Determinants of the Perceived Value of Doctoral Degrees among Academic Staff in Nigerian Federal Universities

This study examined the determinants of the perceived value of doctoral degrees among academic staff in Nigerian federal universities, with emphasis on financial valuation, professional benefits, and institutional influences. The study adopted a parallel mixed-method research design, integrating quantitative and qualitative approaches to provide a comprehensive understanding of how doctoral degrees are valued within the university system. The population comprised 8,784 academic staff and 6 principal officers in six federal universities in Southwestern Nigeria: University of Lagos, University of Ibadan, Federal University of Agriculture Abeokuta, Obafemi Awolowo University Ile-Ife, Federal University of Technology Akure, and Federal University Oye-Ekiti. Using the Research Advisors sample size determination guideline, a sample of 370 academic staff was selected through a multistage sampling technique involving stratified, proportionate, and simple random sampling procedures. Additionally, three bursary officers were purposively selected for the qualitative component. Data were collected using the Doctoral Degree Value Questionnaire (DDVQ) and the Doctoral Degree Value Interview Guide (DDVIG). Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics (frequency counts, percentages, and mean scores), while qualitative data were analyzed using thematic analysis. Findings revealed that the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission (NSIWC) and the Consolidated University Academic Salary Structure (CONUASS) are the primary structural determinants of doctoral degree valuation in federal universities. Although bursary officials emphasized uniformity in remuneration due to centralized salary administration through the Integrated Personnel and Payroll Information System (IPPIS), academic staff reported perceived disparities resulting from institutional practices such as allowance administration and delays in promotion implementation. The results also indicated that doctoral degrees provide significant professional benefits, including enhanced promotion opportunities, eligibility for postgraduate supervision, improved access to research funding, consultancy engagements, and increased professional recognition. Institutional factors such as research support, administrative transparency, and timely promotion processes were also found to influence the perceived value of doctoral qualifications. The study concludes that although doctoral degree valuation is formally standardized through national salary structures, institutional administrative practices and career development opportunities significantly shape how the value of doctoral qualifications is experienced by academic staff. The study therefore recommends improved research support, administrative transparency, and timely promotion processes to strengthen the value of doctoral education in Nigerian universities.

Doctoral Degree, Academic Staff, Salary Structure, CONUASS

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