Salary Scale for College of Education Lecturers in Nigeria (Updated for the Year 2026)

Updating information on academic salaries in Nigeria is critical right now, as the federal government has recently approved a massive overhaul of the pay structure following years of negotiations.

The previous CONPASS (Consolidated Polytechnic & Colleges of Education Academic Staff Salary Structure) has been updated to reflect the 2024 National Minimum Wage (Amendment) Act and a specific 40% salary increase for academic staff, which officially takes effect as of January 1, 2026.

Following the Personal Income Tax (Amendment) Act 2025 and the 2024 National Minimum Wage Act, the salary landscape has changed significantly. The previous CONPASS structure has been upgraded to a new adjusted scale that accounts for a 40% salary increase and the ₦70,000 minimum wage consequential adjustments.

Updated Salary Scale (CONPCASS 2026)

The following table reflects the estimated annual consolidated salary for academic staff in Federal Colleges of Education. These figures include the 25% to 35% consequential adjustment implemented in late 2024 and the 40% general increase approved for the 2026 cycle.

Estimated Annual CONPCASS Structure

Note: These figures are before statutory deductions such as Tax (PAYE), Pension, National Health Insurance (NHIS), and Union Dues. For the most precise breakdown, lecturers should refer to their IPPIS (Integrated Personnel and Payroll Information System) slips.

2026 Statutory Deductions & Take-Home Pay

Under the new tax laws effective January 1, 2026, your net “take-home” pay is calculated differently. Key changes include:

• Tax-Free Threshold: The first ₦800,000 of annual income is now 100% tax-free.

• New Tax Bands: Income above ₦800k is taxed in progressive bands starting at 15% (for the next ₦2.2m) up to 25%.

• Rent Relief: A new deduction of 20% of your annual rent (capped at ₦500,000) is available to reduce your taxable income.

• Pension & NHIS: Mandatory contributions remain at 8% for Pension and 5% for National Health Insurance (NHIS).

Example: Senior Lecturer (Step 1)

If a Senior Lecturer earns a gross annual salary of ₦4,760,000:

1. Statutory Deductions: ~₦618,800 (Pension, NHF, NHIS).

2. Taxable Income: ~₦4,141,200.

3. Estimated Monthly Net Pay: Approximately ₦320,000 – ₦345,000 (depending on rent relief claims).

Key Changes in the 2026 Agreement

1. 40% Upward Review: After the Nimi Briggs Committee recommendations, the Federal Government finalized a 40% increase to address the inflation and stagnation of academic earnings.

2. Pension for Professors/Chief Lecturers: A significant milestone in the 2026 agreement allows senior academic staff at the highest grade to retire on their full annual salary as pension.

3. Earned Academic Allowances (EAA): Universities and Colleges will now receive an additional 12% of their total salary budget specifically to pay for excess workload and other earned allowances.

4. Minimum Wage Adjustment: The baseline for the lowest-paid staff has been adjusted to align with the new ₦70,000 national monthly minimum wage.

Relevant Resources

• National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission (NSIWC): The official body for all government salary circulars.

• National Commission for Colleges of Education (NCCE): For updates on academic standards and accreditation.

• ASUU/COEASU Updates: The Colleges of Education Academic Staff Union for news on industrial agreements.

Old Salary scale Structure

The table below shows the Consolidated Polytechnic & Colleges of Education Academic Staff Salary Structure (CONPASS) per annum.

The salary structure features lecturer grades in colleges of education such as Reader, Senior Lecturer, Lecturer I, Lecturer II, Lecturer III, and Assistant Lecturer.

Consolidated Polytechnic & Colleges of Education Academic Staff Salary Structure (CONPASS)

(Level 1-6)

(Level 7-11)

 (Level 12-15)

Lecturers in a College of Education

Lecturers at the College of Education (COE) are highly qualified educators who teach a variety of courses from undergraduate to postgraduate levels.

Their roles include course administration and assessment. The lecturers also have leadership duties in a programme’s administration.

The lecturers may be responsible for important course administration duties, such as curriculum preparation.

College of education lecturers engage in scholarly, research, and/or professional activities that are relevant to their profession or discipline in order to maintain and improve their scholarly, research, and/or professional activities.

College of education lecturers are involved in a variety of professional activities related to their profession or discipline.

Roles and Responsibilities of COE Lecturers

While the pay has increased, the expectations for academic excellence in Colleges of Education have also been modernized to meet global standards.

1. Research-Informed Teaching

Lecturers are now mandated to incorporate original research into their curriculum. This ensures that the NCE (Nigeria Certificate in Education) and Degree students are learning current pedagogical techniques.

• Key Duty: Publishing at least one peer-reviewed article per year in a recognized journal.

2. Curriculum & Assessment

Beyond just teaching, lecturers are architects of the learning experience.

• Innovations: Incorporating digital learning tools and hybrid teaching models into course plans.

• Feedback: Providing timely, constructive feedback to students to facilitate “individual student talent development.”

3. Professional & Community Activity

As leaders in the education sector, COE lecturers often serve as consultants for state-level primary and secondary education boards, helping to improve the overall quality of schooling in Nigeria.

Lecturers at the college of education are required to perform the following functions:

• Undertake research-informed teaching in a variety of courses at various levels, according to their share of the Department or School’s teaching program.
• Teach students to a standard that fulfills the faculty and department’s expectations.
• In coordination with other senior colleagues, a lecturer is required to prepare course plans, outlines, and materials for the delivery of assigned classes.
• Presenting lectures, tutorials, seminars, workshops, and papers to aid learning.
• Preparing assessment materials for the courses that are taught.
• Delivering assessments to students and providing feedback.
• Advising on the courses offered.
• A lecturer facilitates the development of individual student talent.
• Incorporating teaching, assessment, and curriculum development innovations.