Re: USA Africa Dialogue Series - The Economist: The disposable academic Why doing a PhD is often a waste of time

Ikhide,

It would be interesting to read from you your views on the significance of PhDs to the Nigerian academic system, since that system attracts a significant degree of your passion.

The essay in the Economist is interesting and sums up longstanding  issues  in the PhD universe of parts of Europe and North America.

One approach that PhDs could use is the  idea of building a base for self employment during their PhDs which they can use after the degree is completed. 

thanks

toyin

On 31 December 2011 16:49, Ikhide <xokigbo@yahoo.com> wrote:

"Whining PhD students are nothing new, but there seem to be genuine problems with the system that produces research doctorates (the practical "professional doctorates" in fields such as law, business and medicine have a more obvious value). There is an oversupply of PhDs. Although a doctorate is designed as training for a job in academia, the number of PhD positions is unrelated to the number of job openings. Meanwhile, business leaders complain about shortages of high-level skills, suggesting PhDs are not teaching the right things. The fiercest critics compare research doctorates to Ponzi or pyramid schemes."

I disagree with the Economist. I do believe that beleaguered nations like Nigeria could use all the PhDs it can train and productively use. America is a different ball game. Depending on what your life's passions are, a PhD may be a thorough waste of time in America; I wouldn't recommend it.  But it is a thought-provoking read. Read on.

- Ikhide

- Ikhide

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