In 2025, the Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP) continues to spotlight the salary realities facing lecturers in Nigerian polytechnics. Across the country, teaching staff are governed by the CONPCASS pay scale, while allowances play a critical role in bridging the gap between basic pay and cost-of-living pressures. This blog unpacks the official earnings, from entry-level Assistant Lecturers to top‑tier Chief Lecturers, including the allowances that impact their actual take-home pay.
Salary Structure for Polytechnic Lecturers (2025)
The Consolidated Polytechnic Academic Staff Salary Structure (CONPCASS) guides polytechnic educator pay across federal institutions. Here’s how lecturers typically stack up on a monthly basis:
| Rank | Grade Level | Monthly Base Salary (₦) |
|---|---|---|
| Assistant Lecturer | CONPCASS 7 | ₦120,000 – ₦150,000 |
| Lecturer II | CONPCASS 8 | ₦150,000 – ₦200,000 |
| Lecturer I | CONPCASS 9 | ₦180,000 – ₦250,000 |
| Senior Lecturer | CONPCASS 11 | ₦300,000 – ₦400,000 |
| Principal Lecturer | CONPCASS 13 | ₦400,000 – ₦500,000 |
| Chief Lecturer | CONPCASS 15 | ₦500,000 – ₦700,000 (and up) |
Note: Federal polytechnics typically follow this pay scale more consistently, whereas state and private institutions may lag, and sometimes delay payments.
Allowances for ASUP Members
On top of base salaries, polytechnic lecturers are enticed with various allowances that enhance their financial standing. Common monthly additions include:
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Housing/Rent Allowance: ₦20,000 – ₦50,000
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Transport Allowance: ₦10,000 – ₦20,000
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Research & Publication Allowance: ₦15,000 – ₦30,000
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Hazard Allowance: ₦5,000 – ₦10,000
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Responsibility Allowance: ₦20,000 – ₦60,000 (for positions like HOD or Dean)
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Teaching Practice Supervision: ₦5,000 – ₦15,000 (variable)
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Leave Allowance: Up to ~10% of annual salary, paid annually
In many cases, these allowances add between ₦50,000 and ₦200,000+ to the monthly take-home pay—depending on rank and assigned responsibilities.
Federal vs State vs Private Institutions
| Institution Type | Salary Consistency | Allowance Reliability |
|---|---|---|
| Federal Polytechnic | Full CONPCASS scale | Regular and dependable |
| State Polytechnic | Often below federal scale | Delayed or unpredictable |
| Private Polytechnic | Negotiated/contract-based | Highly variable |
Lecturers in federal institutions generally enjoy the most stability, while those in state or private colleges may face pay delays and less predictable benefits.
ASUP’s Challenges & Ongoing Advocacy
Despite the structured pay scale, ASUP continues to advocate for better implementation. In June 2025, lecturers at Nuhu Bamalli Polytechnic in Zaria reported that Assistant Lecturers net as low as ₦64,400 monthly—below even NYSC allowances—highlighting the discrepancy between official scale and reality in some areas. Meanwhile, ASUP chapters like Katsina Polytechnic are pushing for previously agreed 25% to 35% salary increments that remain unimplemented in many regions.
Conclusion
The 2025 ASUP salary structure offers a transparent framework for polytechnic lecturers in Nigeria, with clear rank-based salary ranges and allowances that significantly enhance earnings. However, disparities across institutional types and the slow implementation of pay reforms remain pressing issues. For aspiring and serving lecturers alike, navigating this landscape demands awareness of both the official scales and the realities on the ground.
