Since the publication of our piece titled “Why a PhD Holder Shouldn’t Settle for a Care Worker Role” on the Tekedia platform, our dedicated analyst has been touched by the flood of heartfelt comments and deeply moving personal conversations that have followed. Published on October 24, 2023, this piece has not just been read; it has resonated with readers all around the globe, and its impact is profound. To date, it has touched the hearts and minds of over 12,000 readers, stretching across continents, with Africa, especially South Africa, Nigeria, and Uganda, as well as the UK and other parts of the Global South, coming together to engage in this significant conversation.

Our analyst has been moved by the passion and concern expressed by our readers, reaffirming Tekedia’s and Infoprations’ unwavering commitment to building a community where every individual can thrive, regardless of age, gender, socioeconomic status, or political affiliations. It’s about understanding one’s unique place in the world, and this piece has genuinely struck a chord.

As we pen this update, we can’t help but feel a surge of hope and inspiration. One of our readers is on the brink of securing a role in the UK that truly befits a PhD holder. This is more than just a story; it’s a testament to the power of heartfelt discussions and the potential to inspire real change in people’s lives. It’s a moment to cherish, and we’re grateful to be part of this emotional journey with you all.

The Big Conversation

Commenter 1: Permit me to say this, Nigeria is a country that doesn’t ascribe value to hard work or merit. My true-life story for example, upon my attainment of PhD in 2017 and as a Primary school teacher under Lagos SUBEB, I had opportunity to a FGN mission to serve as a volunteer lecturer in an African country University. It was a fixed term of 2 years (2018-2020). Upon my return, I have been having very nasty experience as an officer now at SUBEB headquarters. The treatment has been so frustrating that if I have another opportunity to check out, under any work status, I will be so glad. At the Board, all my efforts to be considered into the department of my field of study were to no avail. I have been underutilized and it’s really depressing. Nigeria government should please place value on merit and only on political connection.

Commenter 2: If you have what it takes, then no whining. Just do it.

Commenter 3: That is the way it is in Nigeria. We need a national leader who places high value on intellectual hard work and innovation.

Commenter 3: This is an inspiring peace of art. PhD holders have committed a lot of resources in research and teaching. They should use the knowledge gained in particular field to better the society.

Commenter 4: One thing I did take away from my PhD was the area of finding a missing gap and the novel you can bring to your field of learning. I have found this ideology in PhD the most remarkable information? have come across. Despite the challenges everywhere there is something new you can add to make the environment better. Though it might be that where one works might not adequately cultivate and nature what you might desire, but there are ways you can package things and make them attractive. I have worked in government, taught in a polytechnic and now in a multinational. The experiences I have acquired has motivated me to embark on a company registration now. The services I about to offer are still same I had acquired all these years. The flavour I am bringing is to fill in the service gaps I have come across in the industry. I don’t regret ever having a PhD, it might take time but the Web of knowledge and contacts you have made you are going to succeed.

Commenter 5: Sirs, The PhD is preparation for a University Lecturing job. That is all, not a Nobel prize. A significant number of PhD “opportunities” are barely research assistants working on a grant proposed by a principal investigator; the same can be said for postdoctoral positions. So, ask. Do I need a PhD and 4 to 6 years postdoctoral “training” for that rare University post? In many cases, there is glut of PhDs hanging about when time and effort would be better spent serving society in other ways.

Commenter 6: The inappropriate utilization of Doctorate degree holders could be traced to the hidden faceoff between highly educated and sub-educated members of the society.

Commenter 7: I love this presentation and stand point on facts and common realities of life. PhD degree goes with a lot of dedication and hardwork in a specialized field of study. Although, our current realities in the society does not help or accommodates a PhD holders’ viewpoints. Instead, preference was given to interlopers in the field just to rubbish the learned person. It is important to give respect to whom it is due.

Commenter 8: It is only the private sector that can utilize PhD holders or any certificate holder to it specific field thinking government can is a joke political appointment will always Trump merits

Commenter 9: Here in South Africa, a PhD qual. is a holy grail for smooth entry into both private, government and higher education employment opportunities. Sadly, PhD holders in Africa tend to be less of job creators, patent innovators or aspiration for becoming high net industrialists as seen in the Silicon Valley phenomena, globally. A bubble will one day burst when over-supply of PhD across the continent fails to match available demand, while perennially concentrating on being employed instead of themselves creating employment legacy to buttress future PhD graduates.

Commenter 10: We have remained consumption economy/country. The situation would only change when we become production/manufacturing economy/country. The humiliation abroad continues. It’s terrible.

