Salary structure for government teachers in Nigeria

The salary structure for government teachers in Nigeria varies significantly across federal and state levels, educational qualifications, experience, and location. Below is a comprehensive breakdown based on available data, highlighting salary ranges, factors affecting pay, benefits, and regional disparities. Note that exact figures can fluctuate due to economic conditions, delayed payments, and pending policy implementations.

1. Overview of Government Teachers’ Salaries

Government teachers in Nigeria are employed either by the Federal Government (e.g., at Federal Government Colleges) or State Governments (e.g., at state-owned primary and secondary schools). Salaries are generally low compared to other professions, leading to ongoing debates and demands for reform. The Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) and Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) play roles in negotiating pay, but funding constraints often limit improvements.

• Average Salary: Public sector teachers earn an average of $50/month (approximately ₦80,000 at current exchange rates), though this varies by level and location.
• Key Factors: Salaries depend on:
  • Educational Level: Primary, secondary, or tertiary (university/college).
  • Qualifications: NCE, OND, HND, or degree (B.Ed, M.Ed, Ph.D.).
  • Experience: Entry-level vs. mid-career vs. senior roles.
  • Location: Southern states (e.g., Lagos, Rivers) pay more than northern states.
  • Employer: Federal teachers earn more than state teachers.

2. Salary Breakdown by Educational Level

a. Primary School Teachers

Primary school teachers are at the lower end of the pay scale, especially in state-owned schools.

• Public Schools:
  • Range: ₦30,000–₦50,000/month.
  • Entry-Level: Starting salaries in states like Anambra, Enugu, or Lagos range from ₦38,000–₦45,000.
  • Average (2025): ₦300,000/year (₦25,000/month), with early-career teachers (1–4 years) earning ₦292,774/year and mid-career (5–9 years) earning ₦720,000/year.
• Federal Schools: Slightly higher, up to ₦50,000–₦70,000/month for entry-level.
• Regional Variations:
  • Southern states (e.g., Lagos, Enugu): ₦40,000–₦50,000.
  • Northern states (e.g., Kaduna, Kano): ₦30,000–₦35,000.

b. Secondary School Teachers

Secondary school teachers earn more than primary teachers but less than university lecturers.

• Public Schools:
  • Range: ₦50,000–₦80,000/month in state schools; up to ₦100,000–₦150,000 in federal colleges or affluent states.
  • Average (2025): ₦493,497/year (₦41,125/month), with early-career (1–4 years) at ₦413,737/year and mid-career (5–9 years) at ₦510,000/year.
  • State Examples:
    • Lagos, Rivers, Abuja: ₦40,000–₦45,000 (entry-level).
    • Enugu: ₦40,000–₦50,000.
    • Northern states (e.g., Kogi, Nasarawa): ₦30,000–₦35,000.
• Federal Schools: ₦50,000–₦70,000/month, with potential for higher pay based on grade level.
• Proposed Increase: A 2023 House of Representatives motion suggested ₦500,000/month for secondary teachers, but this has not been implemented.

c. Tertiary Institution Lecturers

Lecturers at universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education earn significantly more.

• Range: ₦120,000–₦800,000/month, depending on rank and institution.
• Breakdown by Rank:
  • Assistant Lecturer: ₦120,000–₦200,000/month (₦794,000/year at University of Ibadan).
  • Lecturer II/I: ₦150,000–₦250,000.
  • Senior Lecturer: ₦250,000–₦500,000.
  • Professor: Up to ₦800,000–₦3,000,000/year (₦250,000/month or more).
• Proposed Increase: The 2023 motion proposed ₦1,000,000/month for lecturers, but no implementation has occurred.
• Federal vs. State Universities: Federal lecturers are paid more consistently, while state lecturers often face delays.

3. Salary Structure and Grade Levels

Teachers’ salaries are tied to the Consolidated Public Service Salary Structure (CONPSS) for non-academic staff and Consolidated University Academic Staff Salary Structure (CONUASS) for lecturers. These scales include:

• Grade Levels: Teachers start at Grade Level 07 (NCE) or 08 (B.Ed.) and progress to higher levels (e.g., 15–17 for senior roles).
• Steps: Annual increments within each level, subject to performance and promotion.
• Example:
  • A Level 07, Step 1 teacher earns around ₦30,000–₦40,000/month.
  • A Level 08, Step 1 teacher earns ₦40,000–₦50,000/month.
  • A CONUASS entry-level lecturer (Level 02) earns ₦120,000–₦150,000/month.

