In Nigeria’s tertiary education sector, both academic and non-academic staff members play crucial roles in the development of institutions, students, and research. From lecturers and professors to registrars and librarians, their remuneration is governed by a standardized system known as the Consolidated Tertiary Institutions Salary Structure (CONTISS). This salary framework ensures transparency, consistency, and fairness in how earnings are distributed across various ranks and job roles.
Whether you’re aspiring to join the education sector or you’re simply curious about how salaries are structured within Nigerian universities and polytechnics, this guide offers a comprehensive breakdown of CONTISS, the salaries it covers, and the key variables that influence them.
Occupation Overview
- Title: Academic and Non-Academic Staff
- Salary Range (Monthly): ₦120,647 – ₦493,347
- Average Salary: ₦306,997
- Required Qualification: Varies by department. For academic staff, a Master’s or Ph.D. is typically required. For non-academic roles, qualifications depend on the nature of the administrative or technical position.
These professionals include lecturers, professors, assistant lecturers, registrars, librarians, HR officers, and more. Each role carries its own salary scale and set of responsibilities, all embedded within the CONTISS model.
Understanding the CONTISS Salary Model
CONTISS is a strategic salary grading system developed to provide order and accountability in compensating staff within Nigeria’s tertiary institutions. It standardizes pay scales for roles across different institutions and enables both employees and management to understand salary expectations based on rank and role.
This structure applies to employees in federal and state-owned universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education. It also covers both the CONUASS (Consolidated University Academic Salary Structure) for academic staff and the CONTISS for non-academic employees.
Salary Breakdown: Academic and Non-Academic Staff
Monthly Salary Tiers
| Position | Salary Scale | Monthly Salary (Male) | Monthly Salary (Female) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Professor | CONUASS 7 | ₦6,020,163 | ₦5,117,138 |
| Reader (Associate Professor) | CONUASS 6 | ₦5,004,750 | ₦4,253,038 |
| Senior Lecturer | CONUASS 5 | ₦4,455,506 | ₦3,787,180 |
| Lecturer I | CONUASS 4 | ₦2,684,010 | ₦2,281,408 |
| Lecturer II | CONUASS 3 | ₦1,979,640 | ₦1,682,694 |
| Deputy University Librarian | CONUASS 6 | ₦5,004,750 | ₦4,253,038 |
| Principal Librarian | CONUASS 5 | ₦4,455,506 | ₦3,787,180 |
| Senior Librarian | CONUASS 4 | ₦2,684,010 | ₦2,281,408 |
| Librarian I | CONUASS 3 | ₦1,979,640 | ₦1,682,694 |
| Librarian II | CONUASS 2 | ₦1,754,902 | ₦1,492,667 |
| Graduate Librarian | CONUASS 1 | ₦1,447,767 | ₦1,230,601 |
| CONTISS 13 (Senior Officer) | CONTISS 13 | ₦3,632,404 | ₦3,087,543 |
| CONTISS 12 | CONTISS 12 | ₦2,827,525 | ₦2,403,396 |
| CONTISS 11 | CONTISS 11 | ₦2,578,127 | ₦2,191,408 |
| CONTISS 9 | CONTISS 9 | ₦2,109,627 | ₦1,793,183 |
| CONTISS 8 | CONTISS 8 | ₦1,855,515 | ₦1,577,187 |
| CONTISS 7 | CONTISS 7 | ₦1,589,508 | ₦1,351,082 |
| CONTISS 6 | CONTISS 6 | ₦1,062,683 | ₦902,281 |
Note: The disparity in salaries between males and females reflects systemic issues, including unequal access to higher ranks, though many institutions are now addressing gender pay gaps.
Additional Benefits & Allowances
Beyond basic salary, employees on the CONTISS structure receive a variety of incentives and allowances:
1. Housing Allowance
Employees are either provided with institutional accommodation or receive monthly housing stipends to support rent or home construction.
2. Medical & Life Insurance
Comprehensive healthcare coverage is provided, with access to government health facilities or subsidized private healthcare. Life insurance policies are also included for security.
3. Transport Allowance
Staff are entitled to monthly transport stipends to ease commuting costs, especially for those working in large university towns or remote regions.
4. Overtime & Duty Allowance
For non-academic staff especially, extra working hours are compensated with overtime payments or shift allowances.
5. Pension & Gratuity
One of the most valuable components is the pension scheme. Upon retirement, employees receive a lump sum (gratuity) and monthly pensions, as governed by national pension regulations.
Factors That Influence CONTISS Salaries
Several elements impact how much an individual earns under this structure:
1. Experience
The longer you serve in a specific role or rank, the higher your earnings. Promotions also depend on documented achievements and years of service.
2. Educational Qualification
In academic roles, a higher degree (Ph.D. or professional certification) can lead to faster promotions and increased pay. For non-academic staff, certifications and specialized training can unlock new salary bands.
3. Gender Disparity
While technically the salary structure is fixed, practical differences arise due to fewer women occupying higher-ranking positions, reflecting a larger societal imbalance.
Key Responsibilities
Academic Staff
- Teaching: Delivering quality instruction to undergraduates and postgraduates.
- Research: Conducting original research, publishing papers, and obtaining grants.
- Student Supervision: Guiding academic progress, overseeing projects and theses.
Non-Academic Staff
- Administration: Managing human resources, records, and student affairs.
- Library & IT Services: Supporting students and faculty in information and resource management.
- Facility Management: Overseeing campus infrastructure, laboratories, and logistics.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What does CONTISS stand for?
CONTISS means Consolidated Tertiary Institutions Salary Structure—a national pay structure for employees in Nigerian universities and similar institutions.
How many professors are in Nigeria as of 2025?
There are approximately 11,877 professors currently employed across Nigerian tertiary institutions.
Do female staff earn less than male counterparts?
Yes, although the base salary scale is the same, fewer women are in senior roles, leading to an overall earnings gap.
Is CONTISS used for all Nigerian universities?
Yes, federal and most state tertiary institutions follow CONTISS or its variant for salary administration.
Conclusion
The CONTISS salary structure plays a vital role in Nigeria’s higher education system, ensuring order, fairness, and progression. While salary levels vary depending on rank, experience, qualification, and sometimes gender, the structure provides a transparent path for career advancement. Both academic and non-academic staff contribute immensely to institutional growth and are rewarded with robust compensation and comprehensive benefits.
If you’re considering a career in the education sector, understanding CONTISS will help you set clear expectations and navigate your career path strategically.
