SPGS holds lecture on supervisor-supervisee ties
The School of Postgraduate Studies (SPGS), Ahmadu Bello University, has held its fourth quarter postgraduate lecture series on supervisor-supervisor relationship.
The event took place at the SPGS Auditorium, Ahmadu Bello University, Main Campus, Samaru, Zaria, on Tuesday, 19th November, 2024.
The lecture, ‘Supervisor-Supervisee Nexus: Fostering a Healthy Partnership’, was essentially organised as part of effort to improve the relationship between lecturers and postgraduate students.
In an opening remark, the Dean, School of Postgraduate Studies, Prof. M.N Shuaibu, commended personnel of the Nigerian School of Military Legal Services for their punctuality and availing themselves for the impactful session.
Prof. Shuaibu emphasized on the significance in time management and urged staff and students to desist from the poor habit of ‘African time’.
Delivering the lecture, a professor of governance, with the Department of Local Government and Development Studies, Ahmadu Bello University, Prof M.K Isah, did justice to the topic by discussing all possible angles while citing contemporary situations.
“A positive relationship with supervisors who act as both guides and mentors, is crucial for student development and an enriching academic experience“, he said.
Prof. Isah enumerated the benefits of effective supervision and its impact on research quality that included skills development and career advancement, among others.
Prof. Isah, former Deputy Dean, School of Postgraduate Studies, said that the central role of supervisor-supervisee nexus in academic journey comprise shaping students academic success, research output and professional development.
This, according to him, affects not only the quality of research but also student development and academic integrity.
He encouraged supervisors to reinforce ethical research like responsible data handling, transparency, honest reporting, guiding students in adhering to ethical protocols, particularly in sensitive areas such as research involving human subjects.
Prof. Isah called on supervisors to model ethical conduct by embodying ethical behavior and establishing clear boundaries and expectations.
On the challenges affecting supervisor-supervisee relationship, the scholar inferred that power imbalances and hierarchical structures are some of the major problems.
He also said that large universities like ABU often face resource challenges, high students to faculty ratio which affords limited time for individual guidance and support.
He canvassed for streamlining administrative processes, training of supervisors, resource allocation and implementing system of accountability and evaluation.
The don also recommended for the establishment of formal mentorship programmes and strengthening institutional support as panacea to some of the issues outlined.
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Public Affairs Directorate,
Office of the Vice Chancellor,
Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria.
(SGB)
Wednesday, 20th November, 2024.
