If you’ve been searching for accurate and updated information about the ASUU salary structure in Nigeria (2025), you’re in the right place. Whether you're a student, graduate considering a career in academics, or simply curious about how much Nigerian lecturers earn, this guide breaks everything down in clear and simple English.
In 2025, the salary structure of academic staff under ASUU Academic Staff Union of Universities continues to be a major topic of discussion across Nigeria, especially with salary negotiations and strikes in the past few years.
This article explains how ASUU salaries are structured, how much each academic rank earns monthly, the allowances involved, and key updates on the 2025 salary arrangement.
What is ASUU and Why is Their Salary Structure Important?
ASUU stands for Academic Staff Union of Universities. It is the main union that represents lecturers in federal and some state-owned universities in Nigeria.
ASUU members include:
Assistant Lecturers
Lecturers I and II
Senior Lecturers
Associate Professors
Professors
ASUU plays a big role in negotiating salaries, allowances, research funding, and overall working conditions for university lecturers in Nigeria.
Understanding the ASUU salary structure in Nigeria (2025) helps you know what each academic rank earns, what benefits are included, and what changes have been made recently by the federal government.
Salary Structure Used by ASUU Members
ASUU members are paid using the CONUASS salary scale, which stands for Consolidated University Academic Salary Structure. This structure has different steps based on the rank and years of service of each lecturer.
The CONUASS structure starts from CONUASS 2 (Graduate Assistant) and goes up to CONUASS 7 (Professor). Each step has salary levels and allowances attached to it.
Full Breakdown of ASUU Salary by Rank (2025)
Let’s now look at the full monthly salary breakdown of lecturers under the ASUU salary structure in 2025:
1. Graduate Assistant (CONUASS 2)
This is the starting rank for most new lecturers with only a first degree.
Basic Salary: ₦99,768 – ₦112,768
Total Monthly Pay (with allowances): ₦150,000 – ₦180,000
2. Assistant Lecturer (CONUASS 3)
Usually for those with a Master’s degree.
Basic Salary: ₦114,464 – ₦130,768
Total Monthly Pay: ₦180,000 – ₦220,000
3. Lecturer II (CONUASS 4)
This level is for lecturers with a Master’s or PhD, depending on the institution.
Basic Salary: ₦130,768 – ₦150,072
Total Pay: ₦200,000 – ₦260,000
4. Lecturer I (CONUASS 5)
Mid-level rank for experienced lecturers.
Basic Salary: ₦160,000 – ₦180,000
Total Monthly Pay: ₦250,000 – ₦310,000
5. Senior Lecturer (CONUASS 6)
Highly experienced, usually with many publications and over 5 years of teaching experience.
Basic Salary: ₦200,000 – ₦240,000
Total Monthly Pay: ₦330,000 – ₦400,000+
6. Reader / Associate Professor (CONUASS 6 Step 7–9)
One step below full professor, with strong academic credentials.
Basic Salary: ₦250,000 – ₦280,000
Total Pay with Allowances: ₦430,000 – ₦500,000
7. Professor (CONUASS 7)
The highest academic rank. This position comes with many responsibilities.
Basic Salary: ₦300,000 – ₦500,000+
Total Monthly Pay: ₦500,000 – ₦700,000+
Note: These figures are based on 2025 ASUU expectations and federal salary guidelines. Slight differences may occur in different universities.
Major Allowances Under ASUU Salary in 2025
Besides the base salary, lecturers under ASUU also enjoy several allowances. These allowances are part of why the total monthly pay can be much higher than just the basic salary.
Common Allowances Include:
Teaching Allowance: For lecturers involved in teaching large classes or extra sessions.
Research Allowance: Supports academic research and publishing.
Responsibility Allowance: Given to those with extra roles like HOD, Dean, or exam officer.
Publication Allowance: For lecturers who publish research papers and journals.
Hazard Allowance: Due to the risks of working in labs or with chemicals.
Housing Allowance: Up to 40% of basic salary.
Leave Allowance: Paid annually.
Book Allowance: For buying academic materials.
All these make up the total salary package of lecturers under ASUU.
ASUU Salary Compared to Other Government Workers
When compared to other civil servants, the ASUU salary structure in Nigeria (2025) is generally higher, especially from Lecturer I and above.
However, ASUU often argues that their salary still doesn’t match the workload and qualifications required. This is why there are frequent calls for salary review and better welfare packages.
Challenges With ASUU Salary in Nigeria
Despite the salary structure and allowances, ASUU members face some challenges:
1. Delayed Salary Payments
Some universities, especially state-owned, delay salaries due to budget issues.
2. Salary Disputes and Strikes
ASUU frequently goes on strike to demand:
Better pay
Payment of owed allowances
Improved university funding
3. Inconsistent Implementation
Some state universities don’t pay the full CONUASS salary, especially for lower ranks.
4. Inflation Impact
Rising cost of living in Nigeria has made even the professor's salary less attractive compared to private sector jobs.
Proposed Changes and 2025 Update
In 2025, ASUU has submitted new proposals to the federal government for:
Upward salary review for all ranks
Full implementation of allowances
Better retirement benefits
Non-payment of salaries through IPPIS (which ASUU opposes)
If these proposals are approved, the total ASUU salary structure in Nigeria (2025) could improve significantly.
FAQs: ASUU Salary Structure in Nigeria (2025)
Q: How much does a Nigerian professor earn per month in 2025?
A: A professor earns between ₦500,000 to ₦700,000 monthly with all allowances.
Q: What is the entry-level salary for ASUU members?
A: Graduate Assistants earn between ₦150,000 to ₦180,000 monthly.
Q: Is ASUU salary the same in state universities?
A: No. Some state universities pay less than federal universities.
Q: Are there extra earnings apart from monthly salary?
A: Yes. Lecturers can earn from research grants, publications, consulting, and external examining.
Q: What is CONUASS?
A: CONUASS stands for Consolidated University Academic Salary Structure, used for paying lecturers.
Final Thoughts: ASUU Salary Structure in Nigeria (2025)
The ASUU salary structure in Nigeria (2025) remains one of the most discussed topics in the education sector. While the current structure provides a fair income for academic staff, rising inflation and late payments have affected the value of these earnings.
ASUU continues to push for better salary, allowances, and improved working conditions. Whether you’re planning to become a lecturer or just want to understand how Nigerian lecturers are paid, this guide gives you all the details you need.
Stay informed. If new changes come to the ASUU salary arrangement in Nigeria, we’ll update this article to reflect them.