Are you searching for the highest paying states for teachers in Nigeria in 2025? You’re not alone. Thousands of Nigerian teachers and education job seekers are now more concerned about where their efforts will be better rewarded.
In this detailed guide, we will break down the best-paying states for primary and secondary school teachers, what they earn monthly, and why some states pay more than others. If you’re a teacher planning to relocate, apply for TESCOM/SUBEB, or just compare salary prospects, this is for you.
What Determines Teacher Salaries in Nigeria?
Before jumping into the highest paying states for teachers in Nigeria, it's important to understand what affects how much a state pays.
Some key factors include:
State revenue & IGR: States with more money tend to pay more.
Education budget: States that prioritize education offer better packages.
Minimum wage compliance: Some states still pay below federal minimum wage.
Union pressure: Strong NUT (Nigeria Union of Teachers) branches can influence pay negotiations.
Rural vs Urban demand: States with hard-to-reach schools may add rural incentives.
Summary Table: Highest Paying States for Teachers in Nigeria (2025)
| State | Monthly Salary Range | Primary or Secondary | Notable Info |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lagos State | ₦70,000 – ₦130,000 | Both | Best-paid and most consistent |
| Ogun State | ₦65,000 – ₦120,000 | Secondary | Pays well across levels |
| Rivers State | ₦65,000 – ₦110,000 | Both | Strong benefits and bonuses |
| Akwa Ibom State | ₦65,000 – ₦105,000 | Both | Offers rural posting bonuses |
| Enugu State | ₦60,000 – ₦100,000 | Secondary | Pays graduate teachers well |
| FCT (Abuja) | ₦65,000 – ₦110,000 | Primary & Secondary | Federal support improves salary |
| Edo State | ₦60,000 – ₦100,000 | Both | Timely salary payment |
| Delta State | ₦58,000 – ₦95,000 | Both | Regular promotions and leave grant |
| Kaduna State | ₦55,000 – ₦90,000 | Both | Teachers’ development is a focus |
| Osun State | ₦55,000 – ₦85,000 | Primary | Pays better than some in Southwest |
1. Lagos State – Highest Paying State for Teachers in Nigeria
Lagos State tops the list of highest paying states for teachers in Nigeria (2025). With the highest IGR and education budget, Lagos TESCOM and SUBEB pay well above the national average.
Salary Breakdown:
Entry-Level Teachers (Level 8): ₦80,000 – ₦100,000
Experienced Teachers (Level 10 – 14): ₦100,000 – ₦130,000
Primary School Teachers: ₦70,000 – ₦90,000 monthly
Additional Benefits:
Rural teaching incentives
Housing/Transport Allowances
Free teacher training programs
Regular salary payments
2. Ogun State – Excellent Pay for Secondary Teachers
Ogun is another state with strong commitment to education and decent salaries for teachers, especially those teaching science and technical subjects.
Salary Range:
Secondary Teachers (Level 8 – 12): ₦70,000 – ₦120,000
Primary School Teachers: ₦65,000 – ₦85,000
Why Ogun Pays Well:
Proximity to Lagos
Strong public school system
Regular promotion and confirmation of appointments
3. Rivers State – High Earnings and Incentives
Rivers ranks among the highest paying states for teachers in Nigeria in 2025 due to its oil wealth and improved education funding.
Salary Details:
Graduate Teachers (Level 8): ₦75,000 – ₦95,000
Senior Teachers (Level 10 and above): ₦100,000 – ₦110,000
Notable Incentives:
Annual leave grant
Prompt pension contributions
Bonuses for hard-to-reach areas
4. Akwa Ibom State – Consistent Pay with Bonuses
Akwa Ibom maintains competitive salary levels for both primary and secondary teachers.
Monthly Earnings:
Primary Teachers: ₦60,000 – ₦75,000
Secondary Teachers: ₦70,000 – ₦105,000
Teachers posted to remote areas are given monthly hardship or transportation bonuses.
5. Enugu State – Focus on Secondary Education
Enugu pays better for secondary school teachers than many Southeastern states.
Earnings:
Level 8 Teachers: ₦65,000 – ₦90,000
Postgraduate Certified Teachers: Up to ₦100,000
There are also non-monetary benefits like free workshops, housing loans, and yearly training.
6. FCT (Abuja) – Supported by Federal Funding
Being the federal capital, Abuja teachers benefit from combined state and federal allocations.
Salary Highlights:
Primary Teachers: ₦65,000 – ₦80,000
Secondary Teachers: ₦80,000 – ₦110,000
FCT UBEB and Education Secretariat ensure that teachers are paid on time and benefit from health insurance and pension.
7. Edo State – Timely Payment and Reasonable Pay
Edo State has made significant improvements in its education sector, especially under the EdoBEST reform.
Salary Range:
₦60,000 – ₦100,000 for most public school teachers
Other Benefits:
Monthly transport stipends
Periodic teacher performance bonuses
Promotion opportunities within 3 years
8. Delta State – Growth & Steady Pay
Delta pays well and promotes teachers in line with national teaching standards.
Monthly Salary:
Primary School Teachers: ₦58,000 – ₦75,000
Secondary Teachers: ₦70,000 – ₦95,000
Additional bonuses are awarded to teachers who handle science subjects or serve in riverine areas.
9. Kaduna State – Teacher Training and Support
Kaduna may not offer the highest salary, but it's investing heavily in training and digital education for teachers.
Salary Breakdown:
Entry-Level: ₦55,000 – ₦75,000
Experienced Teachers: ₦80,000 – ₦90,000
Kaduna also provides teaching devices, internet data, and promotion support.
10. Osun State – Southwest State with Strong Teacher Focus
Osun offers a moderate salary but is still among the top 10 highest paying states for teachers in Nigeria.
Salary Estimate:
₦55,000 – ₦85,000 depending on experience and subject taught
The state pays attention to science teachers, special needs educators, and rural teachers.
Why Do Some States Pay Teachers More?
Here are the main reasons behind the salary differences across Nigeria:
Internally Generated Revenue (IGR)
– Lagos leads here and offers the best salaries.Education Sector Priorities
– States that see education as a development tool pay better.Governor’s Policies
– Some governors prioritize workers’ welfare more than others.Urbanization & Demand
– Urban areas attract more teachers, so incentives are higher in rural zones.
FAQs: Highest Paying States for Teachers in Nigeria (2025)
Which state pays teachers the highest salary in Nigeria?
Lagos State is the highest paying state for teachers in Nigeria in 2025.
Do all states pay primary and secondary teachers the same?
No. Some states pay secondary school teachers more due to subject complexity.
Is the Level 8 salary the same in all states?
No. Even though Level 8 is a federal grade, states differ in their implementation.
Are bonuses and allowances the same across states?
Not at all. Some offer rural incentives, while others provide none.
Can teachers negotiate their salary in any state?
Public school salaries are fixed by the government, but private school teachers can sometimes negotiate.
Final Thoughts: Best States for Teachers in Nigeria (2025)
If you're looking to earn a better salary as a teacher in Nigeria, it's clear that states like Lagos, Ogun, Rivers, and Akwa Ibom lead the pack.
These highest paying states for teachers in Nigeria (2025) offer not just higher pay, but also better job security, pension plans, and yearly allowances. Whether you're applying for TESCOM or SUBEB jobs, these states are worth targeting.
Don’t settle for less. With the right qualifications and patience, you can build a teaching career where your monthly salary matches your effort.