By Erewunmi Peace

A former Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ibadan, Prof. Idowu Olayinka, has stated that Nigerian university lecturers are among the lowest paid in Africa, highlighting poor remuneration as a major challenge affecting the nation’s tertiary education sector.

Prof. Olayinka made the remarks during a convocation lecture at Adekunle Ajasin University, stressing that inadequate salaries contribute to recurring strikes, low staff morale, and hinder the overall quality of education in Nigerian universities.

According to the former VC, lecturers in Nigeria earn significantly less compared to their counterparts in other African countries, despite being required to meet high academic and research standards. He warned that unless salaries and welfare packages improve, universities may continue to struggle with staff retention and brain drain.

The ex-VC also urged the government and educational authorities to prioritize funding for universities, enhance staff welfare, and implement policies that reflect the critical role of lecturers in national development.

Prof. Olayinka’s comments add to ongoing debates about university funding and the need for sustainable solutions to improve the working conditions of academic staff in Nigeria.