Both Professor and Professor of Practice are recognized and legitimate professorial titles, but they are awarded for different reasons and carry different types of prestige.
A Professor is the highest academic rank in the university system. It is usually earned after years of research, publications, teaching, and academic leadership. The title carries universal recognition and is strongly associated with scholarship and academia. Professors are seen as authorities in their disciplines and often hold tenure or permanent senior academic positions.
A Professor of Practice, on the other hand, is a legitimate professorial appointment given to highly accomplished professionals, industry leaders, innovators, or practitioners who may not have followed the traditional academic pathway. The title recognizes outstanding professional achievement and the ability to bring practical expertise into the academic environment. Professors of Practice contribute by mentoring, teaching applied knowledge, and bridging the gap between theory and real-world practice.
In terms of recognition, both are professors. The traditional Professor title is stronger in academic prestige and is often required for academic leadership and research-driven roles. The Professor of Practice title is stronger in professional and industry recognition, highlighting applied expertise and impact beyond academia. Universities such as Harvard, Oxford, MIT, and even some Nigerian institutions formally appoint Professors of Practice, listing them alongside Professors, which affirms their legitimacy.
In summary, a Professor represents academic authority, while a Professor of Practice represents professional authority. Both are real and respected professors, but their weight depends on whether the context is academic or professional.
Yes ✅ — both Professor (Prof) and Professor of Practice (Prof.Prac) are legitimate professorial titles when awarded by a recognized university or institution.
But the recognition is not identical:
🔹 Professor (Prof)
Universally recognized as the highest academic rank. – Seen as a career-long achievement in research, teaching, and academic service. Carries strong prestige worldwide (Nigeria, UK, US, EU, Asia, etc.).
🔹 Professor of Practice (Prof.Prac)
Also a legitimate professorial appointment, but it is practice-based.
Recognition depends on context:
In universities, it is usually contract-based, honorary, or adjunct rather than tenured.
It is meant to honor professionals with distinguished careers who bring industry knowledge into academia.
Strong recognition in professional/industry and applied teaching
✅ Bottom line:
Both are real professors — but:Prof.Prac = professional prestige + applied/industry authority.
Prof = academic prestige + global academic recognition.
Some universities (like Oxford, Harvard, and even Nigerian institutions) formally list Professors of Practice alongside Professors, showing that both are valid titles — just with different foundations.