4. Benefits and Allowances

Government teachers receive some benefits**, though these are inconsistent across states:

• Health Insurance: National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) coverage.
• Pension: Enrollment in the Teachers’ Pension Scheme (7.4%–11.7% of salary, depending on the state).
• Leave Allowances:
  • MMaternity Leave: Up to 180 days for women, 15 days for paternity (in some states).
  • AAnnual Leave: Paid leave, typically 20–30 days/year.
• Housing: Some states (e subsidized housing or government quarters at nominal rent.
• Transport Allowance: Included in the base salary but not always specified separately.
• Professional Development: Limited opportunities, though federal teachers may fund training.
• Special Allowances: Proposed rural teaching incentives or allowances for teachers with special educational needs (not widely implemented).

5. Regional and State Disparities

Nigeria’s federal structure results in significant pay differences:

• High-Paying States:
  • Lagos: Highest pay scale, with entry-level teachers earning ₦40,000–₦60,000.
  • Rivers, Abuja (FCT): ₦40,000–₦45,000 for entry-level.
  • Enugu: ₦40,000–₦50,000.
• Low-Paying States:
  • Northern states (e.g., Kaduna, Kano, Bauchi): ₦30,000–₦35,000.
  • Eastern states (e.g., Abia, Imo): ₦30,000–₦50,000.
• Federal Teachers: Consistently higher pay (₦50,000–₦70,000 for primary/secondary) due to centralized funding.

6. Proposed Salary Increases

• 2020 Federal Proposal: The Federal Government approved a salary increase and extended retirement age to 65 years, with a proposed starting salary of ₦56,000/month for teachers. Implementation remains incomplete.
• 2023 House Motion: Suggested ₦250,000 for primary teachers, ₦500,000 for secondary, and ₦1,000,000 for lecturers, but no evidence of adoption.
• Teachers’ Registration Council: Salary increases tied to registration with the Teachers’ Registration Council of Nigeria, but details are unclear.

7. Challenges Impacting Salaries

• Delayed Payments: Teachers in some states go months without salaries, forcing reliance on side jobs.
• Low Funding: Education receives inadequate budgetary allocation, limiting salary improvements.
• Inflation: Nigeria’s high inflation erodes real income, making salaries insufficient.
• Poor Conditions: Lack of resources, professional development, and rural incentives demotivates teachers.

8. Comparison with Private Sector

• Private School Teachers:
  • Range: ₦20,000–₦300,000/month, depending on the school’s resources and location. Elite private schools in Lagos or Abuja pay ₦150,000–₦300,000.
  • Advantages: Better pay in top schools, but less job security and fewer benefits.
  • Disadvantages: High pressure, scripted roles, and no pension in many cases.
• Public vs. Private: Public sector offers job security and pensions, while private sector offers higher pay in elite schools but lacks stability.

9. How to Increase Earnings

• Higher Education: Advanced degrees (e.g., M.Ed, Ph.D.) qualify teachers for university roles or promotions.
• Change Employer: Move to federal schools or high-paying private schools (e.g., Regent School Maitama, paying ₦120,000–₦400,000).
• Side Hustles: Many teachers tutor or work multiple jobs due to low pay.
• Relocation: Work in Lagos, Rivers, or Abuja for better salaries.

10. Gaps and Limitations

• Data Inconsistency: Sources vary widely (e.g., ₦56,000 average from MySalaryScale vs. ₦486,000/year from PayScale).
• Outdated Figures: Some data (e.g., 2017 Legit.ng report) may not reflect 2025 realities.
• Proposed Increases: Promises of raises (e.g., ₦56,000 starting salary) lack implementation evidence.
• Exchange Rate Volatility: Dollar-based estimates (e.g., $50/month) fluctuate with Nigeria’s currency.

11. Conclusion

Government teachers in Nigeria earn between ₦30,000–₦800,000/month, with primary teachers at the lower end (₦30,000–₦50,000), secondary teachers in the middle (₦50,000–₦150,000), and university lecturers at the top (₦120,000–₦800,000). Federal teachers earn more than state teachers, and southern states pay better than northern ones. Benefits like pensions and health insurance exist but are inconsistent. Low pay, delayed salaries, and poor funding remain challenges, with proposed increases yet to materialize. For precise details, teachers should consult state education boards or the NUT.