After years of hard work and late nights studying, you finally earned your postgraduate degree. Now it’s time to put that knowledge and passion for your course to work as a university lecturer in Nigeria. But how exactly do you go about landing one of those coveted lecturing jobs? Don’t worry; we’ve got you covered.
In this article, we’ll walk you through how to find lecturing jobs in Nigeria, perfect your application, and ace the interview. With the right preparation and persistence, your dream of inspiring the next generation of students can become a reality.
Overview of Lecturing Jobs in Nigeria
Lecturing is one of the most popular career choices in Nigeria. As a lecturer, your primary role is to teach university or college students in a specific field of study. Lecturers are employed by tertiary institutions like universities, polytechnics, or colleges of education. The job typically requires a master’s or doctoral degree in your field of expertise.
As a lecturer in Nigeria, your core duties revolve around teaching, conducting research, and community service. You will be responsible for planning coursework, preparing and delivering lectures, facilitating class discussions, and evaluating students. You may also supervise undergraduate or graduate students, help them choose research topics, and guide them through the research process.
There are several career opportunities available as a lecturer in Nigeria. You can get promoted from assistant lecturer to lecturer II, then lecturer I, senior lecturer, associate professor, and professor. As you get promoted to higher ranks, your pay and responsibilities will increase. You can also move into administrative roles like head of department, dean, or provost.
To advance in your career, you need to continuously improve your knowledge and skills through research, publishing papers, presenting at conferences, and obtaining additional certifications or degrees. With experience and hard work, lecturing can be a very rewarding long-term career path in Nigeria.
Skills and Qualifications Needed for Lecturing Positions
To land a lecturing job in Nigeria, there are several qualifications and credentials you’ll need. Here are the top 8 requirements to prepare for:
A Relevant Bachelor’s Degree
The minimum education for most lecturing roles is a bachelor’s degree in a related field of study. However, for senior lecturer positions, a master’s or doctoral degree may be required. The more specialized the subject matter, the more advanced your degree should be.
Teaching Experience
While not always mandatory, having some teaching experience through roles like teaching assistant, tutor, or instructor will strengthen your application. Some schools may require up to 2-5 years of experience for certain positions. Volunteering your time to gain experience is a great way to start.
Strong Knowledge of Your Subject Matter
Lecturers need to be experts in their chosen field of study. Stay up-to-date with developments in your area of expertise through ongoing reading, research, and practical application. Be ready to provide specific examples of your knowledge during the interview process.
Excellent Communication Skills
The ability to explain complex concepts and ideas in a clear, engaging manner is essential for any lecturer. Strong verbal and written communication skills, including presentation and public speaking abilities, are must-haves.
Adaptability
The needs of students and school curriculums are always changing. Lecturers must be willing to adapt their teaching methods and subjects to match new requirements. Staying up-to-date with trends in teaching practices and technologies is also important.
Time Management and Organizational Skills
The role involves managing your time spent researching, preparing lectures, teaching, grading assignments, and assisting students. Strong organizational and planning skills are necessary to juggle the various responsibilities. Meet deadlines and ensure all administrative tasks are completed efficiently.
Creativity
Coming up with interesting ways to convey information to students through interactive lectures, multimedia, assignments, and more requires creativity. Use your imagination to develop engaging learning experiences. Stay passionate about your subject matter and pass that motivation on to your students.
Patience
Students have a range of abilities and learning needs. Lecturers must have patience, especially when students struggle with certain topics or skills. Take the time to provide extra guidance and assistance to those who need it. Maintaining an encouraging and supportive attitude will help motivate your students.
In summary, lecturing roles require a combination of education, experience, knowledge, and soft skills. Meeting the key qualifications and preparing thoroughly will set you up for success in this career. Staying committed to continuous self-improvement will make you a top candidate for lecturing jobs in Nigeria.
How to Find Lecturing Jobs in Nigeria
To land a lecturing role in Nigeria, you need to know where and how to look. Here are some helpful tips for finding open positions:
Search University Websites
Most universities advertise open lectureship positions on their official websites. Visit the websites of universities you’re interested in and check their careers/employment page regularly for openings. When openings are posted, be sure to apply as soon as possible before the deadline. Some top universities, like the University of Ibadan, the University of Lagos, etc., consistently recruit lecturers, so their websites are good places to search.
Check Newspapers
National dailies like The Punch, The Guardian, Vanguard, etc. frequently advertise open lectureship positions. Get hard copies of these newspapers and go through the education/career sections to look for vacancies. You can also check their official websites or social media pages where they post some vacancies.
Attend Conferences And Seminars
Attending conferences, workshops, and seminars in your field of study is a great way to network and learn about new job openings. Talk to other academics and professionals in your network about any job leads or openings they may know of. Some vacancies are filled through word-of-mouth, so networking is key.
