If you’ve ever wondered about the salary of Nigerian lecturers by rank and grade, this detailed 2025 guide will give you everything you need to know in very simple English.
Whether you're a student considering a career in academics, or you're just curious about how much university lecturers earn in Nigeria, this article covers it all from entry-level assistant lecturers to professors, with clear salary breakdowns, allowances, ranks, and other important information.
This article also explains how promotions affect pay, the gap between state and federal university pay, and how academic rank impacts earnings.
What Determines the Salary of Nigerian Lecturers?
The salary of Nigerian lecturers by rank and grade depends on several important factors:
Their academic rank (e.g. Assistant Lecturer, Lecturer I, Senior Lecturer, etc.)
The university type (Federal, State, or Private)
Their level on the CONUASS salary scale (Consolidated University Academic Salary Structure)
Allowances such as housing, research, hazard, and transport
The Nigerian government uses the CONUASS scale for most federal and some state universities, while private universities have their own unique structures.
Academic Ranks for Nigerian University Lecturers
Before we dive into figures, here are the official ranks for university academic staff in Nigeria:
Graduate Assistant
Assistant Lecturer
Lecturer II
Lecturer I
Senior Lecturer
Reader / Associate Professor
Professor
Each rank corresponds to a grade level on the CONUASS scale, which directly affects their basic salary and allowances.
Salary of Nigerian Lecturers by Rank and Grade (Federal Universities – 2025)
Below is the updated salary of Nigerian lecturers by rank and grade in 2025 using the standard CONUASS structure for federal institutions.
| Rank | CONUASS Level | Monthly Basic Salary (₦) | Total With Allowances (₦ Estimate) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Graduate Assistant | CONUASS 1 | ₦75,000 – ₦105,000 | ₦120,000 – ₦145,000 |
| Assistant Lecturer | CONUASS 2 | ₦115,000 – ₦135,000 | ₦160,000 – ₦190,000 |
| Lecturer II | CONUASS 3 | ₦150,000 – ₦180,000 | ₦210,000 – ₦260,000 |
| Lecturer I | CONUASS 4 | ₦190,000 – ₦230,000 | ₦280,000 – ₦340,000 |
| Senior Lecturer | CONUASS 5 | ₦290,000 – ₦350,000 | ₦420,000 – ₦500,000 |
| Reader / Associate Prof | CONUASS 6 | ₦400,000 – ₦480,000 | ₦600,000 – ₦750,000 |
| Professor | CONUASS 7 | ₦500,000 – ₦700,000 | ₦800,000 – ₦1,200,000 |
Note: These are estimates and may vary slightly depending on the university and location.
Graduate Assistant Salary in Nigeria (2025)
A Graduate Assistant is the starting point for most Nigerian lecturers. They are often fresh first-class or second-class upper graduates undergoing postgraduate study.
Basic Salary: ₦75,000 – ₦105,000/month
Total with Allowances: ₦120,000 – ₦145,000/month
Job Role: Assist senior lecturers, handle tutorials, and help with grading
This role gives young academics time to grow in research and teaching.
Assistant Lecturer Salary in Nigeria (2025)
An Assistant Lecturer is the next step after Graduate Assistant, often with a Master’s degree.
Salary Range: ₦115,000 – ₦135,000/month
With Allowances: ₦160,000 – ₦190,000/month
Role: Conduct lectures, invigilate exams, assist in research
This rank gives lecturers full teaching responsibilities but limited administrative roles.
Lecturer II Salary in Nigeria (2025)
This is where the salary starts getting more competitive.
Monthly Basic: ₦150,000 – ₦180,000
Total With Allowances: ₦210,000 – ₦260,000
Rank Requirements: Often a Ph.D. or progressing doctoral candidate
Lecturer II staff often lead undergraduate courses and supervise projects.
Lecturer I Salary in Nigeria (2025)
This rank is for experienced lecturers who have shown growth in research and publications.
Salary Range: ₦190,000 – ₦230,000
Total With Allowances: ₦280,000 – ₦340,000
Job Scope: Course coordination, research publishing, student mentoring
Senior Lecturer Salary in Nigeria (2025)
A Senior Lecturer is a mid-to-top level academic position, usually held by PhD holders with strong research experience.
Monthly Basic Salary: ₦290,000 – ₦350,000
Total With Allowances: ₦420,000 – ₦500,000
Senior lecturers are expected to publish in reputable journals and guide postgraduate students.
Reader / Associate Professor Salary in Nigeria (2025)
This is a prestigious rank just before becoming a professor.
Monthly Basic: ₦400,000 – ₦480,000
With Allowances: ₦600,000 – ₦750,000
It’s usually earned after 10–15 years of academic service, with national or international publications.
Professor Salary in Nigeria (2025)
A Professor is the highest academic rank and earns the most among lecturers.
Basic Salary: ₦500,000 – ₦700,000
Total With Allowances: ₦800,000 – ₦1,200,000+
Expectations: Groundbreaking research, leadership, academic mentorship
Professors are also involved in university decision-making and curriculum development.
Differences in Salary Between Federal, State, and Private Universities
While federal universities follow CONUASS and offer more structured salaries, state universities vary by funding level. Some may pay less or delay salary.
| University Type | Salary Strength | Stability |
|---|---|---|
| Federal | Highest | Very stable |
| State | Moderate | May delay salaries |
| Private | Varies widely | Often negotiable |
Some private universities pay more than federal institutions but require longer working hours.
Allowances Included in Lecturer Salary
The salary of Nigerian lecturers by rank and grade includes various allowances:
Housing Allowance
Transport Allowance
Research Allowance
Hazard Allowance
Responsibility Allowance (for HODs, Deans, etc.)
In most cases, allowances make up about 40–50% of the total monthly take-home.
Promotion Structure in Nigerian Universities
Promotion for lecturers depends on:
Years of experience
Number of publications
Conference participation
Postgraduate supervision
External assessments (for professorship)
It usually takes 2–4 years to move between ranks, and longer for professorships.
Challenges Affecting Nigerian Lecturer Salary
Despite decent salaries, lecturers still face issues:
Salary delays (especially in state schools)
Strike actions due to poor funding
Limited research grants
Heavy workload without overtime pay
However, the profession remains one of the most respected and stable in Nigeria.
FAQs About the Salary of Nigerian Lecturers by Rank and Grade
Which rank of lecturer earns the highest salary in Nigeria?
Professors earn the most, often taking home ₦800,000–₦1.2 million monthly with allowances.
What is the starting salary for a lecturer in Nigeria?
Graduate Assistants earn about ₦120,000 monthly, while Assistant Lecturers earn around ₦160,000.
Do lecturers get paid during strikes?
Not always. During major ASUU strikes, salaries are sometimes withheld.
Do private university lecturers earn more?
It depends. Some pay more than federal schools but often come with stricter rules and more working hours.
How can one become a professor in Nigeria?
Start as a Graduate Assistant, obtain a PhD, publish widely, and move up through the ranks over time.
Final Thoughts: Understanding Lecturer Salaries in Nigeria
In 2025, the salary of Nigerian lecturers by rank and grade remains one of the most structured and respected in Nigeria’s public sector.
From Graduate Assistant to Professor, each step on the academic ladder comes with more responsibility, prestige, and pay. While challenges still exist in funding and administration, lecturing remains a strong career choice for those who value knowledge, research, and public service.
Whether you're planning to join the university system or just comparing careers, the information here will help you make better decisions.