A Nigerian man, Dr. Enyi Onyebuchi Paul, has become the subject of widespread attention after it was revealed that despite holding three advanced academic degrees, including a PhD in Mathematics Education, he works as a cleaner at Ebonyi State University (EBSU) in Abakaliki. His case has raised questions about the challenges many highly educated individuals face in Nigeria's labor market.
Dr. Enyi, originally from Ikelegu Ishieke in the Ndiabor community of Ebonyi Local Government Area, began his employment at Ebonyi State University in 2007 in a humble position as a cleaner and messenger. Despite the challenges, he worked diligently over the years to improve his education, earning a Bachelor of Science (BSc), a Master of Science (MSc), and eventually a Doctorate (PhD) — all from the same university where he remains employed in a menial role.
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This story was first highlighted by Odo Godfrey Chikwere, a journalist with Legacy 95.1 FM in Abakaliki, who shared his concerns about Dr. Enyi’s situation. In a post on social media, Odo revealed the striking disparity between Dr. Enyi's impressive academic achievements and his current position. He pointed out that despite earning the highest academic qualification, Dr. Enyi still receives a salary of less than N70,000 a month in a role far below his qualifications.
In the post, Odo emphasized that Dr. Enyi had not only worked hard to complete his studies but had also struggled to finance his education while still working at the university. “This is Dr. Enyi Onyebuchi Paul. He got a job at Ebonyi State University in 2007 as a cleaner/messenger. He struggled to see himself through university education in the same school, earning a PhD in 2022,” Odo wrote. He lamented that despite Dr. Enyi’s perseverance and academic success, his job at EBSU does not reflect his capabilities or credentials.
Odo also urged prominent figures from Dr. Enyi's community in Izzi to take action and ensure that his qualifications are recognized, potentially leading to a position more appropriate for his education. He further stated, “Izzi big men, this is one of your brothers with PhD earning 70,000 a month in EBSU. I ran into this guy’s case, he is a PhD holder in Mathematics Education earning less than 70,000 per month in EBSU. This guy’s case should be an embarrassment to any Izzi man he approached for assistance but they turned him down.”
The public reaction to Dr. Enyi’s story has been overwhelming, with many Nigerians expressing outrage over the disparity between his qualifications and his employment situation. The university has come under scrutiny for failing to offer him a position that matches his academic credentials, prompting calls for a reevaluation of how higher education institutions in Nigeria treat highly educated staff members.
Legit.ng has reached out to both Dr. Enyi and Odo Godfrey Chikwere for further comments, and efforts to gather additional information are ongoing. Meanwhile, Dr. Enyi's story continues to generate strong reactions online, highlighting the systemic issues that prevent many highly qualified Nigerians from securing suitable employment despite their hard work and qualifications.
See below for the reactions and images that have followed Dr. Enyi's story:
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