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By: Prince Oyebade Oyedepo, Amnim, Mba, Fcti, FCA Overview A career is defined as the work upon which a person acquires certain level of skills or proficiencies to make a living. It is used interchangeably with the word profession. A career may involve educational pursuit or on the job training alone or a combination of the two depending on the type of work involved. Accounting falls under the category of the mix. This makes the profession interesting but sometimes challenging to those who may not be able to combine it. Accounting career keeps evolving over the years. It has gone beyond the traditional scope of preparing accounts to more sophisticated level of interpreting it using modern tools to perform the task. Accounting is one of the most patronized careers in this modern time because of the pivotal roles accountants are playing in the economy of any Nation. Definition Accounting/Accountancy According to the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, (1961), accounting is defined as the recording, classifying and summarizing in a significant manner and in terms of money, transactions and events which are, in part at least, of a financial character, and interpreting the result thereof”. The American Accounting Association, (1966) also defined accounting as the process of identifying, measuring and communicating economic information to permit informed judgments and decisions by its users. Accountant This is a person who has obtained reasonable level of financial knowledge to enable him perform the task of recording and preparing accounts to a large extent. Accountant in this context may mean holders of first degree in accounting, higher national diploma in accountancy and accounting technicians. Professional Accountant According to Oyebade Oyedepo (2023), a professional accountant is a person who has a vast and extensive requisite skill and experience in establishing and maintaining financial records, providing tax advisory services, forensic accounting, auditing and investigation, receivership, secretarial and other allied services with a membership of any recognized accountancy body. Use of the word Accounting orAccountancy Accounting or accountancy is often used interchangeably. The two words are the same in all intents and purposes. However, those who refer to it as accounting opine that it is a discipline capable of being studied and researched upon. Conversely, it is referred to as accountancy by people who believes that the profession is more of practice than theory. Nevertheless, the two words are alternatively used because there is no material difference, it is only a matter of semantics. Who can study accounting? Accounting can be studied at the professional level by anyone desirous of the certificate. It is open to anybody irrespective of background, not the prerogative of commercial students. That is why accounting career is more flexible than some other professions. CAREER TALK CAREER COUNSELLING: HOW TO PURSUE A CAREER IN ACCOUNTING 61
How to acquire a Degree or Diploma in Accounting? Any student can apply to the University or Polytechnic to study Accounting as a full time student or part time student with a minimum of 5 O/L (Ordinary Level) credit passes including English Language, Mathematics, Economics and anyone of the following, Book Keeping & Accounts, Commerce or Government. This is excluding other requirement of having to pass satisfactorily the examination of the Joint Admission and Matriculation Board (JAMB). It takes four (4) years to study accounting in the University to earn a Bachelor of Science (B.Sc) Degree and five (5) years to receive a Bachelor of Technology (B.Tech) Degree. Alternatively, a student can attend the Polytechnic to pursue a career in Accountancy to obtain a National Diploma and Higher National Diploma spending two (2) years at piece. Accounting can also be studied at Post Graduate Level to earn a Post Graduate Diploma, Master's Degree and a Doctoral Degree. The qualification for admission to undergo a Post Graduate Diploma (PGD) is a weak First Degree in Accounting or sound Higher National Diploma after which the person can proceed for a Master's programme. Holders of a good First Degree in Accounting is qualified to proceed directly for a Master's programme. Thereafter, they can proceed for a doctoral degree in accounting. Holders of these academic certificates can work at different organizations depending on their qualifications. Anyone with a First Degree in Accounting or Higher National Diploma in Accountancy is capable of working in various organizations as Accountants of different grades. A person with higher degrees such as Masters and Doctoral has a greater prospect to work for enhanced remuneration. They are capable of being employed as lecturers in the tertiary institutions and can rise to become professors in their field of specialization. The limitation here is that holders of academic certificates alone cannot advance beyond certain level particularly in the private sector. They cannot set up practices to earn a living independently. Professional Qualification in Accounting/Accountancy This is a qualification issued to deserving student who has passed the examination of any recognized professional accounting body in the world such as the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN), Association of National Accountants of Nigeria (ANAN), Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) etc. It is a professional certificate to confirm attainment of high level of skill and proficiency on a person who has passed the examinations of that body. In Nigeria, Both ICAN and ANAN are recognized by the government attested to by the Acts of the National Assembly. Holders of ICAN certificate are referred to as Chartered Accountants while those of ANAN are known as National Accountants. However, I will only dwell on how to acquire the professional qualification of ICAN and a little bit of ANAN because of limited time. ICAN Examination ICAN was established in 1965 through the Act of Parliament No 15 of 1965 to regulate the profession of Accountancy in Nigeria. The Institute conducts examination for students who intend to possess its qualification. Those who are able to pass through its examination are admitted as members of the Institute and are referred to as Chartered Accountants. There 62
