Nigerian university lecturers are facing severe financial difficulties due to low salaries and unpaid wages. Many struggle to afford basic necessities like fuel for their cars and have resorted to sleeping in their offices to save on transportation costs. The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) reports that between May and August 2024, 84 lecturers died, attributing these deaths to economic hardship and unpaid salaries.
ASUU President, Professor Emmanuel Osodeke, highlighted the dire situation, noting that after 15 years as a professor, he earns only N420,000 (approximately $550) per month. He emphasized that Nigerian lecturers are among the lowest-paid globally, making it challenging to attract and retain qualified educators.
The financial strain has led to significant sacrifices among lecturers. Some have been forced to sleep in their offices to cut costs, as they cannot afford daily commutes due to high fuel prices. This situation not only affects their well-being but also impacts the quality of education they can provide to students.
ASUU has called on the government to address these issues urgently by increasing funding for university education and ensuring timely payment of salaries. The union argues that without proper compensation and support, the country’s higher education system will continue to deteriorate, adversely affecting students and the nation’s future.
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