The University’s School of Post-Graduate Studies held a maiden public lecture titled “Driving New Frontiers in Postgraduate Studies” on 29th January, 2019 to commemorate the first matriculation ceremony of the school. 

In his welcome remarks, the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Adeniyi Olayanju noted that Public lecture is a means by which Communities are enlightened by an expert from an institution on a matter of public interest, thereby lubricating the relationship between a University and its host community for the good of the entire society. He further added that there are two key elements that drive revolution in higher education today; the first is an increased access to higher education for the masses worldwide, as the era of ignorance is gone. The second revolution in education is the arrival of the global knowledge economy, which means universities now compete globally in any given field of study. To him, competition to access higher education is increasing, given its prospects to individuals and nations across the globe. Thus, all countries strive to have top universities that can compete at the highest levels in the broader society and the economy. 

“This is the role we set to play for our country and continent, which informs the choice of our unique corporate niche, for there cannot be alternative to food neither is there yet a food substituting software. Also, this underscores why food will continue to matter in all matters; hence our irrevocable stake and mechanized approach in addressing food need of mankind to make living worthwhile. We cannot continue to engage a challenge with the same method and expect different result. It is this hard fact that prompts our resolve for research-proven solution to food challenge besetting Africa. As a University therefore, we target the path less traveled because we invent the way forward in attaining food security.” While specially thanking resource persons and distinguished guests, Professor Olayanju noted that the institution is firm in enhancing the student experience by increasing academic and research activities both at undergraduate and postgraduate levels, he also urge Postgraduate students to avail themselves of every opportunity the programme offers

Delivering the first lecture “Promoting Postgraduate Studies: Roles of Research Institutions”, was delivered by the Executive Director, National Centre for Genetic Resources and Biotechnology (NACGRAB), Ibadan, Dr. Sunday Aladele who noted that Postgraduate training educate students to be able to address the specific issues of National problems as part of a wider globalized society. This helps in the development of specialized skills as professional versatility and agility qualities for good leadership, cross-cultural communication, problem solving and teamwork in students which are highly valued by employers. 

The second lecture centered on “New Frontiers in Research”, as delivered by Professor Ganiyu Oboh, the Director, Centre for Research & Development and Principal Investigator, Functional Foods & Nutraceuticals Unit, Federal University of Technology, Akure. He also pointed out that only a limited amount of university research results end up being commercialised, as researches in most universities are mainly conceived in terms of publications and career development and tend to have little social relevance. He stated that if Nigeria must develop, universities must developed revolutionary products and processes, with inventions and breakthroughs to meet 21st century needs of the society. 

Putting icing on the cake, the third lecture was on “Driving New Frontiers in Postgraduate Studies: Excellence in Operational Strategies”, as delivered by the Dean, School of Postgraduate Studies, Covenant University, Professor Abiodun Adebayo who emphasized that Postgraduate studies across the globe is a driver of quality research. Training for higher degrees has been pivotal in solving complex societal challenges and it has helped to produce high level manpower needed for the rapid development of the nation among others. He added that to achieve this PG School must get the right quality of students through competitive admission processes.