are two routes to becoming members of ICAN as follows: 1. Non-Graduate Route 2. Graduate Route Non-Graduate Route This route is for non-graduates who intends to qualify as Chartered Accountants. It is open to senior school certificate holders, advanced level certificate holders, national diploma certificate holders (ND) and national certificate of education holders (NCE) in any discipline. The minimum qualification is five (5) credits in the Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE) including English Language and Mathematics. The process of undergoing the scheme is: I. Register with the Institute for the Accounting Technicians Scheme known as Accounting Technicians Scheme West Africa (ATSWA). After registration, prepare to sit for the examination in March or September diet. ii. Holders of ND and NCE certificates can apply for exemptions from some stages of the examination or subject by subject exemption depending on course of study in school. Those with certificates in Accounting gets a higher exemption than others. iii. Apply to write for the ATSWAexamination at will. Astudent has the freewill to study on his own or attend private tuition centres' all over the Country. iv. ATSWA examination is comprised of three (3) stages. A candidate must pass a stage before moving to the next stage. Each of the stages is made up of four (4) subjects. The breakdown is: Part 1 Basic Accounting Economics Business Law Communication Skills Part 11 Financial Accounting Public Sector Accounting Quantitative Analysis Information Technology Part 111 Principles of Auditing & Assurance Cost Accounting Taxation Managemen v. The examination is recognized throughout West Africa vi. After passing the three stages of the examination, the candidate is inducted to become a member of ATSWA. He/she is entitled to the use of the designation, AAT, which is the acronyms for Associate Accounting Technician. vii. Any AAT graduate can work as a medium level manpower in the Accounting Department of big organizations. They can head the Accounts Department of small organizations. The certificate can be used to register with ICAN for the professional examination of the Institute. Graduate Route The professional examination of ICAN is only open to graduates of accounting, other non-accounting graduates and holders of the accounting technician certificates. Each of the three categories of graduates can register and write the examination but the degree of exemption to be granted them differ. Someone with a degree in accounting gets higher exemptions, 63
followed by the holders of accounting technician certificate next by the non-accounting graduates. It is called graduate route because only holders of degrees, higher national diplomas and accounting technician graduates can proceed to this level of examination. The professional examination of ICAN holds twice in a year, May diet and November diet. The examination is comprised of three stages, Foundation, Skills and Professional. A candidate cannot sit for more than one stage at a time. He needs to pass one stage before advancing to the next stage. The professional examination is made up of 15 subjects altogether as follows. Foundation Level A1 Business, Management and Finance A2 Financial Accounting A3 Management Information A4 Business Law Skills Level B1 Financial Reporting B2 Audit and Assurance B3 Taxation B4 Corporate Strategic Management and Ethics B5 Performance Management B6 Public Sector Accounting and Finance Professional Level (Final) C1 Corporate Reporting C2 Advanced Audit and Assurance C3 Strategic Financial Management C4 Advanced Taxation C5 Case Study After passing the professional stage, such candidate becomes a graduate member of ICAN. He/she is admitted as an associate member after fulfilling the required practical experience in accounting position. Further clarification i. A student may start ATSWA examination as an undergraduate and pass within two years since the examination is held twice in a year, ii. Afterwards, the student moves to the prof e ssiona l examina tion even a s an undergraduate and qualify as a chartered accountant while still in school. Any student who finishes the professional examination as an undergraduate should complete it to have both qualifications. iii. Conversely, another student may wait to finish the first degree before registering and writing the professional examination of ICAN. The decision is based on choice. iv. Academic and professional qualifications are necessary to derive the maximum benefits of being a chartered accountant. Requirements to write and pass ICAN examinations (ATSWA & Professional) Some of the requirements to write and pass ICAN examinations include but not limited to the following, i. Time ii. Dedication and determination iii. Consistency iv. Discipline v. Finance vi. Academic excellence ANAN Professional Qualification/Certificate Any student who intends to acquire the ANAN professional certificate can do so by following the following steps, 64
