Kano State Governor Abba Yusuf has approved a new salary structure for staff of two state-owned universities, aligning with the Federal Government's revised remuneration package for university staff across Nigeria. The decision, announced on Monday, will cost the state government approximately ₦4.7 billion annually, with arrears estimated at ₦3.13 billion.
Universities Affected and Payment Timeline
The new pay structure covers both academic and non-academic staff at Aliko Dangote University of Science and Technology, Wudil, and Northwest University, Kano. Although the new pay scale is backdated to January 2026, actual payment will not begin until September 2026. Arrears covering January to August 2026, estimated at ₦3.13 billion, will be captured in the 2027 budget.
According to the governor's spokesman, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, the combined monthly cost for both universities will be ₦391.8 million, translating to roughly ₦4.7 billion per year.
Breakdown of Monthly Allocations
Aliko Dangote University of Science and Technology, Wudil, will receive the larger share of ₦228.2 million monthly. Of this, academic staff will get ₦141.1 million, while non-academic staff will receive ₦87.1 million. Northwest University, Kano, will receive ₦163.7 million monthly, with ₦112.2 million allocated to academic staff and ₦51.4 million to non-academic workers.
The governor also approved the setting up of visitation panels for the two universities and other tertiary institutions in Kano State. The government stated that the salary review aims to improve staff welfare and ensure industrial harmony within the state's higher education sector.
Commitment to Education and Staff Welfare
Governor Yusuf reaffirmed his administration's commitment to education and the wellbeing of workers in the state's public universities. The new salary structure is expected to boost morale and enhance the quality of education in Kano State.
This development comes as part of broader efforts to align state university remuneration with federal standards, ensuring that academic and non-academic staff are adequately compensated for their contributions to the education sector.
