Nigerian Professors Earn Less Than U.S. Gardeners’ 3-Hour Wage – Prof. Abimbola
By Erewunmi Peace
Former Vice Chancellor of Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Prof. Wande Abimbola, has raised fresh concerns over the poor remuneration of Nigerian academics, comparing their monthly earnings to the hourly wages of gardeners abroad.
Speaking at a recent event, the respected scholar lamented that a full professor in Nigeria earns about ₦500,000 monthly—an amount he said is roughly equivalent to what a gardener in the United States makes in just three hours of work.
Prof. Abimbola stressed that such a disparity underscores the neglect of Nigeria’s education sector, warning that it is becoming increasingly difficult to attract and retain talented academics in public universities.
“It is heartbreaking that professors who have spent decades teaching, conducting research, and shaping the next generation earn so little. Their monthly salary, when converted, cannot match what a gardener abroad earns in just a few hours,” he said.
Recent reports also reveal that Nigerian professors earn between ₦525,000 and ₦633,000 monthly, while lawmakers in the National Assembly take home over ₦21 million in salaries and allowances. The disparity has fueled discontent among university unions and stakeholders, raising fears of another round of strikes.
Education advocates say the situation, if left unaddressed, could worsen brain drain as many Nigerian academics continue to seek better-paying opportunities overseas.
Prof. Abimbola urged the government to “save the universities before it is too late”, calling for urgent reforms in staff welfare and funding of the tertiary education system.
