The Federal Government has increased the salaries for academic and non-academic staff of its tertiary institutions, including universities, polytechnics and colleges of education, by 25 per cent.
It confirmed the approval of the new percentage increment in salaries through the National Salaries, Wages and Income Commission (NSWIC).
A letter obtained by The Nation, which was duly signed by the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Chairman of the NSWIC, Ekpo Nta, and addressed to the Minister of Education on September 14, 2023, with the title: ‘RE: Implementation of the 35% and 23.5% salary increment for staff of tertiary institutions,’ reads;
“I refer to your letter No. FME/IS/UNI/ASUU/CII/IIIT2/90 dated 8th September 2023 in respect of the above-subject. Find attached the circulars pertaining to the four salary structures in the Universities, Polytechnics and Colleges of Education for your information (attached).
“The 23.5 per cent earlier reflected in our letter SWC/S/04/S.149/I/59 of 28 July 2022 and stated in paragraph 2 of your letter, has been increased to 25 per cent which accounted for the increased cost implications.
“This Commission is really pleased with the success your informal discussions have achieved. We shall endeavour to support all your efforts aimed at repositioning the education sector. Please accept the assurances of my warm regards.”
Another letter from the Office of the Auditor-General of the Federation (OAuGF) dated September 21, 2023 also confirmed the increment.
The letter, which was signed on behalf of the Director of Human Resource of the OAuGF, Ajanaku F.O reads,
“I am directed to inform you that the Presidential Committee on Salaries at its 13th meeting, having taken into consideration the different stages of collective bargaining in various sectors and specifically engagements between the Federal Ministry of Education and Tertiary Institutions-based Unions and consequently the Federal Government’s approval, is hereby conveyed as revised for the following:
“Consolidated Polytechnics and Colleges of Education Salary Structure for Academic Staff of Federal Polytechnics and Colleges of Education with effect from 1st January, 2023.
“Consolidated Tertiary Institutions Salary Structure II for non-Academic Staff of Federal Universities, with effect from 1st January, 2023.
“Consolidated Tertiary Education Institutions Salary Structure for non–Academic Staff of Federal Polytechnics and Colleges of Education, with effect from 1st January, 2023.
“Consolidated University Academic Salary Structure II (CONUASS II) for Academic Staff of Federal University with effect from 1st January, 2023.”