Opinion

Nigeria’s Silent Giants: A Case for Better Welfare and Empowerment of Lecturers

By Yahaya Abdulrahman

Across lecture halls, laboratories, and libraries in Nigeria’s tertiary institutions — from universities to polytechnics, colleges of education, agricultural colleges, and schools of nursing — a group of remarkable individuals continues to shoulder the burden of national development. These are our lecturers, the nation’s silent giants, whose commitment to knowledge, mentorship, and research remains unwavering, even in the face of widespread neglect.

In a country where education is frequently praised in speeches but poorly supported in practice, these educators persist — not because of incentives, but in spite of the absence of them. They are driven by a deeper sense of purpose: to build minds, nurture ideas, and preserve the very foundation of national progress.

Yet, despite their immense contributions, the plight of Nigerian lecturers has become too glaring to ignore. Chronic underpayment, delayed salaries, unpaid allowances, and a generally poor working environment have pushed many to the brink. The situation has led to serial strike actions across the nation’s institutions, disrupting academic calendars and further weakening the faith of students, parents, and the public in the education system.

The deterioration of teaching and learning conditions is not confined to universities alone. Polytechnics, colleges of education, schools of agriculture, and nursing institutions suffer the same — if not worse — conditions. What is even more disturbing is that this neglect was once more visible in the primary and secondary education sectors, but has now escalated to the tertiary level, a space expected to represent the peak of intellectual development.

This systemic collapse is not just affecting teachers — it is poisoning the future. Today, lecturers are fast becoming pitiable — shadows of the intellectual giants they once were. Their misery is killing the desire among young Nigerians to pursue careers in education or academia. The result ?. A society that now glorifies wealth — regardless of its source — over knowledge, diligence, and intellectual integrity.

The broader damage is to our national values: morality is eroding, patriotism is fading, and education is being reduced to a formality, not a foundation. With insecurity already disrupting schools in many parts of the country, this collapse of motivation among both educators and learners could have disastrous consequences for our future.

Worse still, we are likely to witness another phase of brain drain — this time, not just among doctors and engineers, but from within the academic system itself. Talented lecturers are already seeking greener pastures abroad, where their knowledge and efforts are valued. Can we blame them ?. Lecturers at home must not continue to live as second-class professionals while their counterparts abroad are respected, empowered, and well-compensated.

The government must act — and fast. The discussion around improving lecturer welfare must shift from promises to policies. Salaries must be upgraded, allowances paid promptly, and the learning environment improved. A nation that underpays its lecturers is slowly committing academic suicide.

That said, lecturers too must rise beyond the confines of research papers and lecture notes. The world is evolving, and so must academia. Today’s lecturer should be both a scholar and a practitioner — applying knowledge to real-world solutions. Agricultural science experts should be running model farms. Engineering lecturers should lead innovations in local manufacturing. Pharmacists and chemists should be producing affordable alternatives in functional labs. Educationists should be pioneering new, digital modes of learning.

Such ventures won’t just generate personal income — they will restore the social relevance, honour, and impact of the profession.

Yet, one archaic barrier stands in the way: the civil service rule that prohibits public servants from engaging in any form of private enterprise. While its intention may be noble, its effect is crippling. You cannot stop a lecturer from earning through enterprise while paying them salaries too meagre to meet basic family needs.

What Nigeria needs now is a thorough review of this policy — one that allows lecturers and other public servants to engage in ethical, productive ventures without compromising their core responsibilities. This will not only empower them economically but unleash a wave of creativity, innovation, and industry-driven impact from within our institutions.

Let us be clear: no nation can rise beyond the quality of its teachers. Nigeria cannot achieve transformation without investing meaningfully in education. And education cannot thrive if its drivers — the lecturers — are treated with indifference, poverty, or disrespect.

To every lecturer across the country, enduring with silent strength: your sacrifices are seen. Your impact is real. And your worth is beyond measure. It is time for government, policymakers, and society at large to match your dedication with policies, structures, and support that honour your role as builders of the nation.

Yahaya Abdulrahman is a freelance writer, artisan miner, and farmer. He writes from Nasarawa State and shares thoughts on governance, education, and rural realities. He can be reached via ibnyahya02@gmail.com or on Twitter @ibnyahya02.