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Ikiodiete George
- 2 Min Read
Highest Paying Nigerian States For Teachers In 2025: See Who Tops The List
Let’s be real — teaching is one of the noblest professions in Nigeria, but when it comes to monthly pay, not all states show the same level of appreciation. While some states treat their teachers like gold, others still owe months of salary or pay peanuts. In this post, we’re breaking down the highest paying states for teachers in Nigeria in 2025 — no fluff, just the facts.
Whether you’re teaching primary school kids or coaching SS3 students for WAEC, this guide will help you know where the grass is greener (financially, of course).
What Influences Teacher Salaries in Nigeria?
|
Factor |
Why It Matters |
|
Type of School |
Federal > State > Private (in most cases) |
|
Qualification |
B.Ed/M.Ed holders earn more than NCE holders |
|
Rank/Experience |
The longer you teach, the higher your pay grade |
|
Location |
Urban teachers generally earn more than rural ones |
|
State Government Policies |
Each state approves its own education salary budget |
Top 10 Highest Paying Nigerian States for Teachers in 2025
|
Rank |
State |
Average Monthly Salary (₦) |
Why They Rank High |
|
1️⃣ |
Lagos |
₦95,000 – ₦220,000 |
Timely payments, strong education policies, training access |
|
2️⃣ |
Ogun |
₦90,000 – ₦200,000 |
Support for public schools, teacher promotion incentives |
|
3️⃣ |
Rivers |
₦85,000 – ₦200,000 |
Oil revenue funds education, good infrastructure |
|
4️⃣ |
Akwa Ibom |
₦80,000 – ₦180,000 |
Consistent salary structure, recruitment focus |
|
5️⃣ |
Delta |
₦80,000 – ₦170,000 |
Pays on time, education budget well-managed |
|
6️⃣ |
Edo |
₦75,000 – ₦160,000 |
Tech-savvy education reforms and teacher performance review |
|
7️⃣ |
FCT (Abuja) |
₦70,000 – ₦150,000 |
Offers federal benefits, well-structured schools |
|
8️⃣ |
Kano |
₦65,000 – ₦145,000 |
Invests in basic education, hiring surge |
|
9️⃣ |
Enugu |
₦60,000 – ₦140,000 |
Improved payment consistency and staff welfare |
|
🔟 |
Kaduna |
₦60,000 – ₦135,000 |
Digital learning initiatives, prompt salary system |
Salary by Teaching Level
|
Level |
Monthly Salary Range (₦) |
|
Primary School |
₦50,000 – ₦120,000 |
|
Junior Secondary |
₦60,000 – ₦150,000 |
|
Senior Secondary |
₦70,000 – ₦200,000 |
|
Polytechnics (CONPCASS) |
₦150,000 – ₦400,000 |
|
Universities (CONUASS) |
₦180,000 – ₦600,000+ |
Extra Perks Teachers May Enjoy
Many of these states also offer non-salary benefits:
|
Perk |
Benefit to Teachers |
|
Rural Posting Allowance |
Extra ₦5,000–₦15,000/month for remote school locations |
|
Transport Stipends |
Monthly or termly transport support |
|
Housing Assistance |
Either cash allowance or subsidized accommodation |
|
Maternity/Paternity Leave |
Full salary during leave |
|
Workshops & Training |
State-sponsored professional development opportunities |
FAQ: Teachers’ Salary in Nigeria 2025
1. Which state pays teachers the most in Nigeria?
Lagos State pays the highest, with salaries going as high as ₦220,000 monthly for senior teachers in public schools.
2. Do teachers in Nigeria earn more in private or public schools?
Elite private schools pay higher, but most average private schools pay far less than public schools — sometimes less than ₦50,000 monthly.
3. Do Nigerian states give allowances to rural teachers?
Yes, many states like Delta, Kano, and Akwa Ibom offer rural posting allowances as incentives.
4. What’s the best Nigerian state to teach and save money?
Lagos and Ogun are top picks — high salary + access to job opportunities and affordable living in surrounding towns.
Final Note: Choose Your State with Sense!
If you're a passionate educator, make sure your pay reflects your effort. States like Lagos, Rivers, and Ogun have raised the bar — and if you're lucky enough to land a teaching job there, you're in for a financially stable experience.
But beyond salary, look out for work culture, promotion opportunities, and development programs — because teaching is more than just a paycheck.
