The need to entrench effectiveness, efficiency and excellence as the cornerstone of postgraduate education dominated discussions at the 2026 Board Members’ Retreat of the School of Postgraduate Studies, University of Lagos (SPGS, UNILAG).
Held on Tuesday, May 26, 2026, at the ACEDHARS Building on the University’s Akoka Campus, the retreat had the theme: “The Triple Mandate: Advancing Effectiveness, Efficiency and Excellence in Postgraduate Education”.
Vice-Chancellor Advocates Research Visibility and Impact
Speaking at the event, the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Folasade Ogunsola, OON, FAS, advocated a scholarly system in which every Master’s project and every Postgraduate Diploma (PGD) research work of sufficient quality produces at least one publication in an indexed journal.
According to her, such a model would provide students with the competitive advantage of publication in today’s academic and professional environment while simultaneously improving the visibility, research profile and global rankings of both supervisors and the University.
Prof. Ogunsola stressed that the quality of postgraduate education in any university is closely tied to the quality of its research outputs, institutional rankings, national competitiveness, industry perception of graduates and the overall quality of faculty.
“It is therefore imperative that, as custodians of this critical sector, we cannot afford complacency or drop the ball on optimal service delivery. We must continuously evaluate our systems, strengthen our structures, and reposition our postgraduate programmes to respond effectively to contemporary realities and emerging global demands,” she stated.
The Vice-Chancellor also expressed concern over the declining impact of many postgraduate research efforts, noting that several theses and dissertations end up on shelves rather than addressing pressing societal challenges.
Highlighting the indispensable role of excellence in postgraduate education, she called for the promotion of ethical standards that encourage high-quality research, innovation, global relevance and academic integrity, while discouraging mediocrity and fostering professionalism, diligence and creativity.
She further advocated a postgraduate system that is purposeful, responsive and impactful, with transparent academic processes, robust supervision, high research standards and adequate student support from admission to graduation.
While commending members of the SPGS Board for their dedication and commitment to postgraduate education, the Vice-Chancellor described the theme of the retreat as timely, thought-provoking and highly relevant to the realities confronting higher education in Nigeria.
Prof. Ogunsola charged the SPGS Board members to embrace digital transformation, automation and smart governance practices capable of improving turnaround time and enhancing the experiences of both students and staff.
Dean Calls for Strategic and Transformational Leadership
Earlier in his welcome address, the Dean of the School of Postgraduate Studies, Professor Abraham Osinubi, described the annual retreat as an opportunity for Board members to reflect, renew, revitalise, think strategically and recommit to excellence.
While appreciating members of the Board for their cooperation and contributions towards advancing the School, Prof. Osinubi acknowledged the rapidly evolving global knowledge ecosystem and the need for postgraduate educators to move beyond administrative routines towards transformative leadership.
According to him, the retreat provided an opportunity to intentionally shape the future of postgraduate education in UNILAG, one defined by quality, innovation, impact and global relevance.
“As custodians of postgraduate advancement, we carry a sacred responsibility to build a system that inspires scholarship, nurtures excellence, accelerates innovation and leaves enduring legacies for generations yet unborn,” he said.
Resource Persons Highlight Leadership, Governance and Quality Assurance
The retreat featured presentations by distinguished resource persons, including the immediate past Vice-Chancellor of the University, Professor Oluwatoyin Ogundipe, FAS, who delivered a paper titled: Advancing Institutional Effectiveness through Strategic Leadership, Mentorship and Supervision in Postgraduate Education.
In his presentation, Prof. Ogundipe emphasised leadership clarity, mentorship, structured supervision, strategic planning and stakeholder collaboration as essential elements for building a postgraduate system that guarantees quality and sustainable growth.
Also speaking at the retreat, the immediate past Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Management Services), Professor Lucian Obinna Chukwu, delivered a presentation titled: Enhancing Institutional Effectiveness through Strategic Board Governance in Postgraduate Education. His presentation reviewed the responsibilities of Board members in line with the mission and vision of the Postgraduate School and the administration of the incumbent Dean, Professor Abraham Osinubi.
Prof. Chukwu highlighted the prospects of transitioning the School of Postgraduate Studies into a College of Postgraduate Studies, while urging Board members to evolve from being merely compliance-driven to becoming strategic partners in institutional development.
The third presentation, titled: Operationalising the Triple Mandate: A Quality Assurance Framework for Postgraduate Effectiveness, Efficiency and Excellence, was delivered by the Director, Quality Assurance and SERVICOM, Professor Olufemi Saibu, who was represented by the Deputy Director, Dr. Eno Akarawak. The presentation highlighted several reforms and interventions introduced by the Quality Assurance and SERVICOM Unit to promote effectiveness, efficiency and excellence across undergraduate and postgraduate programmes.
The retreat also featured a presentation by Professor Caleb Gbiri on Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) of Examination and Results Committee: Special Reference to PhD Examiners’ Reports.
Call for Increased Research Funding Opportunities
At the close of the retreat, speakers and resource persons unanimously encouraged PhD supervisors to aggressively pursue research grants and expose their supervisees to funding opportunities as a means of strengthening research capacity, supporting innovation and sustaining the University’s culture of excellence while keeping the “Lagoon Lighthouse” shining brightly
Report: Gbenga Gbelee
Photograph: Michael Joshua
