Prof. Suleiman Mohammed, Vice Chancellor of Nasarawa State University, Keffi (NSUK), has pledged to ensure the prompt completion of the institution’s Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) programmes.
Mohammed made the vow in Abuja on Monday at an event hosted by the university’s PhD students in Security and Strategic Studies, Course 5, to commemorate the completion of their course work.
The vice chancellor, represented by Prof. Zamani Andrew, Director of the Institute of Governance and Development Studies (IGDS), emphasised the need of making timely progress in postgraduate studies.
He acknowledged the delay in completing PhD degrees at the university, but added that initiatives had been done to resolve the issue.
Mohammed stated that the number of finished programmes has increased since his appointment as the university’s formal vice chancellor in 2019.
“With renewed efforts and trust in responsible individuals, the university witnessed a significant increase in completed PhD programmes, with additional 99 graduates by the first convocation,” he said.
The vice chancellor praised IGDS for its contribution in accomplishing the milestone.
He expressed hope that an extra 40 PhD students in Course 5 will graduate in November, while emphasising the university’s commitment to academic excellence.
Mohammed stated that the institution had investigated the prospect of involving industry practitioners in student training.
He urged the PhD graduates to take advantage of postgraduate fellowships to enable them to return to the university to teach and conduct research.
While expressing optimism about achieving additional milestones, he urged stakeholders to keep supporting the university’s initiatives for the benefit of the students and the country in general.
The vice chancellor highlighted some of the milestones achieved in recent years by the university to include: study tours that earned students’ fellowships and the introduction of mandatory internships for specific programmes.
The Class Governor, Dr Peter Olumuji, congratulated the PhD graduates on successfully defending their theses and urged them to use the knowledge acquired to contribute to nation building.
Olumuji also urged them to rise above divisive tendencies and focus on research that would improve the security situation in the country.
Also speaking, Chairman of Planning Committee, Rear Admiral Suleiman Apochi, said that the event was organised to celebrate the end of their course work and felicitate those who had successfully defended their PhD thesis.
Apochi stated that the event was also to recognise some distinguished personalities for their selfless service and contributions to the academic world and the development of the university.