Eighteen ways to be a happy lecturer in Nigerian universities
By Dr. Vincent Asogwa
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Being a lecturer in a Nigerian university can be difficult, especially now that the Federal Government has started to increase workers’ salary by 40% while exempting doctors and academics.
However, there are a number of things lecturers can do to enhance their individual happiness and professional satisfaction.
1. Abide by the university regulations: Ensure that your obligations, including those pertaining to teaching, research, and community service, are carried out in conformity with the university’s policies and procedures. You can go to training sessions, review policy documents, and seek guidance from your coworkers or superiors as necessary to get familiar with the relevant laws, rules, and regulations.
2. Be content with your employment: Do not expect additional income or gain in cash or kind from the university staff or students other than your salary because it was not part of the agreement you signed. Note that many are envious of your position and no amount of food particles scraped from the teeth can fill the stomach.
3. Set realistic expectations: Setting smart and achievable expectations can be a source of self-motivation, leading to job satisfaction as soon as they are achieved. Set realistic expectations by identifying achievable goals and taking into account any obstacles. Be honest with yourself and don’t put too much pressure on yourself, as progress takes time and mistakes are acceptable.
4. Teach, motivate, and inspire students: Nothing gives a lecturer more happiness than teaching, motivating, and inspiring students with confidence for success in and outside the university. This may be accomplished through fostering a welcoming and inclusive learning atmosphere, establishing clear objectives and goals, offering helpful criticism, and employing instructional techniques to accommodate the various learning preferences of students.
5. Learn and make use of ICT and 21st-century skills: Through a variety of means, including online courses, workshops, and practise using technology tools, lecturers should acquire and apply ICT and 21st-century skills. These abilities may be incorporated into regular jobs and projects to aid with competence development and boost productivity.
6. Build positive relationships: In lecturing, happiness is enhanced by good interactions with coworkers and students. This results in a positive workplace culture that promotes collaboration and camaraderie. Your own professional development, reputation, and work happiness are all boosted in addition to your students’ achievements.
7. Seek support from colleagues and loved ones: Always feel free to seek support from colleagues and loved ones without pride. Be open and honest about your needs and ask for help when necessary. It will be beneficial to actively hear their opinions and suggestions while also expressing appreciation for their assistance.
8. Being an asset to the university: You may show your devotion to the university’s principles and goals by participating in extracurricular activities, supporting colleagues with their research projects, networking with alumni, volunteering for events and initiatives, and maintaining excellent academic standing.
9. Take community services: A good approach to give back to the community is to volunteer at nonprofits in your area, make a donation to a charity, or plan activities in your neighbourhood. As a lecturer, you may make a difference in the society and enhance your happiness by promoting social justice causes and supporting small companies that you
believe in.
10. Write timely and sound professional textbooks: Lecturers should write timely and sound professional textbooks that can be sponsored by TETFUND or other agencies. One needs to stay up-to-date with the latest research and seek feedback from colleagues and experts to
ensure content is accurate, relevant, and practical for both universities and related industries. Books can be sold physically or online like Amazon.
11. Engage in extra career economic opportunities: Seek sabbatical, adjunct, secondment, and short-term contracts to gain new knowledge and financial empowerment before retirement. Network with professionals in your field and self-evaluate regularly to stay
relevant and competitive in those job market.
12. Look for university linkages and research associates: Search for research associates outside your university or country to gain more knowledge and financial support. Attend conferences, workshops, and seminars in your area of specialisation and network with other researchers. Reach out to potential collaborators through professional social media or academic networking websites like ResearchGate, Google Scholar, Publon, LinkedIn, Academia.edu.
13. Seek postdoctoral fellowships: Applying for postdoctoral fellowships through TETFUND and other granting agencies in and outside the country. Postdoctoral fellowships are highly competitive, so it is important to have a strong research proposal, academic record, and network with potential mentors and collaborators to increase your chances of being selected. This will help ensure job happiness and satisfaction.
14. Search and write for research grants: Search and write for research grants, scholarships, and university-industrial linkages to make the university entrepreneurial and create a conducive environment for students’ practical experience. When you are good to students and the university, you are better to yourself.
15. Take breaks and vacations: Lecturers in Nigeria tend to be overworked, leading to fatigue and stress. It is essential to take scheduled breaks and vacations, to establish limits and let others know about them (such as clients or coworkers), and to detach from work-
related activities while on the break or vacation. This enables one to unwind and preserve a good work-life balance, avoid burnout, recharge, and return to the workplace with fresh vigour and concentration.
16. Take up a hobby outside the university: In order to preserve one’s mental and emotional well-being, lower stress levels, and enhance general mental health, one should engage in hobbies outside of work while striking a balance between the two. This will raise one’s productivity and degree of job satisfaction.
17. Practise self-care: It is critical for lecturers to prioritise self-care as a part of their daily routine by partaking in activities that reduce stress and promote relaxation, such setting boundaries, getting adequate sleep, eating healthily, exercising often, practising meditation, or spending time in nature. It also involves saying no when necessary and
prioritising your own needs.
18. Keep learning to build capacity: Research, self-evaluation, and attending relevant conferences, seminars, workshops, symposiums, and colloquia should be done at least once a year to build capacity. Participate in sessions, network with other attendees, and
take notes to apply new knowledge and ideas to work for your happiness. Remember that in learning you will teach, and in teaching you will learn (Phil Collins, n.d)A lecturer at any Nigerian university would undoubtedly be happier and more satisfied with their work if they choose to implement one or more of these solutions.
Dr. Asogwa is a lecturer at the Faculty of Education, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, and can be reached on 08034232630
