FULafia holds maiden PhD defense
|By Yahaya Ahmed
The first set of PhD (doctor of philosophy) students of the Federal University of Lafia (FULafia) have successfully defended their thesis during a well attended seminar event.
The event took place at the Muhammadu Buhari Research and Training Institute, Permanent Site Campus of the University.
In attendance at the maiden event were some distinguished academics, including the Vice-Chancellor of FULafia, Prof. Shehu Abdul Rahman who, in his speech, expressed his happiness to be part of the history made by that day in the institution.
It would be recalled that FULafia was established in 2011 and commenced postgraduate studies in 2016.
The graduating PhD students are Bukola Adeyoola Ajide and Lillian Yami Adogo, both from the Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Science.
Abdul Rahman said that he was very delighted to see the “University attains such height under my administration.”
Congratulating the PhD students, he called on other PhD students as well as masters degree students in the University to put more energy into research activities with a view to solving numerous problems plaguing the country.
He said: “This is historic as it shows that we are working toward achieving the core values of the University. I want to urge other PhD and masters degree students to concentrate more on their studies because at these levels, it is not just theory but also practical are required of you. You should learn how to conduct research and report the findings in order to deliver quality works that would contribute to societal development.”
Professor Victor Dugga, the Dean of the Federal University of Lafia Postgraduate School, while welcoming the vice-chancellor, commended him for creating an enabling environment for academic activities and standards to thrive.
Dugga urged other students to emulate the PhD students’ commitment to their academic work and conclude their studies on schedule.
In their separate remarks, the Head of Department of Microbiology, Professor Aleruchi Chuku, and the supervisors of the thesis of the two PhD students, expressed their satisfaction to be part of the history that was made by in the institution.
They noted that the successful defense of the first PhD thesis would be a testament that both students and lecturers remained committed to the growth and development of the Ivory tower.
The two female PhD students, Bukola and Lillian, were visibly elated and thanked God and the University for making them realised their dream of becoming the pioneer PhD holders of FULafia.