Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s presidential candidate from the recent elections, has voiced serious concerns regarding the staggering expenses associated with governance in Nigeria. He pointed out that an average PhD holder would need to save for decades to afford the N160 million luxury SUVs that lawmakers drive.
In a series of posts on X, Obi attributed the reckless financial habits of the government as a major factor contributing to the decline in the quality of university education in the country.
He noted the shocking disparity in earnings, stating that while a Grade 2 lecturer earns a meager N150,000 per month, an average lawmaker’s salary skyrockets to about N21 million monthly. This reveals a significant imbalance between the government’s commitment to education and its lavish spending habits.
Obi referenced a recent statement from the Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission (NUC) regarding the declining standards of higher education. He emphasized that while the Executive Secretary suggested increasing the number of PhD holders to tackle these issues, this solution fails to address critical challenges, including the excessively long time required to obtain a PhD and the frustrating wage discrepancies based on academic qualifications.
“If one is fortunate enough to secure a position as a Lecturer Grade 2, they might earn around N150,000 monthly—often paid sporadically—resulting in an annual income of N1.8 million. In stark contrast, our legislators, who only need a secondary school certificate, receive a whopping monthly salary of N21 million, which equates to more than a decade’s salary of a PhD holder,” he stated.
Obi called for the government to prioritize educational investment over its own extravagant expenses. He argued that such a shift would foster a culture that values knowledge and expertise over political clout and influence.
He stressed the need for a transformation within society, advocating for a move from a consumption-focused mentality to one that emphasizes production—where hard work, innovation, and talent are acknowledged and rewarded.
“By focusing on education and innovation, we can build a system that honors knowledge and commitment, rather than political power. This change is crucial to restoring Nigeria’s esteemed status in global education rankings and enhancing the quality of our higher education system,” Obi concluded.