I. Attend a university or polytechnic to study accounting or accountancy and obtain a first degree or higher national diploma. ii. Use the first degree or higher national diploma obtained to seek admission to the college of accountancy in Jos, Plateau State. The student is expected to pass all the examinations at the college before being admitted as a member. iii. The certificate is well recognized just as the ones issued by similar professional accounting bodies. Benefits of becoming a chartered accountant or professional accountant The following are some of the benefits of qualifying as a chartered accountant or professional accountant, I. Job opportunity in the private and public sectors as accountants, auditors, directors, lecturers etc, ii. Opportunity to set up private practice as external auditors, consultants, business advisors, receiver managers, tax consultants, management consultants, secretaries etc, iii. Opportunity to start up training programmes such as setting up tuition centres and running of outreach programmes on behalf of tertiary institutions, iv. Opportunity to serve the government in elective and appointive positions because of the high value placed on the certificate by members of the public, v. Opportunity to serve ICAN and other professional associations as invigilators, assessors, examiners, reviewers and checkers for their examinations, vi. Opportunity to use the certificate for admission to obtain higher degrees in Accounting and Finance such as Master's Degree in Business Administration (MBA) etc. vii. The qualification confers on its holder, immeasurable public recognition beyond imagination. Conclusion There is no gainsaying the fact that accounting is an interesting career. It is interesting because of its dynamism and contribution to the society. In addition, the benefits to holders of the certificate are unfathomable. It is a profession to be much desired by anyone aspiring a better future. Therefore. anyone who is panting for success should be ready to make the sacrifice of burning candles late in the night to pass the examination. The good thing is that it is achievable by any serious student. Let me conclude with this slogan widely used by chartered accountants “if I CAN, you CAN”. Thank you. PRINCE OYEBADE OYEDEPO, MBA, AMNIM, FCTI, FCA 65
Exploring Careers in Information Technology Introduction: The realm of Information Technology (IT) presents a broad and captivating landscape offering young individuals an array of promising prospects. This domain consists of a wide range of responsibilities including the storage, retrieval, transmission and safeguarding of information through the utilization of computers, software and networks. With technology's relentless progress the demand for IT professionals has surged, unveiling an array of enticing vocational avenues. Given that virtually all businesses worldwide employ information technology in some way, the realm of information and communication technology boasts the advantageous feature of enabling procient practitioners to operate across diverse economics sectors. Let us now delve into several prevalent career paths within the ITeld. Software Developer: The role of a software developer revolves around the creation, coding and testing of computer programs and applications. They collaborate closely with clients and end users to understand their requirements and devise software solutions that cater to those needs. To excel in this eld, software developers must possess a combination of technical expertise and soft skills. Technical prociency involves knowledge of programming languages such as Java, Python, C++, and others which are instrumental in constructing diverse applications ranging from mobile apps to web platforms and business software. Additionally, software developers should be well-versed in web development tools like HTML, CSS and JavaScript as well as software development frameworks such as .NET, React, Angular, Django and Ruby on Rails. Network Administrator: In corporate environments, network administrators play a crucial role in overseeing and upkeeping computer networks. Their duties encompass the conguration and management of network hardware and software, monitoring network operations and troubleshooting network problems. Network administrators are responsible for establishing secure dependable and efcient network infrastructures that facilitate seamless resource accessibility and effective communication among users. Excelling in this profession requires a strong command of networking fundamentals, network design and implementation, network security and administration. Cybersecurity Analyst: The role of a cybersecurity analyst is paramount in safeguarding computer systems and networks from unauthorized access, data breaches and other cyber threats. They are responsible for devising incident response strategies, identifying vulnerabilities and implementing security controls. Given the escalating importance of protecting digital assets and sensitive data, cybersecurity analysts must stay abreast of the latest security technologies and trends. Their expertise is highly sought after in diverse industries. Prociency in cybersecurity principles, network security, information security technologies, vulnerability and penetration testing, security risk assessment and management and other technical skills are vital for these professionals. Data Scientist: Data scientists specialize in gathering, analyzing, and interpreting extensive datasets to extract valuable insights and facilitate informed decision-making. They use statistical methods, machine learning algorithms and data visualization tools to identify patterns, trends, and correlations within the data. By applying their expertise, data scientists assist organizations in utilizing data for strategic planning and problemsolving across different industries like banking, healthcare and e-commerce. This profession demands a wide array of technical skills, analytical capabilities, and domain knowledge. Prociency in programming languages such as Python, expertise in machine learning, data visualization, data mining and familiarity with big data technologies are integral part of the role of a data scientist. UX/UI Designer: The UX/UI designers possess expertise in creating intuitive, visually appealing and user-friendly interfaces for software applications and websites. Their responsibilities encompass conducting user research, developing wireframes and prototypes, and collaborating with developers to CAREER TALK 78
