University lecturers across Nigeria are urging the federal government to adopt a pension funding framework for professors similar to those used for retired judges, permanent secretaries and military generals, under which beneficiaries receive pensions equivalent to their final salaries.
The call follows a recently signed agreement between the Academic Staff Union of Universities and the Federal Government of Nigeria that provides a 40% salary increase, enhanced academic earned allowances and other welfare benefits for lecturers.
Under the agreement, senior professors are entitled to a monthly allowance of 140,000 naira ($90), while associate professors are to receive 70,000 naira monthly. A key provision guarantees professors who retire at the statutory age of 70 a pension equal to their full annual salary at retirement.
While the deal is expected to ease labor disputes that have repeatedly disrupted Nigeria’s university calendar, some observers have raised concerns about the long-term sustainability of the pension provision, citing the absence of a clearly defined funding mechanism.
Prof. Ben Ugheoke, deputy vice-chancellor for administration at Edo State University Iyamho said professors would not be the first public servants to benefit from such an arrangement and urged the government to be deliberate in implementing the new salary scale.
“Professors who retire at 70 will not be the first to benefit from a pension equivalent to their full salary at retirement,” Ugheoke said. “Judges do, permanent secretaries do. The question is whether the same implementation model can be applied to retired professors.”
Dr. Hashim Suleiman, a senior lecturer in mass communication at Ahmadu Bello University, dismissed concerns about the government’s capacity to meet its obligations.
“The fears are far-fetched,” Suleiman said, adding that the agreement marks a significant shift in how academics are treated. He questioned why similar concerns are not raised about retirement packages for military generals and political officeholders.
Dr. Oboromemi Weinoh, a lecturer in public administration at the National Open University of Nigeria , also urged patience, saying the government should be given the benefit of the doubt.
“The progress achieved is commendable,” she said. “I anticipate full implementation of the agreement, and I believe the funding mechanism was considered before it was signed. Lifetime salaries for professors are not without precedent, as federal permanent secretaries and judges already enjoy similar benefits.”
