
Summary:
Academic staff generally earn more than non-academic staff at the same level.
Professors earn more than most directors.
But some non-academic roles like Registrar, Bursar, or Director of Works can rival professor salaries.
Allowances That Affect Both Salaries
Some allowances are common to both academic and non-academic staff:
Housing Allowance: Usually 40–50% of basic salary
Transport Allowance: Up to ₦20,000/month
Leave Allowance: Paid once per year
Medical Allowance: Some universities offer HMO cover
Promotion Bonus: Paid when promoted to a new grade
However, academic staff get extra allowances related to research and publications, which non-academic staff do not get.
Do Federal Universities Pay More than State Universities?
Yes, in most cases. Federal universities have better funding and follow national salary agreements (like ASUU negotiations). Some state universities delay salary or pay below federal standards.
In 2025:
Federal lecturers earn slightly more
Federal non-academic staff enjoy better conditions
Some state universities like LASU or DELSU pay well due to state government support
Pros and Cons of Academic vs Non-Academic Roles
| Category | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Academic Staff | Higher salaries, promotions, research freedom, international travel | Pressure to publish, tight schedules, ASUU strikes |
| Non-Academic Staff | Stable hours, easier job description, no pressure to publish | Slower promotions, lower salaries, limited international exposure |
If you enjoy teaching, research, and writing, academic roles are better. If you prefer administration or technical work, go for non-academic roles.
Career Growth and Promotions
Academic Staff Promotion:
Lecturer II → Lecturer I → Senior Lecturer → Associate Professor → Professor
Promotion depends on number of published works, years of service, and qualifications
Non-Academic Staff Promotion:
CONTISS 6 → CONTISS 7 → CONTISS 9 → CONTISS 12 → CONTISS 15
Promotion depends on years of experience, departmental exams, or performance
FAQs: Academic vs Non-Academic Staff Salary in Nigeria
Which group earns more in Nigerian universities in 2025?
Academic staff generally earn more, especially from mid-level upward.
Can non-academic staff become academic staff?
Yes, but they must get academic qualifications (e.g., M.Sc., PhD) and apply for academic roles.
Is the academic salary worth the workload?
Many say yes, especially after promotion. However, strikes and pressure can be a challenge.
Do both staff types enjoy pension and gratuity?
Yes. Both academic and non-academic workers are enrolled in the same pension schemes.
Which is better for job security?
Both are secure under university systems, but federal jobs are more stable.
Final Thoughts: Academic vs Non-Academic Staff Salary in Nigerian Universities
In 2025, both academic and non-academic staff continue to play important roles in Nigerian universities. The academic vs non-academic staff salary in Nigerian universities shows that lecturers usually earn more, especially after promotions.
However, non-academic staff have more relaxed duties and still earn competitive salaries at higher levels. Choosing the right path depends on your passion, qualifications, and what kind of work you enjoy.
Whether you want to teach, manage, or provide technical support, universities in Nigeria offer many career paths with stable salaries and opportunities for growth.