bring design to life. These designers nd opportunities across various industries and sectors that prioritize user-centered design and exceptional digital experiences. Key skills for these professionals include conducting user research effectively, understanding principles of user-centered design, prociency in visual design, interaction design and information architecture. IT Project Manager: IT project managers assume a pivotal role in overseeing the planning, execution, monitoring and completion of IT projects. They collaborate closely with cross-functional teams to efciently manage resources and ensure project delivery within the dened scope, budget, timeline and agreed quality. Effective leadership and communication skills are critical for IT project managers as they coordinate efforts among team members, stakeholders and clients to achieve project objectives. These professionals require a blend of technical, managerial and people skills to excel in their roles. A comprehensive understanding of project management methodologies and life cycle is highly valuable. General Education and Skills Requirement: To embark on a career in Information Technology, it is common for individuals to pursue degree programs such a s Comput e r Sc i enc e , Informa tion Technology/Systems, Software Engineering, or Computer Engineering. However, the IT industry highly values practical skills and hands-on experience as well. Therefore, it is crucial to establish a solid foundation in programming languages, networking concepts, databases, and cybersecurity. Additionally, developing problem-solving, analytical thinking, and communication skills can signicantly enhance career prospects in the ITeld. To pursue a degree in any of the above-mentioned elds within Information Technology, it is generally benecial to have a solid science background and a genuine interest in Physics and Mathematics. These subjects provide fundamental principles and analytical skills necessary to excel in any IT discipline. A robust understanding of Physics and Mathematics enables students to comprehend complex concepts, engage in problem-solving, and develop critical thinking abilities that are essential for success in the ITindustry. As Information Technology is a rapidly evolving eld, it is crucial to stay updated with the latest trends and technologies. To foster continuous learning, it is advantageous to actively participate in various learning opportunities, such as attending workshops, webinars, and conferences. These events provide valuable insights into emerging technologies, industry best practices, and networking opportunities with professionals in the eld. Online learning platforms like Coursera, Udemy, and LinkedIn Learning offer a wide range of courses specically designed to enhance knowledge and skills in the IT industry, presenting many opportunities for selfimprovement and growth. Career Growth and Demand: The demand for IT professionals is expected to remain consistently high, driven by ongoing technological advancements. The eld of ITpresents numerous opportunities for career growth and advancement. With accumulated experience and expertise, individuals can progress into roles such as IT manager, IT director, or Chief Information/Technology Ofcer (CIO/CTO). Proactively embracing professional development opportunities, taking on leadership roles, and demonstrating an innovative mindset can contribute to climbing the career ladder in the ITeld. Active engagement with professional organizations and social networking is crucial in the IT industry. Joining relevant professional associations, participating in industry events, and actively networking with peers and professionals can offer a multitude of benets. These activities provide opportunities to expand one's professional network, gain insights into industry trends, and discover potential career opportunities. Additionally, engaging with professional organizations fosters knowledge sharing, collaboration, and access to resources that can further enhance career growth in the ITindustry. Professional /Certicate Courses: Beyond the fundamental course of study in information technology or related program, below are some of the professional education/programs that will help in developing the right technical skills and competence: a. Online Coding Bootcamps: Coding bootcamps offer intensive, short-term programs focused on practical coding skills. They typically cover popular programming languages, frameworks, and tools used in software development. Bootcamps are often a more accelerated and hands-on option for individuals looking to quickly gain relevant skills. b. Software Development Certications: Various 79
organizations offer certications that validate prociency in specic programming languages, platforms, or frameworks. Examples include Microsoft Certied: Azure Developer Associate, Oracle Certied Professional Java SE Programmer, and AWS Certied Developer. c. Web Development Courses: There are specialized courses that cover front-end technologies like HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and back-end frameworks such as Node.js and Django. d. Mobile App Development Courses: To focus on mobile app development, courses like iOS apps development using Swift or Objective-C) or Android app development using Java or Kotlin. e. Data Science and Analytics Courses: Relevant courses in this eld teach you how to collect, analyze, and interpret data using tools like Python, R, SQL, and machine learning algorithms. f. Agile and Project Management Courses: Understanding project management methodologies, such as Agile or Scrum, can be benecial for software developers working in team-based environments. These courses focus on effective collaboration, project planning, and iterative development processes. g. CompTIA Network+: The CompTIA Network+ certication is a vendor-neutral certication that covers networking concepts, network infrastructure, network operations, network security, and troubleshooting. It provides a solid foundation for network administration