How To Become A Lecturer in Ghana

How to become a university lecturer in Ghana. Do you have a passion for teaching? Are you a Ghanaian undergraduate thinking about a career choice? Are you a fresh graduate that is not sure of what to do to become a lecturer in Ghana? Or a professional who is thinking about changing career to lecturing. If your answer is yes to one of the above questions then this article is for you.

In this article, we’ll be showing you everything you need to become a lecturer in Ghana. You’ll get to know the requirements to teach at a university in Ghana, and how to apply to lecture at a university in Ghana.

One interesting fact about lecturing is that it offers you the opportunity to design a course; develop a unique teaching style; share your ideas with students and receive feedback; influence young people.

As a lecturer, you can be a mentor to many young people, and you can also make a real difference in the world. In Ghana, lecturing can be very satisfying and rewarding. So, if you are thinking of venturing into the academics, then this guide is for you.

Who is a Lecturer?

A lecturer is a teacher who teaches academic and vocational subjects to undergraduate and postgraduate students. Lecturers work in universities and higher education colleges. They are called lecturers and not teachers because they give out lectures, seminars, tutorials and practical demonstration to larger class size.

A lecturer is also saddled with the responsibility of conducting researches and leading a research group.

Interestingly, lecturers can also freelance in other institutions on a part-time basis which makes lecturing job a good and lucrative job for people with the passions, knowledge and skills.

Skills Required to Become a Lecturer in Ghana

To become a successful lecturer, they are some skills that you must possess. Below are some of the skills that you need to become a lecturer in Ghana.

• Verbal and written communication – To become a lecturer, you need good verbal and communication skills. Your ability to communicate fluently with your students both verbally and in writing allows them to understand you and the course.
• Creativity – As a lecturer, you will have to be creative. Lecturers have to keep their students engaged, therefore, you have to use new methods to keep them engaged.
• Confidence, Patience and Control – Patience is a virtue. But when it comes to lecturing you need more than that. Teaching young adults can get difficult too at times. You will need to have confidence, patients with your students but you will also have to know how to control them and not let them distract you from delivering lectures.
• Commitment – As a lecturer, it will be a priority to spend time making presentations prepare for lessons, marking exams and assessments on time. Therefore, lecturers have to be committed to their classes to deliver quality lessons to the students.

READ ALSO: University Lecturers Salary Structure in Ghana.

How Do I become A lecturer In Ghana?

This is the most important question that you might have asked with regards to becoming a university or college lecturer in Ghana. So, let’s get straight to how to become a lecturer in Ghana.

1. Meet the Requirements

Just like every other job in the labour market, there are always some requirements that must be met before becoming a lecturer. It is advisable to take quality time to research and check the requirements needed to become a lecturer either in the University, Polytechnic or College of Education.

According to the National Accreditation Board (NAB), the minimum requirement to lecture in Ghanaian universities is a terminal degree i.e. a PhD.

However, you can also lecture with a researched Masters degree. The research component of the master’s degree must be of at least one-year duration. Such a degree includes an M Phil (Master of Philosophy).

In public universities like the University of Ghana, the best you can get without a PhD is Assistant Lecturer. On the whole, to stand a good chance of becoming a lecturer in Ghana, you need a PhD.

2. Write Your CV/Resume

Now that you’ve met the minimum requirements, you need to put together an effective academic CV. A good academic CV focuses on your educational achievements and knowledge and is used when applying for lecturing or research-based roles.

Although there’s no page limit, it’s important to keep your CV concise and targeted to the role’s requirements, with each section in reverse chronological order. Your qualifications, academic achievements, research interests and skills should be shown on the first page. Ensure that your writing style is scholarly but clearly understood to those outside your field of interest.

Include details of your research outcomes, potential future developments, and any funding, scholarships or awards that you’ve received, conferences that you’ve attended, professional memberships that you’ve gained and publications that you’ve been featured in.

3. Finding jobs

With your CV intact, it’s time to start job hunting. The best place to start is with your PhD supervisor, colleagues and friends in academia. These people will be invaluable in passing on job information via word of mouth.

Another way is that openings may be advertised on the internet via university websites and other Ghanaian job platforms. You can also use our job directory to look for university lecturing jobs in Ghana.

Another place where you can find reliable information is print media like newspapers and school magazines.

In another way, you can also send applications to institutions that didn’t advertise for positions and as well reach out to schools in persons and meet with lecturers in your field of study to make an enquiry about openings.

4. Start Your Application

When applying for a lecturing job in Ghana, you may be required to submit or fill application forms, send copies of resume. In an event where you get a chance to write a cover letter, ensure you highlight your strength, skills, motivations and what you can offer to increase your chance of getting shortlisted. You may also be required to submit referees so be prepared to produce written references, you may require two (2) or more.

A good and strong written cover letter and strict adherence to the instruction on the advertisement will also increase your chance of getting called up for an interview.

5. Interview and Assessment

Once you have been shortlisted for a lecturing job interview, then you start your interview preparations. Start by making a reasonable effort towards researching the institution, the department and the position which you are being interviewed for.

Ensure to make a presentation if need be, review your previous research works and knowledge as well. Also, ensure you answer sensitive questions about the positions successfully and with confidence.

Practice and prepare for common interview questions. On the day of the interview ensure to make a good first impression by appearing in a neat corporate outfit. This will make you look smart and professional.

Conclusion

Getting a lecturing job in Ghana isn’t a difficult task especially with the right information. All you need to do is to have the minimum academic requirement which is a PhD and start sending out your applications. On the day of your interview, appear in a corporate outfit. Also, ensure to show confidence when answering the questions. If you follow this few steps stated above, then you can be sure to become a lecturer in Ghana.