By Sadeeq Sheshe
University, the highest and largest of any academic setting has always been distinguished in every perspective of position and identity. From studentship to the members of both academic and non-academic settings, everyone must have a distinct identity.
Considering the academic enclave, each and every position and rank remains subjected to occupation by competent individuals strictly base on merit.
Although the organization of Universities could vary around the world the merit academic award remains the same throughout the world. This means an appointed Professor in one field from Oxford University in the UK will still be recognized as a professor of that same field in Nigeria and Vice versa.
For one to be ranked a professor in a particular field, a lot must be achieved by that same person.
Initially, one should note that the elevation to the rank of Professor is strictly done only In a University to only members of that particular university.
Second, although they could be variations in certain requirements for a Professorship position, however, the cardinal principles and procedures remain almost the same.
In this regard, looking at most of the consistent requirements in almost all Nigerian Universities, the minimum requirement to be a professor is obtaining a Ph.D. degree or in certain cases (medical doctors ), recognized fellowships.
Second, one must have a specialized area within his discipline. For example with the discipline of Chemistry, one could be inorganic, Inorganic, medicinal chemistry etc. Most of these areas are usually picked with the aspect of a scholar’s Ph.D.
Third, having sufficient years of teaching and research for both undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs. These are important and significant aspects enriching the chances of award of Professorship position. Teaching means conducting lectures and or seminars/presentations. Research means continuously conducting researches and publishing/presenting findings from such researches in well recognised academic journals as well as conferences. Other academic activities could include seminars, workshops, symposiums, etc.
Upon all these, certain administrative responsibilities in the Universities are also considered to furnish chances of elevation to Professorship position. These could include appointment as Departmental head, appointment as Dean, Chairman, Head of the academic directorate, etc.
Critically, one needs to spend a significant number of years as an incubation period towards the Professorship position. From the exalted position of Senior Lecturer/Researcher or Assistant Professor then to being a Reader or Associate Professor.
Appointment to these priming stages alone requires a lot of internal and external assessments which might at times be time-consuming.
Finally, after the last year of the incubation period, one will have to apply for the Professor position together with all his achievements and academic awards. A minimum of two external assessments are needed to be positive out of 3 or 4 . In addition to that, the University council might have to sit again to consider the merit and result of the assessments of the candidate and will finally make the announcement.
For anyone to be appointed this exalted position, such standard must be attained and maintained.
In general, it is imperative to understand that one might excel in a particular field and still not be a professor in the field. One could be a public servant with the highest level of credibility and integrity as well as maximum contributions but could not be enough requirements to be a professor.
Considering a simple logic, one cannot be given the highest military rank of General without joining the Army. Similarly, one will not be assigned a judge in a court even if he is the most widely known sincere, honest, and just individual in his community without joining the judiciary.
Such consistency and standard defined such systems as the most distinctively important aspects of a proper society in every part of the world.
Sadeeqsheshe@yahoo.com