and is widely recognized in the industry. h. Cisco Certied Network Associate (CCNA): The CCNA certication offered by Cisco is a comprehensive program that covers networking fundamentals, routing and switching, network security, and more. It focuses on Cisco technologies and is highly regarded in the networking eld. i. Microsoft Certied: Azure Administrator Associate: This certication from Microsoft focuses on cloud-based networking and administration using Microsoft Azure. It covers topics such as virtual networks, network security groups, VPN connections, and network monitoring in the Azure environment. j. Certied Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP): While this is primarily a cybersecurity certication, CISSP also covers network security and administration. It is a globally recognized certication that validates knowledge in security practices, including network security management. k. Certied Wireless Network Administrator (CWNA): The CWNA certication focuses on wireless networking and is ideal for individuals interested in managing wireless networks. It covers t o p i c s s u c h a s WLAN d e si g n , s e c u rit y, troubleshooting, and RF technologies. l. Certied Information Security Manager (CISM): CISM is a certication specically designed for information security management. It covers areas such as information risk management, incident response, governance, and program development. It is benecial for individuals aspiring to leadership roles in cybersecurity. m. Certied Information Systems Auditor (CISA): CISA certication is geared towards individuals interested in IT auditing, control, and assurance. It covers topics such as IT governance, risk management, and system auditing processes. Conclusion: The realm of Information Technology is expansive and ever evolving, offering several prospects for individuals enthusiastic about working with computers and technology. Whether your interests lie in programming, network management, cybersecurity, data analysis of project management, the IT eld offers a wide array of fullling career paths. In this rapidly changing industry, continuous learning and staying abreast of the latest technologies are crucial. By exploring your interests, acquiring relevant skills and pursuing certications, you can pave the way for a successful and rewarding IT career. Embrace the opportunities that this dynamic eld provides and embark on a journey of professional growth and fulllment in Information Technology. Suraj' Wahab M.Sc. Computer Sciences from University of Lagos. Currently Group Head, Busness Operations, Inlaks Computers Limited. 80
1 INTRODUCTION This paper discusses the making of a legal st practitioner in the 21 Century in Nigeria, given the state of nose-diving economy, un-employment bedevilled by public sector corruption and bad governance. For close to two decades, to secure white collar jobs after the mandatory youth service has become highly competitive. At the point of graduation from universities, most parents are already in their retirement either awaiting payment of pension and gratuity, thus making it expedient for university graduates to nd a job or to create one to survive. A lawyer is also known as a legal practitioner and he is a person who graduated and obtained a degree in Laws (LL.B Hons) from a university accredited by the Council of Legal Education and has completed a training programme by the Council and thereafter got enrolled at the Supreme Court of Nigeria as Barristerat-Law (B.L.). 2 UNIVERSITY ADMISSION FOR A DEGREE IN LAW For not less than two decades, there has been clamour to upgrade legal practice. Moves are being made to make a degree in Law a second degree so as to have matured candidates come into the Law programme. While this is yet to be formalised, the interplay of demand and supply make it expedient for many to have Law as a second degree. To maintain standard in the profession however, the rst degree in Law, which was a four year and three year for preliminary and direct entry got increased to ve and four respectively. The age of an applicant has to be minimum of 16 years at time of admission. The subjects combination to qualify for admission in Law include ve credit passes in Ordinary Level (WAEC, NECO, or NABTEB) in subjects like English Language, Literature in English, Mathematics and any other two Art / Social Science subjects. This may be in one or two sittings subject to preferences of the university granting admission. A credit in Mathematics is BECOMING AND BEING A LEGAL PRACTITIONER IN NIGERIA Olaniyi Felix Olayinka required to ensure that a candidate has a commendable level of logical reasoning at the time of admission, training period and later in practice. 3 COMPETITIVE ADMISSION PROCESS FOR A DEGREE IN LAW Most students of Arts and Social Sciences nurse the ambition to have a degree in Law because of the potentials which being a legal practitioner afford. Given the high demand to read the course, a university is constrained by the limited space which the Council of Legal Education affords. A university is not accredited to oat a programme in Law except such university meets the standards of infrastructure and stafng among other requirements. A typical university that is accredited to oat the Law programme usually has a class limit of 50, which may increase with time, given an increase in the quantum and quality of infrastructure and human resources. In practical terms however, the university has the autonomy to select its students, without departing from the set standards of the Joint Admissions Matriculation Board (JAMB). All things being equal, the best 50 from the pool of admission seekers for Law are given admission. Most of the best brains in the Arts / Social Science Programmes meet the cutoff point for a degree in Law. To be sure that the best candidates are selected to the Law degree programme, most universities now conduct a post JAMB examination. A successful applicant has to meet or surpass the cut off marks of the JAMB and university organised examination(s). This ha s he lped in de t e c ting and in the disqualication of some candidates who committed malpractices in the JAMB examination. In addition, some universities do aggregate the WAEC grades of candidates such that makes students having distinctions in their ordinary level results more eligible for admission. The direct admission window, which is open to an admission seeker may be any or all of the following: First degree or its equivalence in any related course, 81
