Dean, Professor Sonnie Oniye chairing the meeting
The School of Postgraduate Studies (SPGS), National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN), has held its 40th Regular Meeting in what can be described as a significant and historic session in the school.
The meeting was chaired by the Dean, Professor Sonnie Oniye and was attended by the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academics), Prof. Chiedu Mafiana, faculty representatives and heads of departments from across the university.
The strong attendance underscored the importance attached to postgraduate education and institutional collaboration.
In his opening remarks, Prof. Oniye noted that the 40th Regular Meeting represents a milestone that reflects the steady growth and institutional maturity of the School of Postgraduate Studies.
“This meeting is particularly significant as it provides us with an opportunity to take stock of our progress, address emerging challenges, and collectively chart a path that will further strengthen postgraduate education in the university.
A Cross-Section of participant (s)
The contributions of faculties and departments remain critical to achieving our shared goals,” he said.
He stressed the need for continued cooperation among academic units to ensure that postgraduate programmes remain robust, responsive and aligned with best practices.
Speaking during the session, Professor Mafiana, a one-time SPGS dean, commended members for their dedication and active participation, emphasising the role of SPGS in maintaining academic quality and fostering research excellence.
“The School of Postgraduate Studies is central to the university’s mandate of advancing knowledge through research and innovation.
“I encourage all faculties and departments to continue working closely with the SPGS to enhance supervision, support students effectively and sustain the high standards we are known for,” he stated.
Professor Chiedu Mafiana speaking during the session
The meeting featured extensive deliberations as representatives from faculties and departments presented updates on their activities, including student enrollment figures, the number of postgraduate students at various stages of their programmes and progress on theses and dissertations.
Participants engaged in constructive discussions on new developments within their units, highlighting achievements, identifying challenges and proposing solutions or near solutions to issues affecting programme delivery and student progression.
They also underscored the importance of strengthening administrative processes, improving communication channels and ensuring that postgraduate students receive adequate academic support.
The meeting also reinforced the need for sustained monitoring of programmes and adherence to quality assurance standards.
It also remphasised NOUN’s enduring commitment to excellence, accountability and continuous improvement and reaffirmed its readiness to support initiatives that will further consolidate the university’s role in advancing research and capacity development.
