Postgraduate students in the University have been educated on the various designs and methods needed in carrying out their research work. The students were given the tips during the Postgraduate Students’ Association Orientation Programme for newly-admitted students, to familiarise them with policies guiding the University, expose them to writing proper research work, and let them know how to use Information and Communications Technology (ICT) in their studies.

Delivering his paper on “Postgraduate Studies: Veritable Tool for Global Relevance”, the Guest Speaker and Chairman, FUNAAB Ceremonials Committee (CERECOM), Prof. Akinola Akinlabi, stressed the need for postgraduate students, to continue seeking for knowledge. He stated that postgraduate studies would lead them to career development. The Guest Speaker, who doubles as the Deputy Dean, College of Physical Sciences (COLPHYS) of the University, encouraged the postgraduate students to ensure that they develop a good relationship with undergraduate students and their lecturers to tap from their wealth of knowledge.

The Director, Directorate of Research, Innovations and Partnerships (DRIP) of FUNAAB, Dr. Abdul-Razaq Adebowale, recalled that writing a thesis or proposal is a skill that needs to be developed through constant practice. He charged the students to ensure that their proposals were presented in a concise manner by demonstrating scientific, economic, and social benefits. Dr. Adebowale encouraged them to be good team-players, confident and organised. The Director, Information and Communication Technology Resources Centre (ICTREC) of the University, Prof. Adesina Agboola, represented by the Chief System Analyst from ICTREC, Mr. Olusegun Adeosun, put the students through to the various ways in which ICT could be used for research.

He disclosed that mobile applications could go a long way in research, stating that mobile devices were vital tools for research and not restricted to communication alone. He stated that the University had made it possible for all students, through their official electronic mail (e-mail) addresses, to join and connect with research organisations across the globe. Prof. Agboola added that the University had further provided students with electronic resources (e-resources) that could be used to access journals and other vital information. He advised them to always visit the University Library, as Management had provided free data for postgraduate students to promote learning.

Meanwhile, the Dean of the Postgraduate School, Prof. Wilfred Alegbeleye, encouraged postgraduate students to always inform the school of any challenges they might be facing, stating that FUNAAB was concerned with their welfare. He charged the students to ensure that they registered at the University Health Centre because of their health and for clearance purposes when required at the end of their programmes. The Dean, Student Affairs, Prof. Babatunde Idowu enjoined students, interested in staying in campus hostels, to visit the Student Affairs’ Division and the University portal, while reiterating the commitment of Management to students’ welfare. The Dean further said that a maternity centre and x-ray room would begin operation before the end of the year, as he admonished the postgraduate students to visit the library, engage in community service, and mentor the undergraduates.

The Deputy Dean, Postgraduate School, Prof. Mobolaji Omemu noted that most postgraduate students were responsible for late completion of their projects. In her words “Most of the postgraduate students are full-time on paper but part-timers in reality. They disappear for months, come back to write their research projects and expect their supervisors to read up their work within a few days”. She encouraged them to be focused on their academics, stating that the success of their research work depended on them. Corroborating her, the Co-Deputy Dean, Postgraduate School, Prof. Gboyega Adebayo, advised students to abide by the rules and regulations of the school and the University, as project supervisors were expected to give progress reports on their work at the end of the second year. The President, Postgraduate Students’ Association, Mr. Ayotunde Akintemi, appreciated the University for the support while assuring that postgraduate students would always be of good behaviour.