The introduction of the new national minimum wage has been a subject of considerable debate within the Federal Public Service. For the case of universities, the debate surrounding the Consolidated Universities Academic Salary Structure (CONUASS) has been heightened. Universities are crucial in the socio-economic development of a nation, and for improving efficiency productivity, economic index of salaries and wages should be observed.
This article analyzes the issues surrounding the new minimum wage implementation, how it affects CONUASS state, and the implications of these changes for university personnel, as well as the quality of education in Nigeria.
Also recommended: Consolidated Polytechnics And Colleges Of Education Academic Staff Salary Structure (CONPCASS) In Nigeria (+PDF Download)
New National Minimum Wage Policy: An Analysis
A minimum wage is the lowest possible compensation that an employer can offer to an employee. This assures a guaranteed level of income, particularly in situations where wages depend on inflation and the cost of living.
The recent policy of minimum national wage in Nigeria moved from the N30,000 mark to N70,000 which was aimed at raising the living standard of employees in all types of jobs and organizations in Nigeria.
This is done with the hope that the increase will enable such workers to withstand the weight of inflation, which has currently ravaged the Nigeria economy, while at the same time increasing the amount of money spent in the economy(purchasing power).
Not surprisingly, this adjustment was lauded by workers’ unions and labor advocates, its implementation has posed unique challenges, particularly in the Federal Public Service, which encompasses critical sectors such as education.
What is CONUASS?
The Consolidated Universities Academic Salary Structure, otherwise known as CONUASS, is a specialized salary scale created for the teaching personnel working in the federal universities of Nigeria.
The salary structure was introduced in 2010, as part of the government’s efforts to improve the welfare of university lecturers. CONUASS provides a standardized salary scale for academic staff, based on their rank, qualifications, and experience.
It is designed in such a way as to capture different levels in the academic cadre, from Graduate Assistant through to Professor.
Qualifications, years of experience and responsibilities attached to these roles are recognized in CONUASS.
It is meant to:
- Provide academic staff with an alternative competitive form of slaries in order to attract and retain them.
- Establish fair compensation practices across the universities.
- Assist in linking the academic level of staff with their duties in terms of salary for all the jobs performed, be they teaching, research, administration, or other activities.
Taking into consideration the peculiar nature of CONUASS, it is unambiguous that new wage policies tend to alter this pay framework significantly in order to fit in the academic context.
Implementation of the New National Minimum Wage in CONUASS
The National Wage introduced in CONUASS was a process that took some time to mature and develop fully.
The government was able to liaise in a proper manner with the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) among other interested parties in order to make the process manageable.
The new CONUASS salary scale that became operational from 2024 has provisions that offer increases in salaries for academic members of staff.
Salient Features Of The New CONUASS Salary Scale
- Increased Salaries: Among the lecturers, there were those that received increases of up to 50% in their salaries due to the new CONUASS salary scale put in place.
- Standardized Salary Structure: Structures have been put in place that ensure the new salary scale is not only standardized but has a clear and concise progression and promotion strategy.
- Increased Benefits: Among other aims, the new scale is expected to include allowances such as housing and transportation, increased feeding cost and other allowances that will be needed.
Benefits Of The New CONUASS Salary Scale
The changes in the National Minimum Wage in CONUASS realised some changes that were beneficial to academic staff in the universities across Nigeria.
Among some of these benefits include:
- Increased Standard of Living: Due to the big increases in salaries, members of academic staff were expected to have higher living standards, therefore being able to take good care of themselves and their families.
- Increase in Productivity: Due to higher salaries, people generally feel good about themselves, and their spirits are lifted, so productivity in the academic field is expected to increase.
- Reduced Brain Drain: The improved salaries and allowances will help to reduce the brain drain in the Nigerian university system, as academic staff will be less likely to seek greener pastures abroad.
- Enhanced Education Quality: When remunerations align with responsibilities, the quality of teaching, research, and administrative work improves, positively impacting students.
- Industrial Harmony: Prompt and efficient adjustments to CONUASS could lead to fewer disruptions caused by labor disputes, ensuring a stable academic calendar.
Challenges and Future Directions
The introduction of the new national minimum wage in CONUASS may be seen as progressive, yet there appears to be a number of challenges to be tackled.
Some of the challenges include:
- Funding: The new wage bill will involve extensive funding, which may be a challenge for some universities and the government.Â
- Inflation: The purchasing power of academic staff will also be reduced if inflation erodes the increased salaries.Â
- Sustainability: Notably, the government’s funding capacity and the universities’ income generation abilities will determine the sustainability of the new wage bill.Â
Download CONUASS (PDF)
The president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria has approved the revision of the Consolidated Universities Academic Salary Structure with effect from the 29th of July 2024.
You can download the new CONUASS salary table here in PDF format
Click on the download link below:
Moving forward: Implementation of the New National Minimum Wage in the Federal Public Service
The implementation of the new national minimum wage within the Federal Public Service, particularly through the Consolidated Universities Academic Salary Structure, is essential for aligning academia with economic realities.
While funding bottlenecks and lengthy bureaucratic processes pose risks, these new measures if properly implemented provide greater rewards than the risks.
The synergy between university managements, academic/social unions and government agencies will create such an equilibrium.
Improving the working conditions and salaries of Nigerian academics is crucial as it will help to develop the country’s education sector, promote creativity and enhance the welfare of university lecturers.