Kano State has announced a significant salary increase for both academic and non-academic staff of its tertiary institutions, with a boost ranging from 25% to 35%.
This move, approved by the state government, is aimed at improving the welfare of university and college staff, addressing rising living costs, and enhancing the overall working environment in the state’s higher education sector.The decision was made public by the Kano State Governor, Abba Yusuf, during a press briefing earlier today. Governor Yusuf emphasized that the pay raise is part of the government's ongoing efforts to prioritize education and invest in the well-being of educators and other staff members who play a crucial role in the development of the state's tertiary institutions.
“This salary increment is a clear demonstration of our commitment to supporting the education sector and recognizing the hard work and dedication of our academic and non-academic staff," said Governor Yusuf. "We understand the challenges they face, and this adjustment is a necessary step toward ensuring they are fairly compensated for their contributions to the growth of education in Kano."
The salary increase will affect all staff at Kano's tertiary institutions, including lecturers, administrative personnel, technicians, and other support staff. The raise, which will be implemented in the upcoming salary cycle, is expected to improve staff morale and potentially reduce the number of strikes and labor unrest, which have previously impacted the educational system in the state.
Academic staff have expressed their gratitude for the increment, with many viewing it as a much-needed response to the rising inflation and increased cost of living. "This pay raise is a welcome development," said Dr. Maryam Usman, a senior lecturer at Kano University of Science and Technology. "It shows that the government values education and the sacrifices made by the staff. We hope this will also lead to improvements in other areas of the educational system, such as infrastructure and research funding."
Non-academic staff, including administrative workers and support personnel, have also praised the increase, stating that it will provide much-needed financial relief. "For many of us in non-academic roles, this pay adjustment will make a significant difference in our lives," said Ibrahim Adamu, a senior administrative officer at one of Kano’s tertiary institutions. "We are grateful to the government for recognizing the importance of all staff, not just the lecturers."
This move by the Kano State Government comes amid increasing demands for better compensation and improved working conditions in Nigeria’s educational sector, which has been plagued by strikes and protests in several states over the years.
While the salary increase is being widely praised, some critics have urged the state government to complement the pay raise with improvements in other critical areas, such as infrastructure, teaching resources, and student welfare. They argue that a holistic approach to reforming the education sector will yield better long-term results.
The salary increase in Kano follows similar actions by other states in Nigeria, as governments seek to improve the welfare of teachers and tertiary institution staff amid a challenging economic climate.
As the new salary structure takes effect, the hope is that it will not only improve staff living standards but also contribute to a more conducive environment for learning and development within the state’s higher education institutions.
