The retreat, which was organized by the Postgraduate School (PGS) in conjunction with the Academic Planning Unit, the second of its kind in the history of the University, held from Monday, 25th to Tuesday, 26th June, 2018 at the Chemical Engineering Lecture Theatre, Main Campus.
In his opening remark, the Vice-Chancellor of the University, Prof. Abdullahi Bala, fsssn, who chaired the occasion, expressed hope of seeing an increase in the number of candidates admitted for postgraduate programmes.
He noted that postgraduate programmes, if properly harnessed, are veritable means of boosting internally generated revenue of a university, adding that Management would do its best in addressing issues of facilities for the programmes.
Earlier, Dean, PGS Prof. Matthew Kolo, disclosed that the retreat which was geared towards meeting the NUC’s Benchmark for postgraduate programmes would afford the University an opportunity for introspection and frank discussions aimed at harmonising its PG programmes.
The Director, Academic Planning Unit, Prof. Yusuph Yahaya said the gathering became necessary as the University’s postgraduate Benchmark for Minimum Academic Standard (BMAS) which was adopted at the 2014 PG Retreat would be expiring in 2019.
He further stated that the forum was meant to also align the institution’s BMAS with the expectations of the NUC as the regulatory body intends to start accreditation visits for PG programmes in Nigerian universities by the year 2020.
He disclosed that only one out of the over 40 academic programmes offered in the University has an interim accreditation status as all others have full accreditation.
Participants at the retreat deliberated on the duration of PG programmes, the number of conference papers and journal publications before graduation, guidelines for assessment of thesis, grading system as well as template for progress report and proper monitoring.
They also decided on constitution of departmental and School PG boards, carrying capacity and PG remuneration, amongst other things.
Decisions taken at the Retreat would take effect from the 2019/2020 academic session.
The Vice-Chancellor thanked participants for their commitment and frankness during the discussions.
Other principal officers, deans, directors, heads of academic departments and professors participated in the retreat.