If you are considering a career as a Nigerian professor, you have come to the right place. This article will guide you through the necessary steps to achieve this prestigious position. During my time in high school, my teachers would refer to certain individuals as professors, which always left us with the impression that these students were very intelligent and academically sound.
When we think of a professor, we often associate them with intelligence. This perception is accurate, as one of the prerequisites for becoming a professor is to possess expertise in a specific field of study. Before embarking on the journey to become a professor in Nigeria, it is crucial to have a clear understanding of the role and responsibilities associated with this esteemed title.
Who is a Professor?
A professor is an esteemed individual who holds a prestigious position in an educational institution, usually at the college or university level. These individuals are highly knowledgeable in their respective fields and are actively involved in conducting advanced research, scholarly work, and teaching.
Their responsibilities include sharing their knowledge, guiding students, and making valuable contributions to the academic community through their research and publications. Professors play a crucial role in shaping the intellectual and professional growth of their students, promoting critical thinking, and advancing knowledge within their specific areas of study.
In addition to teaching both undergraduate and graduate courses, professors are involved in designing curriculum, mentoring students, and assessing academic performance. Moreover, they actively participate in academic conferences, publish research papers, and collaborate with colleagues within their field and beyond.
Duties and Responsibilities of a Professor
The responsibilities and obligations of a professor encompass a broad range of academic, research, and administrative tasks within a higher education institution. Below are some primary responsibilities associated with the position of a professor:
1. Teaching and Curriculum Development:
Professors are accountable for developing and delivering high-quality courses that align with the curriculum. They create captivating lesson plans, prepare course materials, deliver lectures, facilitate discussions, and evaluate student learning through assignments, projects, and exams. Professors also offer mentorship and academic guidance to students, assisting them in navigating their educational journey and supporting their intellectual development.
2. Research and Scholarship:
A significant part of a professor's role involves conducting original research in their area of expertise. This includes designing studies, collecting and analyzing data, and publishing their findings in reputable academic journals.
Professors also present their research at conferences and actively participate in scholarly discussions to contribute to the advancement of knowledge within their field.
3. Student Supervision and Advising:
Professors play a crucial role in guiding and mentoring students throughout their academic journey. They provide valuable advice on course selection, research opportunities, and career paths, while also supervising and offering feedback on research projects, theses, and dissertations. By fostering critical thinking and independent inquiry, professors empower students to excel in their academic pursuits.
4. Academic Leadership and Service:
Professors actively contribute to the academic community by assuming leadership roles. They actively participate in departmental meetings, serve on committees, and contribute to institutional decisions. Collaborating with colleagues, they shape curriculum, develop academic policies, and enhance the overall learning experience. Additionally, professors engage in service to the academic field by reviewing research papers, organizing conferences, and sharing their expertise with peers.
5. Networking and Professional Development:
To stay abreast of the latest advancements in their field, professors attend conferences, workshops, and seminars. Through networking with fellow academics, researchers, and professionals, they exchange ideas, explore potential collaborations, and contribute to ongoing academic conversations. This continuous professional development ensures that professors remain at the forefront of their respective disciplines.
6. Administration and Program Coordination:
Apart from their teaching and research responsibilities, professors may also take on administrative roles within their department or institution. This could involve overseeing academic programs, managing budgets, and contributing to strategic planning. Additionally, professors may be involved in faculty recruitment, evaluation, and the hiring process, ensuring the smooth functioning of the academic institution.
7. Institutional contribution and community engagement:
Professors are instrumental in upholding the mission and reputation of their institution through their institutional contribution and community engagement. Their research, teaching, and active involvement in the community contribute to the academic excellence of the institution and foster connections with the broader society. Additionally, professors frequently participate in public talks, workshops, and outreach initiatives that bring about positive impacts on society.
How to Become a Professor in Nigeria
The process of becoming a professor in Nigeria involves several stages. By following these steps diligently, one can achieve the prestigious title of professor in a relatively short period of time. The following steps outline the requirements:
1. Obtain an O-level certificate:
In order to be eligible for the position of a professor, it is necessary to complete secondary school education and obtain a certificate such as SSCE, GCE, or WASC. These certificates can be acquired by attending various secondary schools, including public schools that are government-controlled. For those seeking the best education, private secondary schools like Community Secondary School are recommended. It is important to choose the most suitable school based on location and reputation.
2. Earn a bachelor's degree:
To pursue a career as a professor, it is essential to gain admission into a higher education institution and obtain a bachelor's degree. This typically requires taking exams such as JAMB and Post-UTME, which are commonly required for admission to Nigerian institutions.
