Academic mentoring and the future of tertiary education in Nigeria

Abstract

Tertiary education is a major outlet for the provision of high manpower for national development. This paper therefore highlighted the challenges of tertiary education in Nigeria, early perspectives of mentoring undergraduates, the rationale for academic mentoring, the role of a mentor, and the role of library as catalyst in the mentoring process. The study adopted the systematic review design to ascertain the fundamental challenge hindering the effective development of academic mentoring and to locate, select and analyze relevant literatures. It highlighted the critical role of libraries in ensuring the success of formal mentoring. The study concluded that factors capable of distracting students are prevalent and persistent in nature an if left unchecked, they are capable of disarming even the most academically endowed student from excelling. It was therefore recommended that, faculty members should acquire more knowledge of the inherent challenges of undergraduate education and how these challenges affect academic development. Lecturers should also serve as role models/mentors to students in order to provide proper guidance. The management of tertiary institutions should integrate mentoring as part of the university culture.

Keywords: Academic mentoring, Undergraduate students, Tertiary education, Nigerian universities