The Federal Government has announced a significant financial enhancement for senior academics in Nigeria's public universities. Full-time Professors are now set to receive an additional annual allowance of ₦1.8 million, while full-time Readers (Associate Professors) will get an extra ₦870,000 per year.
Minister Alausa Unveils New Allowance in Abuja
This development was made public by the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, on Wednesday in Abuja. The announcement came during the presentation of the renegotiated agreement between the Federal Government and the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU). The newly introduced benefit is officially tagged the 'professorial cadre allowance'.
Dr. Alausa's statement marks a pivotal moment in the ongoing efforts to improve the welfare of university lecturers and address key demands that have been central to negotiations with the academic union.
Details of the Professorial Cadre Allowance
The new policy specifically targets the upper echelons of academia. The allowance structure is clear and tiered:
- Full Professors: An additional ₦1,800,000 every year.
- Readers (Associate Professors): An additional ₦870,000 every year.
This initiative applies exclusively to academics employed on a full-time basis within the university system. The announcement is part of a broader package stemming from the renegotiated ASUU agreement, aimed at resolving longstanding issues and improving the working conditions in Nigerian higher education.
Implications for Nigerian Higher Education
The introduction of the professorial cadre allowance is expected to have several immediate and long-term effects. Primarily, it serves as a major incentive to retain experienced professors and readers within the Nigerian university system, helping to curb the brain drain that has plagued the sector.
Furthermore, this move is seen as a direct response to the union's advocacy for better remuneration. It signifies the government's commitment, under the current administration, to investing in human capital within the education sector. The boost in take-home pay for senior lecturers could also lead to increased morale and potentially higher productivity in research and teaching.
While full details of the renegotiated agreement are still emerging, this allowance announcement stands out as a concrete, quantifiable gain for the academic community. Stakeholders will be watching closely to see the implementation timeline and how it integrates with the existing salary structure.
