Man Decries University’s Rejection of PhD Application Over Missing WAEC Subjects

A Nigerian man criticized a private university for rejecting his PhD application due to missing WAEC subjects, despite his extensive academic and professional experience, sparking debates on the rigidity of the country’s education system.

A Nigerian man has expressed frustration after a private university rejected his PhD application, citing his failure to take certain subjects in his WAEC examinations.

In a post shared on X (formerly Twitter), he revealed that despite his extensive academic and professional background, he was deemed ineligible due to missing WAEC subjects.

“I recently decided to apply to a Nigerian private university for a PhD (my second concurrent) in a field I have worked in since 2015… They told me that since I didn’t study certain subjects in WAEC, I’d be ineligible,” he wrote.

He contrasted this with his experience abroad, where he was accepted into a similar program and even had some credits transferred due to his prior education and work experience.

“For context, I have four university degrees, am currently in my 18th cumulative year of full-time work—two-thirds of which have been in senior leadership roles—and I have even lectured in this field.”

“But no, I have to go back in time and write WAEC or complete two postgraduate programs, where I’d likely be the one explaining the practical aspects of what they are teaching.”

Despite the setback, he maintained his strong interest in pursuing the degree.

His post sparked widespread discussions, with many criticizing the Nigerian education system and its rigid policies.

• @olufisayooduz: “Everything is wrong with the Nigerian system. I got a master’s abroad without needing PGD, but here, it would have been impossible.”

• @AyoBankole: “The issue is deeply rooted in NUC’s outdated structure. We need a reform-minded leader to fix this system.”

• @sposhbaba: “A university told me I had to write WAEC to study International Relations, even though I already have a foreign diploma in it.”

• @Oyin_xO: “Reminds me of when I applied for a residency as a licensed dentist, and they asked for my primary school transcript.”

• @AEAdeola: “NUC policies are holding back youth development. Why should someone with prior education and experience need WAEC again?”

• @tjawiee: “A complete overhaul of our education system is long overdue. The current structure remains outdated despite numerous consultations and reforms.”