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The Vice-Chancellor of Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, has charged the Postgraduate Students Association of Nigeria (PG-SAN) to prioritise initiatives that demonstrate the contributions of postgraduate students to their universities and the nation.
The VC gave this charge during a courtesy visit by the National Executive leadership of PG-SAN, led by its National President, Adeleke Olurunwa, to engage the university management on the Association’s vision, objectives and proposed programmes, according to a Thursday statement.
He encouraged PG-SAN to identify institutional challenges that can be addressed through research, innovation and constructive engagement, including comparative studies that can help universities adopt best practices. He also emphasised academic excellence, timely completion of postgraduate programmes and increased student sensitisation.
The delegation also met with the Provost, Postgraduate College, Obafemi Awolowo University, who offered valuable advice and expressed support for the Association’s objectives.
The Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), Professor Aderounmu, advised PG-SAN to strengthen its institutional structure through a functional Board of Trustees involving Provosts of Postgraduate Colleges, formal inauguration and annual conferences rotating across Nigeria’s geopolitical regions. He also highlighted funding opportunities and the need for activities that deliver measurable benefits to students.
The Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research, Innovation and Development) emphasised the need for postgraduate research to go beyond undergraduate standards, address national challenges and produce measurable impact. He encouraged the pursuit of research grants, fellowships, donor funding and academic collaborations.
The VC assured the delegation of the university’s willingness to provide guidance towards financial support. He recommended establishing a dedicated fund-sourcing office to track and circulate grants and fellowships, specialised committees, stronger engagement with lecturers and students, proper documentation of institutional visits and an official website. He also urged the Association to maintain its integrity, build constructive relationships with universities and avoid partisan distractions, stressing: “Don’t join the politics; join the issues.”
The National President, Adeleke Olurunwa, reaffirmed PG-SAN’s commitment to building a purposeful, research-driven and impact-oriented national association that will advance postgraduate education, strengthen academic excellence and create sustainable opportunities for postgraduate students across Nigeria.
