Abuja, Nigeria – March 5, 2025 – The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has raised alarm over the shocking exploitation of lecturers in some private universities, where academic professionals are allegedly paid as little as ₦25,000 per month. The union described the situation as “modern-day slavery,” warning that such insultingly low wages threaten the future of higher education in Nigeria.
“This is an Insult to the Teaching Profession” – ASUU
Speaking on the disturbing reports, ASUU called for urgent intervention from the National Universities Commission (NUC) and other regulatory bodies, stressing that no academic professional should be subjected to such humiliating pay.
“How can a lecturer, responsible for shaping the future of this nation, be expected to survive on ₦25,000 a month?” an ASUU spokesperson lamented. “This is beyond exploitation; it is a disgrace.”
Poor Pay, Poor Education – ASUU Warns of Looming Crisis
ASUU warned that poor compensation leads to declining education standards, as underpaid lecturers struggle with motivation, resources, and basic survival. With many educators unable to support themselves or their families, the quality of instruction and research in Nigerian universities is at risk.
The union further argued that if such exploitation continues, Nigeria could face a mass exodus of academic talent, leading to a brain drain that will cripple the nation’s education sector.
ASUU Demands Urgent Action
ASUU is now demanding that the government and education stakeholders set and enforce a minimum wage for university lecturers, ensuring that no academic professional is paid below a living wage. The union also called on private university owners to prioritize the welfare of their staff, warning that the continued undervaluing of educators will have dire consequences for Nigeria’s future.
A Call for Justice in Nigeria’s Education Sector
As Nigeria’s education system struggles with funding issues, strikes, and declining standards, ASUU’s latest outcry highlights a disturbing reality—even those entrusted with educating the next generation are being forced into poverty.
The question remains: How can Nigeria expect world-class education when its lecturers are paid worse than casual laborers?
The coming weeks will determine whether the government and education authorities will act to protect Nigerian lecturers or allow the exploitation to continue unchecked.