provided the admission seeker passed in not less than Second Class Upper Division, Diploma in Law, Advanced Level Certicate (Foreign) and for the holders of the Interim Joint Matriculation Board (IJMB) certicate. 4 GEOGRAPHICALCONSIDERATIONS IN ADMISSION To secure admission to have a degree in Law in north based federal universities is comparatively less competitive, students of southern extraction seek and nd admission. In the southern based federal universities, admission slots are reserved for a number of students from northern states, under the Educationally Disadvantaged States parameters, provided that they scored minimum of 200 marks in JAMB. 5 PRIVATE UNIVERSITIES AWARD DEGREE IN LAW As from 1999, private universities became eligible to apply and secure licensed to run programmes of study, with Babcock University; Madonna University; Igbinedion University and the Bowen University blazing the trail. The universities that offered degree in Law have turned out graduates who make the legal profession proud. They continue to boost access to university education. The tuition and other fees are not affordable to most parents; notwithstanding, the private universities draw eligible candidates. 6 FOREIGN UNIVERSITY LAW DEGREE For students who secure admission to read Law in foreign countries, they are encouraged to pursue such programme. Upon graduation, they are mandated to undergo a two year programme at the Nigerian Law School, under the Bar Part I and the Bar Part II programmes. 7 BEING A LEGAL PRACTITIONER AFFORDS THE FOLLOWING BENEFITS: · Effective training and knowledge of principles and practice of law. ª Employment, ready access to labour market, as junior in Chambers or as a Partner in ofce. ª Enhanced entry level in public service. ª Among the highest paid professionals. ª May be appointed as a judge and ofcer in the judicial arm of Government. ª No retirement age for a legal practitioner in private practice. ª Pride of place in the political leadership of Nigeria. ª Moulders of opinion in the nation and society, formulation and implementation of policies. ª Lead role in the agitation for independence in Nigeria. ª Advocates of the rule of law, without which a nation remains un-developed. ª Membership of Nigerian Bar Association which promotes the welfare of members of the Bar and Bench. 8 CONCLUSION Given the competitive admission processes, the extended years of training and the relative high cost of training, the overall benets of becoming a legal practitioner in Nigeria is worth the efforts. 82
When a child is born and starts attending Crèche/Daycare/Primary School, one of the activities in the school is what is called career day. At other times, this may be part of the end of year party. The children are dressed up in different career outts. Most parents love to dress their children up in the form of a doctor, lawyer, or an engineer. As a child grows up, whenever he or she is asked …” what do you want to in future, most of them reply “I want to be a doctor”. To be a doctor is an exciting and rewarding venture, but it requires hard work, interest, and passion. The workload as a student and a medical practitioner is heavy leaving very little time to socialize, thus when the going becomes rough, it is your interest and passion that will keep you going. From secondary school, you can choose to be in the Science, the Art or Commercial class depending on which subjects you excel in and which ones you enjoy. In the past, if you were in the Sciences, most of the times, it was automatically assumed you would go to medical school. However, being in the Sciences opens the opportunity to study other courses besides medicine including engineering, nursing, pharmacy, medical laboratory science, geology, veterinary medicine, biochemistry, physiology, physics, chemistry and so on. To be a medical doctor, being in the Sciences is the rst step. The required subjects for school certicate examination (WAEC/NECO) are English, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry and Biology which you must pass and get at least a credit in all at one sitting. In addition, a student will have to sit and pass CAREER COUNSELLING - BECOMING A MEDICAL DOCTOR convincingly the subjects earlier mentioned except Mathematics in JAMB examination. With the increasing competition, scoring higher grades of Aor B grades in all the ve required subjects and scoring above 270 in JAMB give a higher chance of admission to study Medicine in any university of choice. Most people go into the medical eld for various reasons such as parents wanting their children to become doctors, inuence by a mentor and these are good reasons. Another reason is having a desire to help people and a passion for helping the sick because sometimes you would have to go out of your way to make sure a patient gets well, and you might not get a pat on the back all the time as your patient may still die despite your efforts. Getting into the University to study medicine is a prestigious offer. People look at you and think “these are the brilliant ones”. Our parents are usually excited to say, “she is in medical school”. While I don't intend to scare you, it must be noted that, as a medical student (when compared with students in other courses), there is little time for extracurricular activities, less holiday period and you are always preparing for one in-course examination or the other. During the 6-year program, after scaling through the rst year, there are 4 major exams you must pass before graduation. The student progresses 83
