The salary framework used in most federal universities, including UNN, follows the Consolidated University Academic Salary Structure (CONUASS). This system determines how academic staff progress through ranks such as graduate assistant, lecturer, reader and professor, as well as research-based positions.

Beyond teaching roles, the institution also maintains a Research Fellowship Cadre, which focuses on research development, innovation and scholarly output. Each role within the research cadre has its own qualification requirements and salary grade levels.

The structure outlines how staff move from entry-level research assistants to the highest research positions such as Senior Principal Research Fellow or Research Professor.

Below is a detailed breakdown of the UNN salary structure, academic ranks, entry qualifications and the CONUASS levels attached to each position.

Understanding CONUASS: Nigeria’s Academic Salary System

The CONUASS (Consolidated University Academic Salary Structure) is the official pay structure used in Nigerian federal universities to determine the salary scale of academic staff.

It organizes academic roles into levels ranging from CONUASS 01 to CONUASS 07, with higher numbers representing senior positions.

Each level also corresponds with a salary grade level, promotion pathway and minimum academic requirements.

At UNN, the system applies to both teaching staff and research fellowship positions, ensuring consistency across academic appointments.

UNN Research Fellowship Cadre and Salary Structure

Within the research division of the university, staff are grouped under the Research Fellowship Cadre, which focuses primarily on research development, academic publications and innovation.

The structure is divided into seven major ranks.

1. Senior Principal Research Fellow / Research Professor (CONUASS 07)

This is the highest research position within the UNN research fellowship hierarchy.

To qualify for the role, a candidate must either be promoted from the rank of Principal Research Fellow after a minimum of three years or be directly appointed with significant academic experience.

Candidates seeking direct appointment must possess a postgraduate degree, preferably a doctorate, alongside at least 10 years of post-qualification research experience in a university or research institute.

The position also requires a strong record of scholarly publications, research leadership and the ability to supervise research projects.

This rank corresponds to Salary Grade Level 16 under CONUASS 07.

2. Principal Research Fellow (CONUASS 06)

The next rank in the research hierarchy is Principal Research Fellow.

Promotion into this position typically occurs after a staff member serves as Senior Research Fellow for at least three years and meets the academic performance requirements.

For direct appointment, candidates are expected to hold a postgraduate degree (preferably a doctorate) and have at least seven years of research experience in a university-level institution.

This role falls under Salary Grade Level 15 and CONUASS 06.

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3. Senior Research Fellow (CONUASS 05)

Senior Research Fellows play a key role in supervising research projects and mentoring junior researchers.

A staff member may reach this position through promotion from Research Fellow I after at least three years of service.

Alternatively, candidates with a doctoral degree and a minimum of five years of research experience may be appointed directly into the role.

This position is classified under Salary Grade Level 14 and CONUASS 05.

4. Research Fellow I (CONUASS 04)

Research Fellow I represents a mid-level academic research position within the university.

Promotion into this role usually comes after serving as Research Fellow II for three years.

However, direct appointment is also possible for candidates who hold a postgraduate degree such as a doctorate or equivalent and possess at least three years of relevant research experience.

The position falls under Salary Grade Level 12 and CONUASS 04.

5. Research Fellow II (CONUASS 03)

Research Fellow II is often considered an entry-level position for researchers with postgraduate qualifications.

Candidates may be promoted from the rank of Junior Research Fellow or Assistant Research Fellow after three years of satisfactory performance.

Alternatively, applicants with strong academic credentials may be appointed directly if they meet the experience requirements.

This position is categorized under Salary Grade Level 10 and CONUASS 03.

6. Junior Research Fellow / Assistant Research Fellow (CONUASS 02)

This position marks the transition from junior academic staff to professional researchers within the university.

To qualify, applicants must possess a master’s degree in a relevant discipline along with evidence of participation in research projects.

Candidates must also provide proof of completion of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) programme.

The role is placed on Salary Grade Level 09 under CONUASS 02.

7. Research Assistant (CONUASS 01)

The Research Assistant role represents the entry point into the research fellowship structure.

Applicants must hold a good honours degree, usually not below Second Class Upper (2:1), from a recognised university.

In addition to academic qualifications, candidates are expected to demonstrate strong research potential and present evidence of NYSC discharge or exemption.

The role is classified under Salary Grade Level 08 and CONUASS 01.

Lecturer Cadre Salary Structure at UNN

Apart from research positions, the university also operates a traditional lecturer hierarchy.

This structure includes seven major academic ranks:

• Professor – CONUASS 07

• Reader – CONUASS 06

• Senior Lecturer – CONUASS 05

• Lecturer I – CONUASS 04

• Lecturer II – CONUASS 03

• Assistant Lecturer – CONUASS 02

• Graduate Assistant – CONUASS 01

Each level comes with specific teaching responsibilities, research expectations and administrative duties.

Promotion within this structure depends on academic publications, teaching performance, years of experience and contribution to the university community.

Why the Salary Structure Matters

The structured salary framework at UNN plays an important role in maintaining academic standards and professional development within the institution.

By linking salary progression with qualifications and research output, the system encourages lecturers and researchers to continue publishing scholarly work and advancing their academic careers.

It also ensures transparency in recruitment and promotion processes across departments.

For aspiring academics, understanding the structure helps clarify the career path from entry-level graduate assistant to senior professor or research professor.

As Nigerian universities continue to compete globally in research and education, such structured academic systems remain essential for attracting and retaining qualified scholars.

FAQs

What salary structure do Nigerian universities use?

Most federal universities in Nigeria use the CONUASS (Consolidated University Academic Salary Structure) to determine academic staff salaries.

What is the highest academic rank at UNN?

The highest rank is Professor or Research Professor, which falls under CONUASS 07.

What qualification is required to become a Research Assistant at UNN?

Applicants must possess a good honours degree (usually 2:1) and provide evidence of NYSC completion.

How many ranks exist in the UNN research fellowship cadre?

There are seven ranks, ranging from Research Assistant (CONUASS 01) to Senior Principal Research Fellow/Research Professor (CONUASS 07).

Can someone be appointed directly as a research fellow?

Yes. Candidates with advanced degrees and sufficient research experience may be appointed directly into higher research positions.