Peter Obi, the former Governor of Anambra State and 2023 presidential candidate, has voiced his concerns over the widening salary gap between Nigerian legislators and highly educated citizens, particularly PhD holders. His remarks came in response to recent comments by the Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission (NUC) on the declining standards of university education in Nigeria.
In a statement, Obi highlighted the significant challenges facing Nigeria’s education system, particularly the lengthy process required to obtain a PhD and the stark wage disparity between those with advanced degrees and politicians. He criticized the suggestion that increasing the number of PhD holders would solve the education crisis, noting that the current system discourages academic achievement due to low pay and poor working conditions.
Obi pointed out that it can take over 10 years of rigorous study after secondary school to obtain a PhD in Nigeria. After years of dedication, a PhD holder might be fortunate to secure a job as a Lecturer Grade 2, earning a monthly salary of around ₦150,000. This translates to an annual income of approximately ₦1.8 million. However, this salary is often paid irregularly, adding to the frustrations faced by academics in the country.
In stark contrast, Nigerian legislators, whose minimum educational requirement is a secondary school certificate, earn a monthly salary of ₦21 million. This figure is more than 10 times the annual salary of a PhD holder. Obi expressed his dismay at this disparity, describing it as the root of many problems in the country.
He further emphasized the extravagance enjoyed by legislators, who are often provided with luxury SUVs worth ₦160 million, funded by taxpayers. Obi pointed out that for a PhD holder to afford such a vehicle, they would need to save every kobo of their salary for over 85 years. This comparison highlights the deep inequality in Nigeria’s pay structure and the lack of recognition for academic achievements.
Obi argued that this imbalance is a symptom of a larger issue: the country’s overemphasis on consumption and political power, rather than on production, innovation, and talent. He stressed the need for a societal shift towards valuing hard work, expertise, and academic accomplishment.
“The solution lies in shifting our society from a consumption-driven mindset to a production-oriented approach,” Obi said. “We need to create a system that celebrates knowledge, expertise, and dedication, rather than political positions and influence.”
Obi called for increased investment in education and innovation as the pathway to reviving Nigeria’s former prestige in global education rankings. He believes that by prioritizing these areas, Nigeria can elevate the quality of its higher education system and create a society where academic and professional achievements are adequately rewarded.
This transformation, Obi insists, is essential not only for improving the standard of education in Nigeria but also for building a stronger, more equitable society. By investing in the education sector and ensuring that those who dedicate their lives to knowledge and research are fairly compensated, Nigeria can create an environment where academic excellence is valued as much as, if not more than, political power.
Obi’s critique of the salary disparity between PhD holders and legislators comes at a time when many Nigerians are questioning the priorities of their government, particularly in the allocation of resources.
“A new knowledge-based Nigeria is indeed possible,” Obi concluded, reiterating his belief that with the right priorities and investments, the country can achieve significant progress in its education system and beyond.