from studying the normal structure (anatomy) and function (physiology biochemistry) of the body to studying various diseases (pathology), study how they can be diagnosed and treated, drugs that are used for treatment and how they work and possible side effects (pharmacology). Studying Medicine is like an apprenticeship, because you learn by seeing and doing, and the more you see and practice, the better your skill. Students have the opportunity to rotate through the various specialties of Medicine including Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Paediatrics (dealing with children), Surgery (performing operations), Medicine (treating cases that do not involve operation), ophthalmology (eye), Ear, Nose & Throat (ENT), Pathology (studying diseases and making diagnosis) and so on. Thus, a student has the benet of taking interest in any of these areas and specializing after graduation. Students also go into the rural communities, primary health care centers where they see acute or cold cases in real-time which they use to practice and learn to develop their skill. After all of the above, then you graduate as a medical doctor….one of the most exciting days in the life of a doctor. There is usually this relief and sense of satisfaction (you will feel on top of the world!). In a very important and memorable ceremony, (called 'Sponcio Academica' in my school then at the University), the new doctor takes the Hippocratic Oath to do no harm and life as a medical doctor begins. Oath taking is mandatory for all doctors; thus, the ceremony is an important landmark that every medical student looks forward to. In fact, it is taken more seriously than convocation ceremony by the newly graduated doctors. He then goes to register with the Medical & Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN) for temporary license to do housemanship for 1 year. On completion of housemanship, the doctor must register to obtain the full license to practice in Nigeria. Once fully licensed, and completion of National Youth Service, the career path you decide to follow depends on a lot of factors such as the type of life you want for yourself, work-life balance, area of medicine you want to specialize in among many others; it is usually a personal decision. Your personality also plays a role in your decision. The various options are: ª You can start as a medical ofcer with the private, state or the federal government hospital. ª You may become self-employed: If you have the nancial capacity, you could start and register your own a clinic/hospital. ª You can proceed for Master's degree and then Ph.D. in a related area of Medicine you are interested in and go on to be a lecturer in the University (this takes about 3-5years). ª You may work with your Master's degree in any organization such as corporate or nongovernmental organization (NGO). 84
ª You can choose to work as a General Practitioner (GP) in any private or government hospital. ª It is possible to venture into business- sell medical equipment, or if you specialize in Pathology like me, you can open a Clinical Pathology Laboratory. ª You may specialize in training (Residency training) either in Nigeria or out of the country. This takes a minimum of 5years after National Youth Service. ª You can practice as a Specialist: As a specialist, you can practice in any hospital as a specialistSurgeon, Physician, Paediatrician, Obsterician & Gynaecologist, Public Health Physician, Radiologist, Ophthalmologist, ENT Surgeon, Pathologist, Sport Medicine Specialist etc. ª You may go into academics: As a specialist, you can decide to go into academics, and work as a lecturer in a university, lecturing medical students and training specialist doctors as well. As a lecturer and doctor, you will be involved in patient management and carrying out research, and through this, you get promotion until you get to the peak, when you become a professor. This is the path I followed, to become a professor of pathology, lecturing and doing research in my specialty at the College of Medicine University of Lagos and also doing clinical work at the Lagos University Teaching hospital. ª These days, medical doctors are also going into the ICT industry as programmers and analysts. However, you must be willing to acquire specialized ICT certicate before diversifying into the area. A day in the life of a medical doctor would involve seeing patients, listening to their complaints, examining them, interpreting laboratory test results, making a diagnosis and writing out a treatment plan for the patient or performing operations. Sometimes you will need to listen and counsel. All the patients might need is someone to talk to. Asuccessful career as a medical practitioner requires family support and understanding. Permit me therefore, to use this medium to appreciate my parents for sending me to school to become a medical doctor and my husband, Alhaji Jamiu Abdulkareem, my siblings and children for their understanding and support along the path to the top. People say if you want to be rich, don't be a doctor…well, I will let you be the judge of that, but we get our rewards from helping people and from God. There is a certain joy that comes from helping sick people get well, seeing them walk out of the hospital. When you run into a lady at the market and she says “doctor, don't you remember, you delivered her 4 years ago, that's your child. The joy comes from within. Medicine is indeed a noble profession. I look forward to meeting some of you as my students in few years to come and then later as my colleagues. God will guide you and ease your affairs. Professor Fatimah Abdulkareem, MBBCh, MD, FMCPath, FNAMed Lecturer/Consultant Pathologist College of Medicine University of Lagos/Lagos University Teaching Hospital [email protected] 85
