Dipo Tepede.POeT

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You wouldn't want to blame the Americans. Our education is thoroughly messed up. Over time, things will get better. In Nigeria today, private universities are already turning the tide of education for better. At least, you can be sure of getting out of school on time in private universities who have every incentive to make sure you graduate on time. And if this NYSC thing is removed, then this private schools can offer straight MSc courses like we have in UK (MSc/MEng at Imperial is 4 years!)
Also, the educational reform of Obi, if allowed to fruition, should make things better. She wants to scrap all NCE, Poly and other non-university higher institutions and merge them with the nearest universities (except for Yaba Tech, to be called City University of Lagos, and Kaduna Poly, to be called City University of Kaduna). Also, all examination bodies (NECO, WAEC, NABTEB, JAMB, etc) are to be collapsed into one body.
In say 25 years from now, I believe, things would have gotten as good as what you will get in South Africa and other almost developed countries.

@one - I too have known many nigerians who have made it in the system - but a further study was required. This is not just to nigerians in general - cause its the example you've used but many from other countries.

Let hope that the systems out here (US and UK) will accept others from other institution. It is not fair for people to work so hard to get to somewhere only for them to be denied.

I wish you the best.

@one - to commit «fallacies of improper assumption» - there has to be a break in communication or the lack of it. The word corporate means «business» «company» «commercial» - I think alot of the companies out there world class companies still use some scientist - dont you think - the likes of IBM, Pfizer and . I have worked in these environments too and know many that have and still work in these corporate companies. And as a woman who knows alot of people and with considerable network then I must add that having a Ph.D is beneficial. But like I said in my interview to progress in some field then its requirment is not necessary. So you also have made some improper assumption. Now like you said in the UK institution if you would like to move on to study for a Ph.D its alot easier too, but then you also need the grades and the favour of your research supervisor, who also has funding - and is dependent on which institutuon you wish to do it at. Maybe if you had used a proper statement instead of an allegory then maybe I might not have commited «fallacies of improper assumption» as you said. Also having a Ph.D from foreign universities are not accepted both in the UK or US - as a faculty member you would need to have a degree that is properly recognised in the country's educational system. And No a Nigerian with a BSc. will not be making waves in the UK or US unless they've done a postgraduate / graduate course to add to it. But there are some who start small - like in a call centre and move up the ladder - to be a manager - there are of course many example like that. So yes people can start with a small salary and with the ambitious stride work up the ladder. But if you want to start at a level then a further qualification is required.

My answer to your comments was my way of trying to make things clear not just to you but also to readers who might understand from your original comment that getting a Ph.D was easy. Cause if that were the case - may would have one - inclusing yourself if you choose to. But I wanted to diffuse that assumption.

I am also glad that you have given a rebuttal of your comment. The problem that we always face is lack of communication and Im glad we have all made ourselves clear and to the point.

Hey guys........
wait up, will ya? You guys totally got me wrong. Let me start from the beginning. When I say a PhD at 25 is «2 for 10 kobo» in the UK, I know what I'm talking about as I live in the UK. The school system here is set up such that if you are academically minded and you want to go ahead to get a PhD, you will achieve that comfortably before you are 25 years old. They don't have strikes and NYSC so nothing stands as a break in their studies. And please note that I said that it's if you're academically minded. Not everybody is, but if you are, then getting it at 25 is not outstanding (at least in the UK).
Again on my assertion on PhD's and work performance, note that I said «corporate environment» and not «academic environment». A PhD helps you in an academic environment but in a corporate environment, I can assure you that it doesn't matter. I have worked in world class organizations and KNOW that it is your performance on the job that matters. I conceed that if you want to go into research/academics then it is needful. I have seen people with PhD's from foreign universities that dont have anything going for them and the B.Sc graduate from a Nigerian school will be making waves. What do you ascribe that to? It's that PERSONAL thing, the distinguishing qualities and not the certificate.
So pls b4 you come at me with daggers next time, do well to actually READ what I wrote and not commit «fallacies of improper assumption».

Regards

God bless u for this wonderful post. LOASCM is on eof the bloggers i admire 'cos she loves God and she's a force to be reckoned with in her chosen field. I was planning to do an interview on her too, but u beat me to it. Very inspiring interview.

@one - also at the «2 for 10 kobo» in the UK - not evryone in the UK has a Ph.D. Id it were so, then the novelty would also wear out. But many are encouraged to get one, and only 2% of the world's population have one - which is significantly less in the UK.

So to sum up, if you are very good and beat dwon the competion, where millions apply for an award position, if you are show to be better than your counterparts, then you have a chance to go and study for one. But I would caution you that not everyone that start the degree finish with one. The failure rate is also very high.

I just felt I had to educate you, becasue I feel like you've been ill informed. I think everyone should be able to make an evalustion when faced with the facts.

@ one - If you were in the scientifc industry then your statement «Your PhD does not make you more liable for promotions in a corporate environment» might be plausable. But Speaking as one who is in the field and know the way it works then to progress in the scientif industry you need that added edge - that differentiates the technicians from the scientists - to get to this stage - you need to develop leadership skills and rworking in a team (in terms of relationships) - so without that you will find it difficult to find a post. But when you get it, everything that happens is dependednt on the level of your qualification and achievement. If it wern't so, then there would be no point.

Hi Dipo,u are doing well but i have not seen any Guardian job posting .The last one was on the 23rd nov.What is wrong. I will be very glad if u do sth abt it.chao

Well...........
I guess a PhD at 25 is nice but really it's «2 for 10 kobo» in the UK. Maybe we see it as outstanding as Nigerians but it's the norm in most other places. I like the interviewee's outlook but I will caution her on one point which I'ld like peeps to imbibe and that is:
«Your PhD does not make you more liable for promotions in a corporate environment». Your performance on the job does and you can argue that the degree prepares you for a better performance but I beg to differ. There are key work attributes that single people out for recognition and promotion and your degree is not part of those. Your degree gets you in the door but how you fare after that depends on the quality of your work, your interpersonal relationships, leadership qualities etc. I guess a lot of folks will agree with me on this.

Cheers all