Alternatively, one can explore opportunities abroad or apply to the Nigerian National Open University using their O-level scores. Most undergraduate programs take four years to complete, and upon graduation, a bachelor's degree is awarded. It is crucial to maintain a good GPA during this period, as many universities consider it when evaluating candidates for admission into master's programs.
By fulfilling these requirements, individuals can pave their way towards becoming a professor in Nigeria.
3. Pursue a postgraduate certificate:
Upon completion of your undergraduate degree, it is mandatory to participate in the National Youth Service Corps. Following this stage, you will need to return to university to pursue a master's degree program. The next step in your journey towards becoming a professor is obtaining a Ph.D.
The duration of a Ph.D., also known as a Doctor of Philosophy, typically ranges from four to six years, depending on the program structure, the subject area of study, and the institution offering the program.
4. Gain teaching experience:
Another crucial requirement for advancing to the position of a professor is acquiring teaching experience. Even with a doctoral degree, it is essential to have a few years of teaching experience.
When referring to "years of teaching experience," it specifically pertains to the time spent teaching at a university or a higher educational institution.
5. Publish scholarly work or write a book:
Every professor is expected to publish books or scholarly articles that contribute to the knowledge and benefit others. If your field of expertise is Physics, for instance, it is advisable to publish works related to Physics.
A professor is defined as an individual who utilizes their expertise to educate others. By publishing a book or creating scholarly works that stand out and distinguish you from others, you can accelerate your journey towards becoming a professor.
The candidate's prospects are further enhanced if they publish in high-impact international journals. To receive a favorable evaluation, a candidate should have a minimum of 60 globally published articles.
6. Make an impact:
It is crucial to make a significant impact as a professor. Throughout my years in the University, I have come across numerous professors who have failed to leave a lasting impression. The title of professor holds great prestige in the field of education, and it is a title that many aspire to attain. If you have been fortunate enough to achieve this esteemed position, I extend my heartfelt congratulations to you.
However, it is important to remember that one should never exploit their professional standing to diminish the quality of life for others. Instead, strive to contribute positively to the well-being of those around you.
As a professor, aim to create a legacy that will be remembered long after you have passed away. Utilize your expertise and instructional abilities to make a lasting impact on your students and colleagues.
7. Evaluation of Academic Achievement:
The evaluation of academic achievement is the final and crucial factor that must be fulfilled in order to attain the position of a professor in Nigeria. Failing to meet this criterion may result in spending a considerable amount of time as a senior lecturer before reaching the esteemed rank of professor.
This stage involves a thorough assessment of the scholarly publications of the candidate by experienced and esteemed full professors in the relevant field.
Nevertheless, it is important to note that becoming a professor encompasses more than just this criterion, as each university may have its own specific requirements. Nonetheless, this criterion serves as one of the fundamental prerequisites for achieving the esteemed position of a professor.
Skills and Abilities a Professor must Possess
Professors possess a range of skills and abilities that enable them to excel in their profession. These skills can be categorized into three main areas: communication, reasoning and problem-solving, and managing oneself, people, time, and things.
1. Communication:
In terms of communication, professors must be able to effectively convey information to their students. This includes speaking clearly, as well as being able to read and understand literatures.
They must also have the ability to comprehend written and spoken information, and to write clearly so that others can understand their ideas.
Additionally, professors should be skilled in active listening, asking questions, and engaging in meaningful dialogue with their students.
2. Reasoning and Problem-solving:
The second set of skills pertains to reasoning and problem-solving. Professors must possess the ability to analyze ideas.
They should be adept at understanding new information and materials by studying and working with them.
Furthermore, professors must be able to analyze multiple pieces of information and draw conclusions based on their analysis.
They should also possess strong problem-solving skills, using reasoning to find solutions and weighing the costs and benefits of different actions.
Additionally, professors should have a keen eye for identifying potential issues and be able to anticipate and address problems before they arise. They should also be able to follow guidelines and organize objects or actions in a specific order. Moreover, professors should be able to think creatively and generate innovative ideas to solve problems.
Lastly, they should be able to recognize important changes in a system and identify necessary adjustments to achieve desired goals.
3. Managing Oneself, People, Time, and Things:
The final set of skills relates to managing oneself, people, time, and things. Professors should have the ability to assess their own learning and performance, ensuring continuous improvement.
They should also possess effective time management skills, both for themselves and for their students. Additionally, professors should be skilled in teaching others and utilizing various methods to facilitate learning.
They should be aware of others' reactions and understand the underlying causes. This includes being able to adjust their approach based on the actions and needs of their students.
Conclusion
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