Many people are of the opinion that getting a PhD adds to prospect of a good salary. I plead guilty to having that opinion because I used to belong to such school of thought. Over the years, however, I noticed that one really does not need a PhD degree to reach any level of financial achievement.

I have come to understand that PhD should not be pursued merely for financial gratification. But one disturbing issue I noted is that majority of people who seek to obtain a Phd don't want to work in Academia. I don't why is that.

I want to get the opinion fellow NLder on this. Do you think getting a PhD pays-off financially? Can you say the highest earners in your coy owns a PhD?

Is jst an academic achievement

It is a contribution to the body of knowledge!

Where is that Phd Dangote truck driver when you need him to answer crucial questions?

You mean Player Hating Degree?
Nothing. Zilch.Just broke "a.s.SSness!!!!"

murtalaa: I have come to understand that PhD should not be pursued merely for financial gratification.

My exact sentiments. Although for anyone to pursue a PhD shows that they have the mental/academic capacity for the challenge. Good thing!
To each their own anyways.

A piece of paper to show how much you have read and not necessarily what you can do.

PHD Nigeria? GEJ has 1!

A PhD gives you the opportunity to become a lecturer. Given that lecturers now earn appreciable salaries with the opportunity to get research grants and make money from writing and publishing academic materials, and over a guaranteed 35 year period, I think getting a PhD makes a lot of sense in Nigeria.

The only thing that will make a lecturer lose his job is gross misconduct. If I had the opportunity to take up a salaried job, I would rather be a lecturer than work in a bank where i will be asked to go and be chasing millions in targets, and without any job security.

As an academia, you need phd to attain certain positions in academic institutions. Therefore, is a step towards financial achievement as you put it. For instance, in universities, without Phd, you cant be a head of department and so on

Aliko Dangote knows it. Guess between #120,000 to #150,000 by dangote's standard. And na truck you go use am drive.

murtalaa: Many people are of the opinion that getting a PhD adds to prospect of a good salary. I plead guilty to having that opinion because I used to belong to such school of thought. Over the years, however, I noticed that one really does not need a PhD degree to reach any level of financial achievement.

I have come to understand that PhD should not be pursued merely for financial gratification. But one disturbing issue I noted is that majority of people who seek to obtain a Phd don't want to work in Academia. I don't why is that.

I want to get the opinion fellow NLder on this. Do you think getting a PhD pays-off financially? Can you say the highest earners in your coy owns a PhD?

nawadays people dont care more about ur certificate but what u can actually do or impact positively to d growth of a company.so why too much degress wen u cant really put it in work NONSENCE

It is only in places like Nigeria (where people are allergic to progress) that PhD is synonymous to lecturing.

For the avoidance of doubt, a PhD gives you expertise (in your chosen area).

Whether you elect to use this expertise in a lecture hall, research institution, a multi-national or your private entrepreneurship is entirely up to you.

PhD holders are problem solvers (in their own domain) but they also have a wider grasp of research methodology than most folks. Unfortunately, some so-called PhD holders in Nigeria (including a few associated with leadership) have failed to demonstrate the minimum level of intellectual acumen, commensurate with the title. But that is not the fault of all other PhD holders. Can you now say all strikers including Van Persie, Messi or Suarez are useless simply because Yakubu Aiyegbeni missed an open goal (unmarked) from just 0.1 centimeters away?

Now as for the OP (and other Nairalanders/Nigerians who associate PhD with stupendous wealth) let it be clear that the richest black man today (Dangote) does not have a PhD. In fact, Bill Gates did not even finish college (degree). So what does that tell you about degrees and money? Having a university degree (of whatever level) is not a guarantee for success in life.

Problem is that too many Nigerians associate success with money, money, money. If it is ONLY money you want, then just go into trading. After all, Dangote, with all his billions, is just a trader (yes, I said it). He made (and makes) money selling sugar, salt, spaghetti, flour and cement. Chikenan! What stops you from doing same?

You dont need a PhD to make money. On the flip side, having money also does not make you (or guarantee that you would be) educated. You should define success according to your own terms and stop this wanton pursuit of kudi, ego, owo. This is why Nigeria is so corrupt because everyone wants to 'make it'. And while there is nothing wrong with making it, most Nigerians think 'making it' only means being VERY RICH and annoyingly, they want to 'Hammer' overnight.

I tire for my people.

Finally, let me answer the question posed by the title of the thread (with a JAMB question): What is the worth of ignorance financially?

Over to you.

iv4fb: PHD Nigeria? GEJ has 1!

You're very correct.! Getting a PhD does not translate to being a better leader. Neither does it mean you'll have more money. These days, people even do masters because there's no job without understanding it could be a waste if it's not for career purpose.

OP, my take: you don't have to own a third "PROSTRATE, hardwork & DOBALE" degree to get the benjis.

Just to add to one's academic reputation IMO.

drzed: It is only in places like Nigeria (where people are allergic to progress) that PhD is synomymous to lecturing.

For the avoidance of doubt, a PhD gives you expertise (in your area).

Whether you elect to use this expertise in a lecture hall, research institution, a multi-national or your private entrepreneurship is up to you.

PhD holders are problem solvers (in their own domain) but also have a wider grasp of research methodology. Unfortunately, some so-called PhD holders in Nigeria (including a few associated with leadership) have failed to demonstrate the minimum level of intellectual acumen, commensurate with the title.

well said..

iv4fb: PHD Nigeria? GEJ has 1!