Commenter 11: Nice write-up. However, the truth remains that any PhD Holder who goes for supposedly lower job is doing so as last resort to enable such person feed. Nigerian Government should rise to its civic responsibilities. Stop chasing rat while your house is on fire.

Commenter 12: I tend to agree with others that the idea of a PHD is to cover a gap in research, providing a solution in a specific area of study. The fact that one needs a livelihood is without question but it is assumed that your area of specialization should be the space you have created for you to contribute to society, academia and to personal improvement. Some body mentioned the Ivy league of technology because it services and answers probably not one question but a host of questions. What does your PHD assist with and its continued usefulness in humanity? It is not worth a while to slog in so much effort, time, resources, and sacrifice so much and then walk away and be happy doing something else. The big question is why do you want to do a PHD, because making money is not always a good reason for it. PhD is an academic achievement and not an economic attainment that is the reality in the ground.

Commenter 13: The fact is that so much waste is going on everywhere in Africa. The western world knows how to tap a PhD holder more than African folks. The PhD holder himself must rise by themselves and take up the gullet.

Commenter 14: Intellectually provocative! Well, it’s essential to consider individual circumstances. Many of us PhD holders in Kenya have care work as a temporary measure, however, we know it is not the most suitable career path for our level of education and expertise.

Commenter 15: As with everything in life, man always finds a way to take something neutral (in this context PhD certificate) and utilise it for either a good or bad purpose.  PhD is not in itself good or bad, it is a certification you go for if interested in it though your desire for seeking it might not be realised after and that is part of life. Some have the PhD certificate and have decide not to use it or go into something different from what they have a PhD in. Also, it is the responsibility of all PhD holders who desire to use their PhD to find a way to explore it. The Bible says “It is the glory of God to conceal a thing: but the honour of Kings is to search out a matter” Proverb 25 vs 2. A care job is not bad but your goals in life must compel you not to settle for some things.

Thematic Analysis

Commenter 1 expresses frustration with the lack of value placed on merit and hard work in Nigeria. They highlight their personal experience of being underutilized after earning a PhD.

Commenter 2 presents a contrasting view, emphasizing the importance of taking action and not complaining.

Commenter 3 agrees with Commenter 1, emphasizing the need for leadership that values intellectual hard work and innovation.

Commenter 4 discusses the value of a PhD in terms of identifying gaps and contributing to one’s field, despite challenges in the working environment. They emphasize the importance of adaptability.

Commenter 5 questions the necessity of a PhD for certain roles, particularly in academia, and suggests that some PhDs may be better spent serving society in other ways.

Commenter 6 mentions the tension between highly educated and less educated members of society as a potential reason for the inappropriate utilization of PhD holders.

Commenter 7 praises the value of a PhD and emphasizes the need for respect for educated individuals.

Commenter 8 suggests that the private sector is better at utilizing PhD holders and that government appointments often prioritize politics over merit.

Commenter 9 highlights the prevalence of PhD qualifications in South Africa but warns of the risk of oversupply and the importance of job creation.

Commenter 10 criticizes Nigeria’s consumption-based economy and the challenges faced by PhD holders.

Commenter 11 stresses the need for government responsibility in providing opportunities for PhD holders and discourages accepting lower-level jobs out of necessity.

Commenter 12 questions the motivations behind pursuing a PhD, emphasizing its academic nature and not as a means of making money.

Commenter 13 places the responsibility on PhD holders to make the most of their qualifications and not rely solely on external support.

Commenter 14 acknowledges that some PhD holders in Kenya resort to care work as a temporary measure but recognize it as not the most suitable career path for their education.

Commenter 15 provides a philosophical perspective, stating that the value of a PhD depends on individual goals and motivations and encourages exploration of one’s potential.

Dialectical Analysis

There is a recurring theme of frustration with the lack of recognition and opportunities for PhD holders, especially in government positions. Commenters 1, 3, 7, and 11 advocate for more respect and value for intellectual achievements. Commenters 5, 8, and 13 present the perspective that a PhD is not always necessary for certain roles, especially if it doesn’t align with one’s goals.

Commenter 4 emphasizes adaptability and the ability to apply knowledge gained during a PhD in various settings. Commenter 12 raises the question of motivation for pursuing a PhD, suggesting that it should not solely be for financial gain. Commenter 15 highlights the individuality of career choices and the need to align them with personal goals.

In summary, the conversation reflects a dialectical tension between the value of a PhD as an academic achievement and the practical challenges and opportunities that PhD holders face in different contexts, particularly in Nigeria and South Africa. It also underscores the need for individual agency and adaptability in navigating career choices.