The paper examines the dilemma of doctoral degree completion in Nigeria. The paper describes the controversies surrounding the delay in the completion time of doctoral degree programs in Nigeria. It discussed federal and state policies, regular strikes, university management decisions, host departments and faculties decisions, admission policies, corruption, supervision, student attitude, and perception as factors bedeviling doctoral degree completion in Nigeria. The paper therefore recommends measures that tend to speed up the completion time of doctoral degree programs in Nigeria.
Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)
- Abstract
- Introduction
- Federal and State Policies
- University Management Decision
- Admission Policies
- Supervision
- Corruption
- Faculties and Departments Decisions
Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)
This paper aims to examine the factors contributing to delays in doctoral degree completion in Nigerian universities. It investigates the controversies surrounding this issue and proposes recommendations to expedite the process.
- Impact of Federal and State Policies on Doctoral Degree Completion
- Role of University Management Decisions and Admission Policies
- Influence of Supervision, Corruption, and Departmental Procedures
- Analysis of various contributing factors to delays in doctoral degree completion
- Recommendations for improving the efficiency of doctoral programs
Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)
Introduction: This introductory chapter sets the context by defining higher education and its role in a knowledge-based society. It highlights the importance of postgraduate programs, specifically doctoral degrees, in bridging the gap between academia and industry. The chapter introduces the core problem: the significant delays in completing doctoral programs in Nigerian universities, outlining the various factors that contribute to this issue, such as government policies, university management decisions, admission processes, corruption, supervision issues, and departmental procedures. It lays the groundwork for a deeper investigation into these contributing factors in subsequent chapters.
Federal and State Policies: This chapter explores the influence of federal and state government policies on the completion time of doctoral programs. It argues that over-interference and inconsistent policies, coupled with a failure to address the concerns of academic unions, have negatively impacted the timely completion of doctoral studies. The chapter emphasizes the need for the government to implement effective policies that improve resource allocation, faculty recruitment, and provide conducive learning environments, ultimately leading to more efficient doctoral programs. The lack of responsiveness to academic union demands is presented as a key factor contributing to delays.
University Management Decision: This section examines the role of university management decisions in delaying doctoral degree completion. It highlights how inconsistent policies regarding tuition fees, admission procedures, and other levies create difficulties for doctoral candidates. The lack of uniformity in fees across universities forces students to make choices based on financial factors, potentially interrupting their studies. This chapter argues that inconsistent and sometimes burdensome administrative decisions made by university management contribute significantly to the delays experienced by doctoral candidates.
Admission Policies: This chapter analyzes the impact of admission policies on doctoral degree completion times. It discusses the varying admission criteria across different universities and how these discrepancies influence student choices based on their academic performance and resources. The chapter explores the implications of this inconsistent approach to admission and suggests that more standardized admission policies would improve efficiency and reduce delays.
Supervision: This chapter focuses on the role of supervision (or lack thereof) in delaying doctoral degree completion. It argues that inadequate oversight by university authorities, deans, and postgraduate school boards leads to inconsistent supervision practices by lecturers. This lack of effective supervision contributes to the prolonged completion times, particularly highlighting cases of lecturers using their supervisory power improperly for personal gain. The chapter underscores the crucial need for improved and consistently applied supervisory practices.
Corruption: This chapter addresses the pervasive issue of corruption within Nigerian universities, showing how it impacts doctoral degree completion. It discusses the various manifestations of corruption, including financial demands placed on students by lecturers and supervisors. The chapter highlights how these corrupt practices directly contribute to delays in program completion for students who lack the resources to meet these demands. It is presented as a significant impediment to timely degree completion.
Faculties and Departments Decisions: This chapter examines the impact of conflicting rules and regulations between different faculties and departments on doctoral candidates. The inconsistencies and contradictions between departmental guidelines and those of the postgraduate school often result in delays during the dissertation submission and defense process, causing additional setbacks for students nearing the completion of their degrees. The chapter stresses the importance of consistent and unified guidelines to streamline the process and reduce unnecessary delays.
Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)
Doctoral degree completion, Nigerian universities, higher education, government policies, university management, admission policies, supervision, corruption, faculty decisions, delays, postgraduate education.
Frequently Asked Questions: Delays in Doctoral Degree Completion in Nigerian Universities
What is the main focus of this document?
This document comprehensively examines the factors contributing to delays in doctoral degree completion at Nigerian universities. It analyzes various aspects, from government policies and university management decisions to supervision practices and corruption, offering recommendations for improvement.
What are the key themes explored in the document?
The key themes include the impact of federal and state policies, the role of university management decisions and admission policies, the influence of supervision, corruption, and departmental procedures on doctoral degree completion times. The document also analyzes the various contributing factors and proposes recommendations to expedite the process.
What specific government policies are examined?
The document examines the influence of federal and state government policies on doctoral program completion times. It highlights how over-interference, inconsistent policies, and a failure to address academic union concerns negatively impact timely completion.
How do university management decisions contribute to delays?
Inconsistent policies regarding tuition fees, admission procedures, and other levies create difficulties for doctoral candidates. The lack of uniformity in fees across universities and burdensome administrative decisions contribute significantly to delays.
What is the role of admission policies in doctoral degree completion?
Varying admission criteria across universities influence student choices based on academic performance and resources. Inconsistent admission policies are identified as a factor contributing to inefficiencies and delays.
What is the impact of supervision on doctoral degree completion?
Inadequate supervision by university authorities and lecturers, including improper use of supervisory power for personal gain, contributes to prolonged completion times. Improved and consistently applied supervisory practices are crucial.
How does corruption affect doctoral degree completion?
Corruption, including financial demands placed on students by lecturers and supervisors, directly contributes to delays for students lacking the resources to meet these demands. It is a significant impediment to timely degree completion.
What is the impact of faculty and department decisions?
Conflicting rules and regulations between different faculties and departments cause delays during dissertation submission and defense, creating additional setbacks for students. Consistent and unified guidelines are needed to streamline the process.
What recommendations are provided to address the delays?
The document recommends improvements in government policies to enhance resource allocation and create conducive learning environments. It also suggests standardized admission policies, improved and consistently applied supervisory practices, and the eradication of corrupt practices within universities.
What are the key takeaways from this analysis?
The key takeaway is that delays in doctoral degree completion in Nigerian universities are multifaceted, stemming from a combination of governmental, institutional, and individual factors. Addressing these issues requires a comprehensive and collaborative approach.
What chapters are included in this document?
The document includes chapters on the Abstract, Introduction, Federal and State Policies, University Management Decisions, Admission Policies, Supervision, Corruption, and Faculties and Departments Decisions. Each chapter provides a detailed analysis of a specific contributing factor to delays in doctoral degree completion.
- Quote paper
- Okpeku Timothy (Author), Julius Omonzuanvbo Ihonvbere (Author), 2022, Wow at Last: The Dilemma of Doctoral Degree Completion in Nigeria, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/1442598
