We Are Strengthening The Quality Of Postgraduate Studies -AE -FUNAI VC

The Vice-Chancellor of Alex Ekwueme Federal University Ndufu- Alike, Ebonyi State, Prof. Sunday Elom has said that his administration was strengthening the quality of its postgraduate studies.

The Vice-Chancellor made this known recently while speaking at the matriculation and orientation of newly-admitted students of the School of Postgraduate Studies held at the Needs Assessment Auditorium.

Elom noted that the new students were indeed lucky to have been admitted into the family of AE FUNAI at a time that management was strengthening the quality of its postgraduate studies.

The Vice-Chancellor who was represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Academic, Prof. Romanus Ejiaga commended the postgraduate school for its sustained efforts in turning out thoroughbred graduates at record time, and equally encouraged the new students to take their training seriously in order to be part of those that would make it at the end

Also speaking at the programme, the Deputy Vice –Chancellor, Administration, Prof. Abel Ezeoha further enjoined the students to be at home with the environment and to respect all constituted authorities, even as he also urged them to work assiduously in order to achieve their aim in the university.

In his own submission, the Registrar, Barr. Ifeanyi Igwe urged the postgraduate freshmen to acquaint themselves with the regulations of the University and Postgraduate studies respectively, reminding them that 80 percent of their success depends on them.

The Registrar further advised the students not to shy away from consulting their lecturers and their fellow students, urging them to always listen attentively to lectures, and be determined to succeed, and success would be theirs.

The University Librarian, Dr. Juliana Akidi, in her speech told the new intakes to consider it a privilege to have been admitted to study in AE FUNAI, and urged them to make use of the both hard copies and e-facilities in the university library for their academic activities.

While also lending his voice, the Bursar, Dr. Kingsley Oyekezie who took time to educate the students on the university payment system, and the need for them to fulfill their financial obligations in order to avoid some hitches that might delay or stop them from graduating on schedule, stressed on the importance of paying all approved charges on time.

Prof. Amobi Ekwe, the Director of Academic Planning, whose lecture was titled “Strategies for Timely Completion of Postgraduate Studies”, stated that setting clear goals, effective time management, regular communication with supervisors staying organized, focused and motivated, enhance academic activities.

He emphasized that developing a study plan which entails a breakdown of course work, research work and personal commitment for the semester, prioritizing effectively, identifying crucial tasks and allocating time accordingly, and setting realistic goals is a road map for success

Ekwe further noted that a goal without a plan is a wish, adding that timely completion of a postgraduate programme requires a blend of strategic planning, effective time management and consistent effort by setting clear, actionable goals, managing your time wisely, staying organized and maintaining regular communication with supervisors.

The Acting Director, Information Communication Technology, Engr. Dr. Ngozi Eli- Chukwu who spoke on “Embracing the Future: Research in ICT Era”, noted that ICT has not only shaped our daily lives but has also redefined the landscape of research across all disciplines.

She noted that as Postgraduate scholars, they were the vanguard of these new frontiers that are both exhilarating and challenging. She also stated that the ICT revolution has been a game changer, creating a paradigm shift in how we conduct, disseminate and apply research, making information now accessible than ever before and dissolving all communication barriers and allowing for unprecedented collaboration across the globe.

Eli-Chukwu contended that, data which was once a cumbersome asset has now become a powerful tool with analytics and computational capabilities, enabling us to uncover insights that were previously beyond reach. As researchers, she argued that it is crucial to harness those tools effectively while remaining vigilant about the ethical implications and integrity of our work, and encouraged the students to make use of some ICT databases and search engine such as Goggle Scholar, Pub Med, Scopus, Neb Science e.t.c for their academic activities and ICT research driven tools like zotero, mendele and endnote for writing their thesis.

Earlier, in his opening remarks, the Dean, School of Postgraduate Studies, Prof. Nwabueze Elom, commended the Vice-Chancellor and his team for their determination to strengthening the Postgraduate School to make it more functional and result-oriented, and also appreciated the students for making Alex Ekwueme Federal University their choice, noting that the university will ensure they were given the required knowledge to excel.

He further encouraged the students to develop and sustain formal cordial relationships with their supervisors, and to be team players in order to ensure the speedy completion of their programme.

He also advised them to be open, honest and sincere in interacting with their supervisors, ensuring feedbacks and avoiding arguments, keeping to time and deadlines, even as he dared them to take full control of their work by starting their project early.

The Secretary of School of Postgraduate Studies, Dr. Florence Abi-Oparaocha, who took the students on the registration process, advised them to follow the stipulated rules and specific instruction as established by the University and Postgraduate School, and urged them to register properly and fill their course forms on time, as the University does not tolerate academic laziness and malpractices.

NEWS CREDIT: ELOM IYKE