Unizik VC, Prof Ahaneku blames poor research to internet dependence , as Prof Ike Odimegwu reveals what made Unizik Post Graduate thick

www.odogwublog.com reports that the Vice Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra state, Prof. Joseph Ahaneku has expressed displeasure over the increasing poor research works by university teachers in the country.

He attributed the negative trend to over dependence on internet as well as poor supervision such teachers received during their post graduates studies.

Speaking during the 55th meeting of the committee of Deans of Schools of Post graduate studies of Nigeria Universities held at the institution's auditorium, Ahaneku said most of the research works lacks originality.

"It is regrettable that there have been negative reports about the number and quality of research, particularly as it relates to originality, emanating from Nigerian universities, perceptions which are by no means frivolous…...

"Sadly enough, some university teachers are now making devious use of the internet to manufacture research publications; publications which have neither broken new grounds nor expanded the frontiers of knowledge.

"It is possible that this could be attributed to their poor research competences,  arising from the poor supervision they had received during their post graduates studies from teachers/supervisors, themselves lacking in the necessary skills," he said.

He appealed to the Schools of Post Graduate studies to articulate appropriate curricula for the in depth postgraduate studies , to formulate the necessary rules and regulations and enforce same for training of postgraduate students , and to shore up the research competencies of the academic staff.  

Delivering a lecture titled "The Knowledge Paradigm In The Age of Sustainable Development, the Relevance of the Nigerian Post Graduate School", a former vice chancellor of Micheal Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, Prof. Ikenna Onyido lamented the proliferation of mediocre in Nigerian universities.

He also bemoaned the erosion of academic culture including the bastardization of the process in the award of higher degrees, which according to him, has weakened the university system.

Onyido, who is also the Director, Centre for Sustainable Development of the institution, said time has come for the Post graduate Schools to take the responsibility of managing university-wide research efforts in addition to its training and research responsibility.

In his welcome address , the Dean, School of Post Graduate Studies , Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka, Prof Ike Odimegwu noted that quality assurance is both a policy and a way of life at the UNIZIK Post Graduate school hence the University and the school have taken deliberate steps in that direction. 

 Prof Odimegwu informed that clearly defined and good blend of panel of examiners for each defence ensures robust discussion and balanced evaluation of the students work and presentation adding that the result has been significant improvement in quality of research and graduates of the school. 

 He prayed that the 55^th meeting of the committee of Deans of post graduate schools in Nigerian Universities shall help the schools develop strategies and renew in them the zeal to embark more resolutely on the path of quality assurance in the development and implementation of policies , structures, and practices in various schools that the post graduate schools may be in name and indeed , the pinnacle of the citadel of learning and thereby help the universities in Nigeria to realize the mandate of their existence.   

Chairman of Committee of Deans of Post Graduate Schools in Nigerian universities (CDPGS) , Prof Bamidele Sanni , Prof Solomon .O Akinboye , Honourary Secretary , Prof Elizabeth Amuta , Treasurer, and Prof Samuel  T Wara  as well as Prof Patience Osadebe , Vice Chairman  were all in attendance.