Search Online Job Sites
Popular online job sites like LinkedIn, Glassdoor, etc., are used by many universities and colleges to advertise open lectureship positions. Set up job alerts on these sites to get notified whenever new openings are posted. Be sure to apply as soon as you see one that matches your qualifications.
Contact Recruitment Agencies
A number of recruitment agencies and HR consultancies help universities recruit lecturers and other staff. Get in touch with some reputable agencies like ngcareers. and submit your CV for their database. They will contact you whenever there are suitable openings. However, be very careful to avoid scam agencies.
Consider Temporary/Part-time Lecturing
If you’re having a hard time finding a full-time lectureship position, consider taking up temporary, part-time or adjunct lecturing roles to gain experience. Some universities hire visiting or adjunct lecturers on a short-term basis. Take up any opportunity to teach, as the experience will boost your CV and improve your chances of getting a permanent position.
Be Willing To Relocate
The availability of lectureship openings depends on the needs and funding of departments in different universities. You may have to relocate to another city or state where there are more opportunities in your field. Consider applying to universities all over the country, not just those closest to you. Relocating for a job is challenging but may open up more options.
Never stop improving your credentials. Keep developing your skills and experience to make yourself a more attractive candidate. Pursue additional advanced degrees, publish papers, present at conferences, learn new teaching techniques, and take on more responsibility in any current role you have. The more you strengthen your CV, the better your chances of landing a desirable position.
Applying and Interviewing for Lecturer Roles in Nigeria
Here are some of the tips to apply and interview for lecturer positions in Nigeria:
Research the Requirements
The first step is to look into the basic qualifications needed for a lectureship at Nigerian universities. Typically, you’ll need at least a master’s degree in your field of study. Check with specific schools you’re interested in to determine their precise requirements. Some may require a doctoral degree or professional experience. Make sure you meet or exceed all educational and experience prerequisites before applying.
Build Your Curriculum Vitae
Your CV summarizes your academic credentials, experience, publications, honors and awards, and other relevant information. Emphasize any teaching experience you have, courses you’ve taught, and student evaluations, if available. Explain any gaps or transitions in your work history. Have colleagues review your CV for any errors before sending it out.
Apply for Suitable Open Roles
Search websites like LinkedIn, glassdoor, and Jobberman for open lecturing positions at Nigerian universities that match your qualifications. Follow the instructions carefully for each application, which will typically involve submitting your CV, cover letter, teaching philosophy, and references. The cover letter allows you to express your interest in the specific position and school. Your teaching philosophy should articulate your approach to education and interacting with students.
Interview Successfully
If selected for an interview, be prepared to present a sample lecture to demonstrate your teaching skills. Bring copies of your CV, cover letter, teaching philosophy, and references to share with the interviewers. Be ready to answer questions about your experience, qualifications, teaching style, and relevant coursework or areas of expertise. Discuss your passion for the subject matter and desire to mentor students. Ask insightful questions to express your interest and enthusiasm for the role, department, and institution.
With the proper preparation and persistence, you can land a lecturing position at a reputable Nigerian university. Keep applying to new opportunities, build your experience, and strengthen your credentials over time. Securing a lectureship provides an opportunity to shape future generations of thinkers and contribute to Nigeria’s growth.
Average Salary and Job Outlook for Lecturers in Nigeria
The job market for lecturers and university professors in Nigeria is growing steadily. According to recent estimates, the number of higher education lecturing roles is projected to increase by over 10% by 2024. With a growing youth population and increasing university enrollment, the demand for qualified lecturers across all fields of study is on the rise.
If you’re considering a career as a lecturer in Nigeria, you can expect a competitive salary and good job security. The average pay for an entry-level lecturer at a public university is around ₦250,000 per month. Senior lecturers with many years of experience and a PhD can make ₦350,000 or more. Salaries at private universities tend to be higher, often over ₦500,000 for an entry-level role.
In addition to your base pay, most lecturers receive benefits like health insurance, paid leave, and contributions to a retirement plan. Many universities also provide subsidized or free housing for full-time lecturers. Opportunities for career advancement, such as being promoted to a senior lecturer or head of department role, can increase your pay and open up higher positions like dean or vice-chancellor.
While job competition can be high for popular subjects like business, education, and engineering, there are opportunities in nearly every field. Roles in science, technology, math, and agriculture are often in demand.
Conclusion
So there you have it, some practical tips and advice for finding a lecturing job in Nigeria in 2024. While the competition may be tough, there are definitely opportunities out there if you have the right qualifications, experience, and attitude. Being flexible, proactive in your search, and willing to start small and work your way up will serve you well. Networking and making connections is also key. Approach the process strategically and persistently, and you’ll be that much closer to landing your dream lecturing role. Teaching can be an incredibly rewarding career, especially in a developing country like Nigeria, where education is critical for the future.