By Akinsuroju Abiodun Olubunmi
FG Approves Salary Increment for Tertiary Institution Staff
The Federal Government, through the National Salaries, Wages and Income Commission, has given the nod for a new percentage increment in salaries for academics and non-academic staff members of all its tertiary institutions nationwide. This move sees the percentage increment for junior staff members of tertiary institutions raised from last year’s 23.5% to 25%.
The arrears of this increment from January 2023 will also be disbursed. While there is no official word yet on the withheld salaries of academics and non-academics who went on strike in 2022, it’s been learned that the Minister of Education, Prof Tahir Mamman, previously wrote to the Chairman of the NSIWC, Ekpo Nta, seeking clarity on the status of the collective bargain for salary increment.
Sources within the Ministry of Education suggest that the minister’s inquiry may be linked to visits from academic unions and pressure groups. The National President of ASUP, Dr. Anderson Ezeibe, confirmed that the union is aware of the development and anticipates its implementation.
According to Ezeibe, “Definitely, we heard of it and we are looking forward to it. There will be a 25 per cent increment for junior lecturers while chief lecturers and professors will benefit from a 35 per cent increment.”
The National Vice-President of ASUU, Prof Chris Piwuna, clarified that any communication regarding the new salary structure would be addressed to the management of universities and not the union itself.
In a letter dated September 14, 2023, addressed to the Minister, the CEO/Chairman of the NSIWC, Eyo Nta, expressed pleasure with the success of informal discussions and confirmed the increase in the percentage increment to 25%.
Subsequently, a circular was issued to various government offices informing them of the implementation of the newly reviewed salaries. Additionally, a letter from the Office of the Auditor General of the Federation dated September 21, 2023, confirmed the increment.