[quote author=drzed]It is only in places like Nigeria (where people are allergic to progress) that PhD is synomymous to lecturing.

For the avoidance of doubt, a PhD gives you expertise (in your area).

Whether you elect to use this expertise in a lecture hall, research institution, a multi-national or your private entrepreneurship is up to you.

PhD holders are problem solvers (in their own domain) but also have a wider grasp of research methodology. Unfortunately, some so-called PhD holders in Nigeria (including a few associated with leadership) have failed to demonstrate the minimum level of intellectual acumen, commensurate with the title.

Tanx for d enlightment

drzed: It is only in places like Nigeria (where people are allergic to progress) that PhD is synomymous to lecturing.

For the avoidance of doubt, a PhD gives you expertise (in your area).

Whether you elect to use this expertise in a lecture hall, research institution, a multi-national or your private entrepreneurship is up to you.

PhD holders are problem solvers (in their own domain) but also have a wider grasp of research methodology. Unfortunately, some so-called PhD holders in Nigeria (including a few associated with leadership) have failed to demonstrate the minimum level of intellectual acumen, commensurate with the title.

Asis: well said..

Yes o, this guy killed it. PhD means you are not afraid to go into any area of your field and create value within it. Given the investment of time PhD students spend in Nigerian universities the quality of their output and their to incline to propensity job/ privilege entitlement mentality is unreal....

Thinking of where to get one in naija, anyone with suggestions pls put down. My target is in I.T security, and if peradventure anyone here can help am actually looking to begin a lecturing career here in 9ja.

Nb: first love is impacting knowledge next the Benjamins. and trust me am prepared n ready.

life is not all about money, but money is important though.having a Phd does not translate into being financialy bouyant. there is a verse in the Bible that says it is God who gives the power to make wealth. and we all know that knowledge is power. generally youths have misplaced their priorities, unfortunately they are more concerned about the money instead of the Knowledge/skills/experience. but having said that it is very possible for you to use the knowledge garnered from your Phd to turn yourself into a financial giant.IMPOSSIBLE IS NOTHING!!!!

The Economist did a story on Phd about a year ago...
http://www.economist.com/economist-asks/doing_phd_waste_time
They proved its a clear waste of time in our current global economy....
Besides the fact you have to please all those sadist professors who dont want you to have the Phd, its there are many companies out their searching for a PhD holder.

Get inspired, visit
www.inspired.com.ng
for your daily inspirational dose!

Don Tim: Thinking of where to get one in naija, anyone with suggestions pls put down. My target is in I.T security, and if peradventure anyone here can help am actually looking to begin a lecturing career here in 9ja.

Nb: first love is impacting knowledge next the Benjamins. and trust me am prepared n ready.

UNIJOS

it is evident that the people going to school to acquire these degrees are no longer getting the Jobs any longer, there is a disconnect somewhere in our society, something has to be done to restore the status-quo.

Aggrippa:
UNIJOS

are U sayin UNIJOS has a phd program in IT Security? Am just concluding my masters in IT @OAU Ife

*speechless*

PHD means Poverty of the Highest Degree.

If you are not financially free yet,instead of spending your money and time on a Phd,us e that money to feed your family or better START A BUSINESS!

not more than N200,000 per month....so sad.

jahjehova:
are U sayin UNIJOS has a phd program in IT Security? Am just concluding my masters in IT @OAU Ife

sory for the misleading info, i have not verified

speaking as a phd holder who is now working in the industry - phd is just another form of work experience. however, as opposed to the focus on productivity and profit in the industry, it is a form of on-the-job-training on how to conceptualize ideas, and propose solutions in cutting edge science. so, talking about innovations, phd holders are deemed to be more skillful (not always) than people with normal work experience. phd does not translate to better pay, actually, it restricts the positions you can take in a lot of ways as only a few non phd holders have the guts to boss a phd holder. having said that, phd earns you respect, believe me, anywhere in the world. your job mobility potential increases, getting work visas in other countries becomes easier, there is the tendency to always consider you before a non phd holder in several places. but like i said, it does not translate to better pay

For some women, PhD stands for Pikin Husband Degree or Push Husband Down.

On a serious note, you must outline your priorities and career goals. If you are thinking of development work with a lot of consulting opportunities, a PhD gives you an edge. It is a huge intellectual investment in the long run. But as for ROI (Return on Investment) in the short run, it may not be the path to stupendous wealth

i will always continue to say and advice that having acquired all these degrees and one is sure of possessing the amount of knowledge of the likes of Albert Eienstein , there is no point remaining in a place like Nigeria where you will be unappreciated, scorned and ridiculed. migrate to places where you will be appreciated!!!!

The concept of education derives much from problem resolutions, a taking for peculiar interests-social, economic and the scientific, some exposure and improved interactions. Although, a temptation often exists with the arching burden of self-sufficiency and societal standing, but truth be told, no degree is a meal ticket. The substance of an academic achievement lies much with any verifiable benefits that an engaged environment admits or dismisses, and, it is here that your education places you in a position to negotiate or concede- when that scrutiny or appraisal is concluded. Society only rewards what it deems beneficial to it; the volume or make is essentially the individual’s initiative to take or project.

In all honesty, a major fault line exists in reasoning that the drive for any degree, diploma or certificate, should be linked to monetary concerns or rewards, and it would ultimately lead to frustrations and discouragements, if such formed the premise of the enterprise.

Interests such as research, innovations or ideas formulations, for industry or the academia, in my view, should form the overriding motivations.