Climate change remains a global issue to beat, with countries of the world struggling with it for decades. At rst, it was like a framed conspiracy, targeted at making some parts of the world sees themselves as superior. We were made to believe that the phenomenon was aimed at putting some fractions of the human race under colonial command. Unfortunately, we all got it wrong, after all, that was not the real deal! According to multiple studies, every atoms of human activities which directly or indirectly tamper with the natural setting, tends to put the earth surface at the risk of partial or even total degradation; if not deterioration. But, the consequences of various actions depend solely on the risk levels of such acts. Ranging from bush burning, deforestation, water bodies expulsion, soil and air pollution; how man infers the burdens of climate change on themselves cannot be over-estimated. The main question is; does man really understand that dangers attributed to climate change effects are easily avoidable? Do we even understand that we are the cause of the problem the world is suffering today? To some extent, we have even turned ourselves to religious bigots by believing that everything that tampers with nature is resulting from our sins and iniquities. Well, there should not be anyone who will antagonize the fundamental of religion over men. But, it will be so ridiculous to hear that we have failed to ask ourselves these simple questions. Is God the one destroying the trees we have been felling without replacement? Is God the one pushing us to indiscriminate bush burning, which directly eliminates wildlife and soil organisms? Is God the one making us lling the earth surfaces with uncontrolled chemical solutions, in the name of pollutants? Had it been that Adam and Eve tampered massively with the Garden of Eden, where are we going to nd ourselves today? Or, we are yet to believe that the garden was once here? So, it will be good to count religion out of this nemesis we pushed on ourselves. Since it will be good if we understand this and accept the blame before it is too late. For decades, emerging solutions to main human and economic problems have been directed mainly at tapping from the embodiments of nature. The United Nations through its Sustainability and Development Goals (SDGs) has been doing everything possible to rescue the planet earth from the evils of human ignorance. Sources of energy, for example have been shifted to renewable sources such as: natural gas, coal gas, and so on. To obtain these forms of energy, one has to undergo processes that could not but involve hampering the effects of the natural environment, where man and animals compete to live in. At this junction, let us begin to ask ourselves, are we returning the natural environment back to its original form after all these acts or we are exposing it to indisputable deterioration? The green zones- forests, fauna and oras constitute the natural element that inuences the ow of favorable climatic elements and factors; leveled on the sustainability of the ecosystem. Imagine what the whole place will look like if the green zones do not exist! Denitely, it will all be vague. That simple illustration tells more on how CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION- what we need to know. By: Engr. Adeyemo Adesina B.Eng, MNSE, MSPE. A member of the American Chemical Society (ACS) (IHS 1998 set) 90
far and seriously damaging human activities have been on the potential status of the world's climate. No wonder, it has been so hard to checkmate the consequences of our actions, as it grows from day to day. Famine, wildlife elimination, water life damaging, land pollution, air pollution, drought and ooding; all these factors could no longer be classied directly as preventable; as a result of unreserved impacts of man on climate. Because we want to meet up with demands from various sectors, not bothering about the consequences of our actions will be devastating. We can't continue like this! Frankly speaking, the impact of climate change has enormously affected virtually every aspects of nature (both living and non-living). Our health has been put on severe states, as a result of every single act that tampers with nature. For example, where are alternative therapies after we have destroyed most trees and shrubs; through bush burning, deforestation, wood pyrolysis, herbicides usage and more to count? Marine elements could no longer survive because their habitats are no longer what they used to be. Exposing climate to activities that harbors radiations from heavy industries around, without being challenged is an indication that man tends to destroy the climate more than sustaining it. To be on the safer side, we need to rst understand that climate change exists and we are the change that the world needs to turn the climate around. We need to understand that every single atom of our intervention or interference with our immediate environment goes a long way on dening what the climate brings back to us. We need to change our initial impression that climate change is a hoax and a mere fantasy, especially at a stage where the world is battling to set sustainability of the human existence on the right track It is due time to re-ignite initiatives that could ease the climate mitigation crusade, even to our doorsteps. It is time to start planting trees to replace every natural tree we have recklessly eliminated, preserving water bodies from being polluted by domestic and industrial interference of human activities. We should think of educating younger generations about the dangers attributed to climatic de-quantization and natural values elimination. We should think of leaving behind a long term legacy that could sustain the existence of the planet earth; more than we met it. Maybe, if we choose to ignore this clarion call, it might shift from hunting the climate, to drastically wiping out the human race. Let us think about the consequences of our actions and embrace climate mitigation now that it is not too late!!! 91
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