In The Multitude Of PhDs in Nigeria, Searching For The Missing Philosophy

Nigeria has witnessed an impressive rise in the number of doctoral degree holders over the last two decades. Universities continue to produce thousands of PhD graduates annually, while academic staff members are increasingly encouraged, and in many cases required, to obtain doctoral qualifications for career progression. Across conference halls, university departments, professional associations, and social media platforms, the title “Dr.” has become more common than ever before. Yet, amid this abundance of PhDs, a critical question emerges: where is the philosophy in the doctorate?

The term PhD stands for Doctor of Philosophy. Historically, the degree was designed not merely to certify advanced knowledge in a specialised field but also to cultivate a philosophical disposition towards knowledge. It represented a commitment to critical inquiry, intellectual curiosity, originality, and the pursuit of truth. The holder of a PhD was expected to question assumptions, challenge established ideas where necessary, and contribute meaningfully to human understanding. Unfortunately, in many instances, the contemporary Nigerian PhD experience appears to have retained the title while gradually losing the philosophy behind it.

One of the indicators of this missing philosophy is the increasing emphasis on credentials rather than scholarship. For many individuals, the PhD has become a necessary badge for promotion, social prestige, political relevance, or professional recognition. While there is nothing inherently wrong with seeking career advancement, problems arise when the acquisition of the certificate becomes more important than the pursuit of knowledge. In such circumstances, research becomes a hurdle to cross rather than an intellectual journey to undertake.

This situation is reflected in the growing volume of repetitive and unimaginative research topics. Across disciplines, one encounters studies that merely replicate previous works with minimal innovation. The objective often appears to be completing a thesis rather than addressing significant societal, theoretical, or practical problems. The result is a proliferation of dissertations and theses that occupy library shelves without influencing policy, advancing knowledge, or solving real-world challenges.

Another symptom of the missing philosophy is the decline in academic rigour. A doctoral degree should demonstrate mastery of research methods, analytical thinking, and intellectual independence. However, concerns have been raised about poor supervision, inadequate research training, plagiarism, and the increasing commercialisation of academic processes. In some cases, candidates are guided more towards fulfilling administrative requirements than developing scholarly excellence. When quantity becomes more important than quality, the essence of doctoral education is compromised.

The absence of philosophical depth is also evident in the way many scholars engage with public discourse. A PhD holder is expected to contribute informed perspectives on issues within and beyond their area of specialisation. Yet, the possession of advanced qualifications does not automatically translate into intellectual leadership. Society occasionally encounters highly educated individuals who display limited critical reasoning, intolerance of opposing viewpoints, or an unwillingness to engage in evidence-based discussions. Such realities remind us that education is not merely about accumulating degrees but about cultivating habits of thought.

It would, however, be unfair to paint all Nigerian PhD holders with the same brush. Across the country, there are scholars conducting groundbreaking research, mentoring younger academics, influencing policy, and contributing to global scholarship. Many continue to uphold the ideals of intellectual honesty, originality, and academic excellence despite institutional challenges. Their work demonstrates that the philosophy behind the doctorate is not entirely lost; it is simply overshadowed by a system that often rewards credentials more visibly than genuine scholarship.

The solution lies not in reducing the number of PhD graduates but in restoring the values that should accompany doctoral education. Universities must strengthen admission processes, research training, and supervision standards. Doctoral candidates should be encouraged to pursue research that addresses pressing national and global challenges. Academic promotion systems should place greater emphasis on the quality and impact of research rather than the mere possession of qualifications or the quantity of publications.

Furthermore, aspiring scholars must recognise that earning a PhD is not the end of learning but the beginning of a lifelong commitment to inquiry. The true mark of a doctoral graduate is not the title before the name but the quality of thought behind the title. It is the ability to ask difficult questions, seek evidence-based answers, and contribute meaningfully to society.

As Nigeria continues to produce more PhD holders, the challenge is no longer numerical growth but intellectual depth. The country does not merely need more doctors of philosophy; it needs more philosophy in its doctors. Only then can the doctorate fulfil its original purpose as a symbol of wisdom, critical inquiry, and transformative scholarship.

(c) 2026 Ganiu Bamgbose writes from Lagos.