Nigeria, March 5 -- The Nigerian academic landscape remains shackled by outdated and rigid perspectives that stifle intellectual progress and adaptability. Among the most glaring issues is the deep-seated obsession with degree alignment; an antiquated requirement that disregards the dynamic and interdisciplinary nature of modern knowledge acquisition. This rigidity does not merely inconvenience aspiring academics, but it fundamentally hinders Nigeria's ability to cultivate a world-class educational and research ecosystem. My personal experience draws attention to this systemic problem. I hold a bachelor's degree in geology from Nigeria, a master's degree in petroleum engineering, and a doctorate in carbon capture and storage; both from th...