A Nigerian university lecturer has joined the #30DaysRantChallenge under President Tinubu’s administration, using the platform to share his personal struggles as a government employee, particularly in the academic sector. His frustrations stem from the financial challenges he has faced, which became more evident after he purchased an old-model car and faced unexpected scrutiny from colleagues.
In a detailed post on X (formerly Twitter), the lecturer opened up about the realities of being a university academic in Nigeria, revealing the financial constraints that make even basic purchases seem unattainable for many in his profession. He expressed frustration over how a simple act—buying an old car—turned into a source of controversy among his colleagues.
According to him, he had purchased a 2004/2005 Toyota Corolla, a vehicle that, while old, was still in good condition due to the previous owner’s proper maintenance. However, instead of congratulations, his colleagues, including senior lecturers, immediately began speculating on how he could afford the car on a lecturer’s salary.
He explained that many believed that even if he had saved his entire salary for one or two years, it would still not be enough to afford the vehicle. This belief led to murmurs and suspicions among faculty members, further highlighting the financial struggles of lecturers in Nigeria’s federal university system.
He wrote:
“I work for the government. I’m a lecturer in a federal university.”
“Two years ago, I bought a car—a 2004/2005 model Corolla. It’s an old car, but it’s quite convenient. The previous owner maintained it well, and it has a good body.”
“When I took the car to school, it triggered discussions, particularly about how I could afford it.”
“Senior colleagues began to question how I raised the money. At the time, I was a project coordinator, and many assumed I must have collected money from students to buy the vehicle.”
“There was this belief that, as a young lecturer in a federal university, I shouldn’t be able to afford even an old model car because our salaries clearly do not support such expenses—even if saved for a year or two.”
“Eventually, I lost my position as project coordinator.”
The lecturer went on to explain that he had saved for two years in order to afford the car but still fell short and needed financial assistance. He revealed that, despite his disciplined savings, he had to borrow money from a colleague and receive additional financial support from his mother, who contributed from a thrift savings scheme.
“Even after saving for two years, I didn’t have enough. I had to borrow from a colleague, and my mother contributed money from a thrift savings scheme to help me complete the payment.”
He also highlighted the growing economic hardships affecting many of his colleagues, noting that the rise in fuel prices has further worsened their financial situation.
“Now, with the hike in fuel prices, my colleagues—even senior ones—wait at the school junction daily, hoping for a ride to campus.”
Lamenting the harsh economic reality of lecturers in Nigeria, he concluded:
“By the time you fuel your car with our salary, there’s barely anything left for food or family expenses for the month.”
His post quickly gained attention online, sparking a heated discussion on X, where many Nigerians weighed in on the situation, sharing their own experiences and perspectives on the challenges of working in the education sector under the current economic climate.
See some reactions below:
@CroBender: “But the university professors will rig elections to get certificate forgers into office and I am supposed to sympathize with their plight?”
@adebomiiiii: “Aside from the economic reality, a lot of people are damaged and traumatized they don’t even know it, imagine being shocked he could get that old model car that teenagers working fast food jobs in foreign countries can conveniently buy, coupled with several loan options Omo.”
@ikechi0x1: “Really sad. First off, there should be no federal or state universities.”
@ekpotek: “Yes, I can relate to your situation. The only things that have kept us in this university system for more than 20 years are scholarships and external grants. No successful lecturer in any university in Nigeria depends on salary.”
@oluopey: “No lies here. I’ve been there. Mine was Camry Pencil (1998/1999) model and tongues wagged about how an Assistant Lecturer as I was then was able to buy such. Too bad!”
@mrmanjustdoit: “Poverty goes deeper when national currency loses its value, which means the purchasing power has dropped drastically and policies need to be reviewed.”
As discussions continue, the lecturer’s story has sparked a wider debate about the financial struggles faced by Nigerian academics, the perceived devaluation of the teaching profession, and the urgent need for government intervention to improve salaries and working conditions for educators.
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