Lecturers push for pension parity with judges and military
University lecturers are calling on the Federal Government to fund professors’ pensions using the same model as judges, permanent secretaries, and military generals, ensuring retirees receive pensions equivalent to their last salaries. This demand follows a new agreement between the government and the Academic Staff Union of Universities, which includes a salary increase and improved allowances for lecturers. Senior professors and associate professors are now entitled to specific monthly allowances under this agreement. While the move is seen as a step toward addressing long-standing grievances, there are concerns about the sustainability of the pension provision without a clear funding mechanism.
What we know
- University lecturers want their pensions funded like those of judges and military generals, providing full salary at retirement.
- The recent agreement with the Federal Government includes a 40% salary increment and improved welfare packages for lecturers.
- Senior professors will receive a monthly allowance of N140,000, while associate professors get N70,000.
- Some academics, including Prof Ben Ugheoke, Dr Hashim Suleiman, Dr Oboromemi Weinoh, and Dr Nathan Emmanuel, voiced support for the new arrangement and urged proper implementation.
- Concerns remain about the long-term sustainability of the pension provision, especially without a defined funding model.
