Last Updated on April 28, 2026 by Olasunkanmi Olajide
By Raymond Osemene
The College of Plant Science and Crop Production (COLPLANT), has hosted the 14th edition of its College Seminar Series, aimed at equipping postgraduate students with essential tools for academic excellence.
The seminar, held on April 22, 2026, at the College Seminar Room, was themed “The Complete Postgraduate Blueprint: Research, Writing and Presentation,” providing participants with a comprehensive guide to navigating the demands of postgraduate education.
Earlier in his Welcome
Address, the Dean of COLPLANT, Prof. Bolarinwa Senjobi, highlighted the growing complexity of postgraduate studies, stressing the need for scholars to be intellectually sound, methodologically rigorous, ethically grounded, and globally competitive.
He described research as the cornerstone of academic excellence, noting that impactful, problem-solving studies are vital for societal development. The Dean also stressed the importance of effective academic writing and strong presentation skills, describing them as indispensable for communicating knowledge at seminars, conferences, and thesis defences.
Reaffirming the College’s commitment to innovation and excellence, Prof. Senjobi emphasised the role of research in addressing critical challenges such as food security, environmental sustainability, and agricultural development. He encouraged postgraduate students to actively engage in academic seminars to enhance their scholarly capacity.
Delivering the Keynote Lecture, Prof. Olufemi Pitan provided a detailed exposition of key academic and research terminologies to help students build a solid intellectual foundation. He further guided participants through a structured approach to postgraduate research, emphasising the identification of viable research problems and the development of well-organised academic work.
The former Head of the Department of Crop Protection also examined the structure of scholarly writing, offering practical insights into proposal development, thesis organisation, literature review techniques, and appropriate referencing styles. He stressed the importance of clarity, coherence, originality, and strict adherence to academic standards.
In his concluding remarks, Prof. Pitan urged participants to apply the knowledge gained, noting that success in postgraduate studies requires diligence, critical thinking, and effective communication.
