Are you curious about the secondary school principal salary in Nigeria for 2025? Whether you’re a teacher planning to rise in rank, a student doing research, or someone simply curious about how much school principals earn, this article will give you everything you need to know.
In Nigeria, a secondary school principal is the top administrator and leader of a public or private secondary school. They are in charge of managing teachers, students, academic programs, and the entire school environment.
But how much are they paid for such responsibility? Let’s break it down.
What Does a Secondary School Principal Do in Nigeria?
Before we talk about salary, it’s important to understand the work of a secondary school principal in Nigeria.
A principal is the overall head of a secondary school. Their job includes:
Supervising teachers and students
Making sure learning and teaching go smoothly
Handling school budgets and reports
Ensuring discipline in the school
Working with education authorities like SUBEB or TESCOM
Monitoring student results and performance
Leading meetings, projects, and parent associations
This is a big responsibility and it reflects in their salary structure and allowances.
What Affects a Secondary School Principal Salary in Nigeria?
The salary of a secondary school principal in Nigeria depends on several factors:
Type of school – Is it a public or private secondary school?
State or federal employment – Some principals work under state government education boards, others under federal.
Grade level and experience – A principal with more years of service earns more.
Salary structure – Most public principals are placed on the CONPCASS or HATISS structure.
Rural or urban location – Principals in rural areas may receive extra allowances.
School size – Principals in bigger schools may earn slightly higher due to administrative demands.
Secondary School Principal Salary in Nigeria (Public Schools – 2025)
In most Nigerian public schools, the salary of a secondary school principal falls between Grade Level 14 and Grade Level 17, depending on their years of service and promotion level.
Let’s break it down:
Grade Level 14 Principal (Entry-Level Principal)
Monthly Basic Salary: ₦180,000 – ₦220,000
Monthly Allowances: ₦40,000 – ₦70,000
Total Monthly Pay: ₦220,000 – ₦290,000
Grade Level 15 Principal (Mid-Level Principal)
Monthly Basic Salary: ₦230,000 – ₦270,000
Monthly Allowances: ₦50,000 – ₦80,000
Total Monthly Pay: ₦280,000 – ₦350,000
Grade Level 16 Principal (Senior Principal)
Monthly Basic Salary: ₦280,000 – ₦330,000
Monthly Allowances: ₦60,000 – ₦90,000
Total Monthly Pay: ₦340,000 – ₦420,000
Grade Level 17 Principal (Director Level Principal)
Monthly Basic Salary: ₦350,000 – ₦450,000
Monthly Allowances: ₦70,000 – ₦100,000
Total Monthly Pay: ₦420,000 – ₦550,000
This means that in 2025, the average secondary school principal salary in Nigeria ranges from ₦220,000 to ₦550,000 monthly depending on rank and location.
Allowances Given to Secondary School Principals in Nigeria
Apart from basic salaries, public school principals enjoy several allowances. These include:
1. Responsibility Allowance
Given to recognize the leadership role they play. This can be up to ₦40,000 monthly.
2. Rural Posting Allowance
If a principal works in a rural or hard-to-reach area, some state governments offer ₦20,000 – ₦30,000 as an incentive.
3. Transport Allowance
Many state governments provide ₦10,000 – ₦20,000 monthly for local transport.
4. Hazard Allowance
Because of the stress involved in managing students, some states offer ₦10,000 hazard allowance.
5. Leave Allowance
An annual payment, usually 10% of annual salary, paid when the principal goes on leave.
6. Furniture Allowance
Some senior principals (especially on Level 17) are given furniture allowance yearly.
These allowances are part of what makes the secondary school principal salary in Nigeria attractive compared to lower-level teaching positions.
Secondary School Principal Salary in Private Schools in Nigeria (2025)
In private secondary schools, the salary of principals is not fixed by government salary structures. Instead, it depends on:
The size and popularity of the school
The number of students
The principal’s experience
The location (Lagos, Abuja schools pay more)
Estimated Range for Private Principals:
Low-Tier Private Schools: ₦80,000 – ₦150,000 monthly
Mid-Tier Private Schools: ₦180,000 – ₦300,000 monthly
High-Tier or International Schools: ₦350,000 – ₦800,000 monthly
In top-tier private schools in Lagos or Abuja, principals may also get official cars, housing, and travel allowances.
Salary Comparison: Secondary School Principal vs Other Teachers
| Position | Monthly Pay (2025) |
|---|---|
| Assistant Teacher (Level 07) | ₦70,000 – ₦95,000 |
| Senior Teacher (Level 10) | ₦120,000 – ₦160,000 |
| Vice Principal (Level 13–14) | ₦180,000 – ₦250,000 |
| Principal (Level 14–17) | ₦220,000 – ₦550,000 |
This table shows that principals earn higher than most teaching roles because of the administrative duties they handle.
How to Become a Secondary School Principal in Nigeria
If you’re planning to become a principal, here’s what you need:
Bachelor’s degree in education (B.Ed) or related field
Postgraduate training or master’s degree (for federal positions)
Teaching experience of 10–20 years
Promotion through civil service ranks
Appointment by TESCOM or SUBEB (for public schools)
For private schools, being appointed depends more on your teaching record and leadership qualities.
Challenges Faced by Secondary School Principals
While the salary of secondary school principals in Nigeria is fair, the job comes with many challenges:
Dealing with indiscipline among students
Managing teacher performance
Struggling with poor funding in public schools
Handling pressure from education boards
Meeting academic targets with limited resources
Still, many find the role fulfilling and rewarding both emotionally and financially.
FAQs on Secondary School Principal Salary in Nigeria
How much is the average salary of a secondary school principal in Nigeria (2025)?
The average monthly salary is between ₦220,000 and ₦550,000, depending on grade level and type of school.
Do principals earn more than teachers?
Yes. Principals earn more because of their administrative responsibilities and higher ranks.
Are allowances included in the principal's salary?
No. Allowances are paid separately from the basic salary and vary from state to state.
Is the principal salary the same in all states?
No. States like Lagos, Ogun, and Rivers pay higher than states like Zamfara or Kebbi.
Do private school principals earn more?
Some do, especially in international schools, but many earn less than their public school counterparts.
Final Thoughts on Secondary School Principal Salary in Nigeria
In 2025, the secondary school principal salary in Nigeria remains one of the highest in the teaching profession. With basic pay and allowances combined, a principal can take home up to ₦550,000 monthly in a public school, and sometimes more in high-end private schools.
Becoming a principal requires years of teaching experience, leadership skills, and the ability to manage both staff and students. But for those who reach the position, it offers job security, respect, and a decent income.
If you’re aiming for it, now you know what to expect — from salary to allowances, job role, and promotion path.