Are you planning to become a university lecturer in Nigeria or curious about how much academic staff earn in 2025? You might be asking: “What is the CONUASS salary structure?”, “How much does a lecturer earn in Nigeria in 2025?”, or “What is the salary difference between a Lecturer II and a Senior Lecturer?” This guide provides a detailed breakdown of the CONUASS salary structure 2025 in Nigeria.
We explain the structure, monthly salary by rank, promotion process, qualification requirements, and how it compares to other salary systems.
What Is CONUASS Salary Structure?
CONUASS stands for Consolidated University Academic Salary Structure. It is the standardized salary system used for academic staff in Nigerian federal and state universities. It covers lecturers, professors, and researchers involved in teaching and academic services.
It was introduced to harmonize university lecturers’ pay nationwide and provides a clear pathway for growth based on rank, qualifications, and research contributions.
Who Uses the CONUASS Salary Structure in Nigeria?
The CONUASS salary scale is used by:
-
Federal and State University lecturers
-
Professors and academic heads of departments
-
Academic researchers in public universities
-
Deans, directors, and provosts involved in teaching
Non-academic staff in universities use CONTISS, while teaching staff follow CONUASS.
CONUASS Salary Structure 2025: Monthly Salary by Academic Rank
Here’s a full breakdown of the CONUASS salary structure for 2025:
| Academic Rank | Monthly Salary (₦) | Qualification/Role Example |
|---|---|---|
| Graduate Assistant (CONUASS 1) | ₦120,000 – ₦140,000 | First degree holder with First Class/Honours |
| Assistant Lecturer (CONUASS 2) | ₦140,000 – ₦160,000 | MSc holder or BSc + PGDE |
| Lecturer II (CONUASS 3) | ₦160,000 – ₦190,000 | MSc or ongoing PhD |
| Lecturer I (CONUASS 4) | ₦200,000 – ₦230,000 | Completed PhD or MSc + publications |
| Senior Lecturer (CONUASS 5) | ₦250,000 – ₦300,000 | PhD + years of teaching/research |
| Reader/Associate Professor (CONUASS 6) | ₦320,000 – ₦400,000 | PhD + extensive research and publications |
| Professor (CONUASS 7) | ₦450,000 – ₦600,000 | PhD + national/international contribution |
Note: Salaries vary slightly by institution and step level within each CONUASS grade (Step 1 to 9).
Entry Requirements for Each CONUASS Rank
-
Graduate Assistant: First Class or strong Second Class Upper BSc degree
-
Assistant Lecturer: BSc + PGD or MSc
-
Lecturer II: MSc or PhD in progress
-
Lecturer I: PhD preferred + publications
-
Senior Lecturer: PhD + 3–5 years post-PhD experience
-
Reader/Assoc. Prof: PhD + major academic contributions
-
Professor: PhD + national/international reputation
Promotion Process in CONUASS
Promotion in CONUASS is based on:
-
Academic qualifications (PhD mandatory for Lecturer I and above)
-
Years of teaching/research experience
-
Quality and number of academic publications
-
External peer review (for Reader and Professor)
-
Annual appraisals and institutional promotion panels
Promotion usually occurs every 3–5 years, depending on achievements and institutional policies.
Allowances Included in CONUASS
Academic staff under CONUASS are entitled to several allowances:
-
Teaching/Research Allowance
-
Responsibility Allowance (for HoDs, Deans, etc.)
-
Leave Grant
-
Housing and Transport Allowance
-
Publication Grant (for qualified research output)
-
Sabbatical Leave Entitlement (every 6 years)
These benefits vary slightly depending on the university’s policy and federal budget provisions.
CONUASS vs CONTISS vs CONTEDISS
-
CONUASS: For academic staff (lecturers, professors)
-
CONTISS: For non-academic staff in universities
-
CONTEDISS: For academic staff in colleges of education and polytechnics
Each structure serves a different segment but follows similar grade levels.
Is CONUASS Salary Competitive in 2025?
Yes. CONUASS remains one of the most attractive salary structures in Nigeria’s public sector. While challenges like delayed payments may occur in some states, CONUASS offers:
-
Academic promotion paths
-
International research opportunities
-
Structured salary progression
-
Pension and gratuity
Conclusion: CONUASS Salary Structure 2025 in Nigeria
The CONUASS salary structure 2025 defines what Nigerian university lecturers earn monthly based on academic rank, qualifications, and performance. Graduate Assistants start from ₦120,000/month while senior professors can earn over ₦600,000/month.
If you're considering a university teaching career in Nigeria, this guide shows the salary expectations, ranks, allowances, and promotion pathway clearly. CONUASS remains the gold standard for academic staff payment in Nigeria.