In Nigeria today, it is really not possible to become a professor without previously getting a PhD. However, there have been exemptions in the country’s history.
Some well-known examples include:
⭐WOLE SOYINKA:
He does not hold a PhD. He studied at:
University College Ibadan (now the University of Ibadan), where he began his university education.
University of Leeds, where he completed a Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree in English in 1958.
Although he did not pursue a doctoral degree, Soyinka’s distinguished career as a playwright, poet, essayist, novelist, and public intellectual earned him many honorary doctorates (honoris causa) from universities around the world.
In 1986, he became the first African to receive the Nobel Prize in Literature, recognized for his profound contributions to world literature.
⭐CHINUA ACHEBE
He did not earn a PhD.
He held a bachelor’s degree from the University College, Ibadan.
He became a professor based on his extraordinary literary contributions.
However, he received more than 30 honorary doctorates (honorary PhDs) from universities around the world in recognition of his extraordinary contributions to literature, education, and culture. These honorary degrees were awarded by institutions such as the following:
👉Harvard University
👉Brown University
👉University of Cape Town
👉University of Toronto
👉Dartmouth College.
Achebe studied at University College, Ibadan (now the University of Ibadan), where he earned a bachelor’s degree. He became one of Africa’s most celebrated writers through his literary achievements rather than through a doctoral degree.
⭐JOHN PEPPER CLARK
He became a professor of literature without a PhD. Widely known as J. P. Clark or J. P. Clark-Bekederemo.
He studied at:
University College Ibadan (now the University of Ibadan), where he graduated with a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in English.
Despite not holding a doctorate, Clark had a distinguished academic career. He taught literature for many years at the University of Lagos and became a professor based on his scholarship, literary achievements, and academic contributions.
He was one of Nigeria’s most celebrated writers, best known for works such as:
👉Song of a Goat (play)
👉The Raft (play)
👉Ozidi (dramatic adaptation)
👉Casualties: Poems 1966–68 (poetry)
⭐Bruce Onobrakpeya
Bruce Onobrakpeya did not earn a PhD.
He studied at the Nigerian College of Arts, Science, and Technology, Zaria (now part of Ahmadu Bello University), where he obtained a diploma in fine arts and a teacher’s qualification. He later undertook additional postgraduate studies and specialized art training, but he did not complete a PhD.
However, in recognition of his extraordinary contributions to art and culture, he has received several honorary doctorates, including:
An Honorary Doctor of Letters (D.Litt.) from the University of Ibadan.
An Honorary Doctor of Arts (Hon. D.A.) from Delta State University.
Source: Ethnic African Stories
