By Erewunmi Peace

The University of Lagos (UNILAG) has experienced a massive loss of academic talent, as 239 first-class graduate lecturers resigned within seven years over poor pay and harsh working conditions.

The revelation was made by the institution’s former Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Oluwatoyin Ogundipe, who described the trend as alarming and dangerous for the future of higher education in Nigeria.

“Between 2015 and 2022, UNILAG employed 256 first-class graduates as academic staff. Today, only 17 remain,” Ogundipe disclosed. “Most left because of poor remuneration and lack of motivation.”

According to Ogundipe, the majority of these lecturers have either moved abroad for postgraduate studies or joined private firms offering far better salaries.

A Growing Brain Drain Crisis
This development reflects the ongoing brain drain in Nigeria’s education sector, as skilled academics seek better opportunities abroad. Experts warn that this could worsen the decline in research output and overall quality of education in public universities.

Calls for Urgent Intervention
Education stakeholders are urging the Federal Government to review lecturers’ salary structures and improve working conditions to retain top talents and safeguard the future of Nigeria’s academic institutions.