CHAPTER NINE
THE STRATEGIC PLAN OF THE SCHOOL OF POSTGRADUATE STUDIES
1998 to 2003
I HISTORICAL BACKGROUND
The School of Postgraduate Studies started very early in the life of the University with the first intake of 48 students in the 1977/78 session. Initially, postgraduate programmes were coordinated by a postgraduate committee with Prof. W.T. Morgan as the first Chairman (1976 to 1977) and he was succeeded by Prof. E. N. Chukwu. The pioneer postgraduate committee supervised postgraduate work in three faculties and five departments. The committee was subsequently redesignated as The Faculty of Postgraduate Studies with an appointed Dean whose task it was, to coordinate and oversee the postgraduate training programmes offered in the various faculties of the University.
Thus from a very modest start, postgraduate work at University of Jos has recorded a phenomenal growth both in terms of student enrolment and the number of programmes. All faculties and most departments now run postgraduate programmes. Student enrollment rose from 48 in the 1977/78 academic year to 1,400 in the 1990/91 session. Currently, in the 1997/98 session, the total postgraduate enrollment stands at 1,824.
The current regulations governing the administration of postgraduate studies in the University of Jos include a defined organogram for dealing with postgraduate matters such as the establishment of Departmental and Faculty Postgraduate Committees; Guidelines for preparation and submission of theses, dissertation and project reports for higher degrees.
* an annual publication of doctorate abstract
* a system of annual report/evaluation of M.Phil/Ph.D. Students
* a requirement of minimum Cumulative Score Average of 60% and minimum project score of 60% at masters degree level, for admission into the M.Phil/Ph.D; and
* a mandatory revision of curriculum/programme course content every five years.
II. THE POSTGRADUATE SCHOOL MISSION STATEMENT
* To train high-level academic and professional man-power in different fields.
* To facilitate the conduct of meaningful research that can be applied to solve societal problems.
* To prepare the students to utilise the rich cultural traditions of Nigeria and Africa.
* To develop the artistic, theatrical, dramatic, communication and intellectual potentialities as well as other talents of the students.
* To prepare the graduates professionally by giving the theoretical foundation necessary for their professions, increasing their practical experience to be adequately coordinated with theoretical knowledge.
* To prepare the candidates for continuous research and academic involvement in the various disciplines.
III. THE SCHOOL OF POSTGRADUATE STUDIES TODAY
The school of Postgraduate Studies is an important unit of the academic system of this University. . Below is a list of programmes offered by the various faculties and departments:
1. FACULTY OF ARTS
Department of English:
- M.A. English Language
- M.A. Literature in English
- M. Phil/Ph.D English Language
- M. Phil/Ph.D. Literature in English
Department of History:
- M.A. History
- M. Phil/Ph.D History
Department of Languages and Linguistics:
- M.A. and M. Phil/Ph.D in French Language
- M.A. and M. Phil/Ph. D in French Literature
- M.A and M. Phil/Ph.D in Linguistics.
Department of Religious Studies:
- M.A & M. Phil/Ph. D Religious Studies
- M.A & M. Phil/Ph.D in Arabic and Islamic Studies
Department of Theatre Arts:
- M.A & M. Phil/Ph.D in Play creating
- M.A & M.Phil/Ph.D in Play directing/Production
- M.A & M.Phil/Ph.D in Dramatic Literature
2. FACULTY OF EDUCATION
Department of Arts & Social Sciences:
- M.Ed. Guidance and Counseling
- M.Ed. In Educational Administration and Planning
- M.Ed Sociology of Education
- M.Ed Philosophy of Education
- M.Ed History Education
- M.Ed Educational Psychology
- M.Ed French Education
- M. Ed English Education
- M.Ed Social Studies
- M.Phil/Ph.D Guidance and Counseling
- M Phil/Ph.D English Education
- M.Phil/Ph.D Educational Psychology
- M.Phil/Ph.D Educational (Test & Measurement)
- M.Phil/Ph.D Philosophy of Education
- M.Phil/Ph.D Social Studies Education
- M.Phil/Ph.D Education/History
Department of Science & Technology Education:
- M.Ed Mathematics
- M.Ed Science Education
- M.Ed Curriculum Planning and Development
- M.Ed Geography Education
- M. Phil/Ph.D
Department of Special Education:
- M.Ed Special Education
- Ph.D Special Education
Institute of Education:
- PGDE/Postgraduate Diploma in Education
3. FACULTY OF ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
Department of Building:
- M.Sc. Construction Technology
- M.Sc. Construction Management
- M.Sc. Building Services
- M.Phil/Ph.D Construction Technology
- M.Phil/Ph.D Construction Management
- M.Phil/Ph.D Building Services
Department of Geography and Planning
- M.Sc. Environmental & Resources Planning (ERP)
- M.Sc. Population & Manpower Planning (MP)
- M.Sc. Urban and Regional Planning (URP)
- M.Phil/Ph.D.
