The research is a study of the academic profession in Benin. It is based on the information provided by academics of Benin National University (132 respondents to a slightly modified version of the questionnaire used for the "Carnegie International Survey of the Academic Profession 1991-1993" and 20 interviewees). The following points are addressed: (1) the research, teaching and service activities of the academics; (2) the impact of institutional and national conditions on their work, attitudes and opinions; (3) the implications of the adoption of the CAMES regional standards of academic promotion; (4) the impact of discipline: the respondents are discussed in the light of the notion of the "academic man" in order to find out whether they are divided along disciplines, like in the USA (Becher, 1989; Clark, 1987), or share common values, a kind of "academic ethic" (Shils, 1983).
Beninese academics are also discussed in the African and international perspectives to identify differences and similarities with their counterparts from other countries.
The findings suggest that the respondents view teaching and research as complementary activities. They are attached to European academic standards and do not seem to object to the obvious peripherality of Benin higher education system to the European "centers". In general, they face similar problems as their counterparts from other African countries. They share common views and opinions regardless of their discipline. Their attitudes are much influenced by factors related to the institutional and national environments, to their working and living conditions as well as by their perception of the standards of academic promotion. The various conditions have not permitted the emergence of a sustainable academic ethic likely to strengthen the academic profession. This situation partly accounts for the rapid development of a nonacademic external career.
The recommendations proposed aim to create conditions likely to ensure that the National University of Benin maintains a committed and dedicated professorate. These recommendations relate to: (i) the working conditions, (ii) the academic promotion system, (iii) the motivation of the faculty, and (iv) the identified activities of the Beninese faculty in relation to the expected role of the University.