4. FACULTY OF LAW
- LL.M. Degree: Master of Arts, Law and Diplomacy
M.Phil/Ph.D
5. FACULTY OF MEDICAL SCIENCES
Department of Biochemistry:
- M.Sc. Biochemistry
- M.Phil/Ph.D Chemical Pathology
Department of Chemical Pathology:
- M.Sc. Clinical Biochemistry
- M.Phil/Ph.D Clinical Biochemistry
- Doctor of Medicine (M.D)
Department of Microbiology:
- M.Sc. Medical Microbiology
- M.Phil/Ph.D Medical Microbiology
Department of Human Physiology:
- M.Sc. Physiology
- M. Phil/Ph.D Physiology
Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology:
- M.Sc. Endocrinology
- M. Phil/Ph.D
6. FACULTY OF NATURAL SCIENCES
Department of Botany:
- M.Sc. Applied Microbiology & Plant Pathology
- M.Sc. Cytogenetics and Plant Breeding
Department of Chemistry
- M.Sc. Applied Organic Chemistry
- M.Sc. Applied Inorganic Chemistry
- M.Sc. Applied Physical Chemistry
- M.Sc. Applied Analytical Chemistry
- M.Phil/Ph.D Chemistry
Department of Geology and Mining:
- M.Sc. Mineral Exploration and Mining Geology
- M.Sc. Petrology and Mineralogy
- M.Sc. Engineering Geology and Hydrogeology
- M.Phil/Ph.D
Department of Mathematics:
- M.Sc. Mathematics
- M.Phil/Ph.D
Department of Physics:
- M.Sc. Physics
- M.Sc. Applied Physics
- M. Phil/Ph.D Pure Physics
- M. Phil/Ph.D Applied Physics
Department of Zoology:
- M.Sc. Applied Entomology & Parasitology
- M.Sc. Applied Hydrobiology & Fisheries
- M. Phil/Ph.D in Zoology
7. FACULTY OF PHARMACEUTICAL SCIENCES
Department of Pharmacology:
- M.Sc. Pharmacology
- M. Phil/Ph.D
8. FACULTY OF SOCIAL SCIENCES
Department of Economics
- M.Sc. Economics
- M.Phil/Ph.D.
Department of Accounting and Management Sciences
- PGDM - Postgraduate Diploma in Management
- Master of Business Administration (MBA)
- M. Phil/Ph.D. in Management Studies
Department of Political Sciences
- M.Sc. Public Administration
- M.Sc. Public Comparative Politics
- M.Sc. Public International Relations and Strategic Studies
- M.Sc. Public Political Theory
- M.Sc. Public Political Economy & Development Studies
- Ph.D. degrees in the aforementioned programmes.
Department of General & Applied Psychology:
- M.Sc. Psychology degree programmes may be obtained in
- Clinical Psychology
- Organisational Psychology
- M.Phil/Ph.D Psychology
Department of Sociology:
- Master of Sciences in Sociology may be obtained in
- Medical and Sociology of Health Care
- Social Anthropology
- Industry and Mass Communications
- Deviance, Criminology and Social Problems
- M.Phil/Ph.D. Sociology Programme.
At its 18th Convocation Ceremony, (1997) the University of Jos graduated 46 doctoral candidates, 598 masters degree candidates and 82 postgraduate diploma candidates.
In its quest to promote education, the School of Postgraduate Studies organises Postgraduate Open Lectures which are presented regularly by scholars from within and outside the University. 23 Postgraduate Open Lecture papers have been published and are on sale.
The School of Postgraduate Studies is now headed by Prof. A. E. Odumuh, a Professor of English with Dr. (Mrs) N. N. James-Rugu, a Senior lecturer from the Department of Zoology as Deputy Dean. The Deputy Dean deputises in the absence of the Dean and also assists the Dean in the smooth running of the School.
IV. THE VISION OF THE POSTGRADUATE SCHOOL
To maintain its high standard so that it can be rated as the best Postgraduate School in Nigeria and the African Sub-region
V. GOALS AND STRATEGIES
SPGSS = School of Postgraduate Studies Strategy
Goal 2: First class postgraduate and professional programmes in a significant number of areas.
SPGSS2.1 Support all departments and faculties running post graduate programmes
SPGSS2.2 Facilitate the periodic review of postgraduate courses in line with the demands and needs of the society while bearing in mind standards world wide.
SPGSS2.3 Give merit priority consideration in the admission of postgraduate students.
SPGSS2.4 Support the improvement of all library facilities.
SPGSS2.5 Facilitate the establishment of a Postgraduate School Library.
SPGSS2.6 Support academic activities in all emerging centres of excellence.
Goal 3: A Quality academic and conducive working environment
SPGSS3.1 Put in place and run a stable academic calender , avoiding interruption from within and outside the University.
SPGSS3.2 Support the provision of adequate and continuous supply of electricity to the University.
SPGSS3.3 Pursue International and other External collaborative arrangements for the promotion of Research and Development, especially through Linkage Programmes and through collaborative agreements with international bodies e.g the UNDP., UNESCO, WHO, FAO, EEC .. and with well established foundations (e.g Rockefeller Foundation, Ford Foundation.).
Goal 4: Academic and Administrative Staff of National and International Distinction
SPGSS4.1 Support the recruitment of dedicated staff across the University..
SPGSS4.2 Establish linkages and active cooperation with individuals, Universities and Corporate bodies within the country and the Sub-region.
SPGSS4.3 Support the administration of an annual performance audit to assess strong/ weak areas and staff.
SPGSS4.4 Support the provision of incentives such as paper publication bonuses, increased research grants and attendance of conferences and workshops.
Goal 5: Effective and efficient utilization of limited resources
SPGSS5.1 Foster increased funding from the NUC to the University through increased intake of postgraduate students.
SPGSS5.2 Support the provision of increased funding of The School of Postgraduate Studies.
Goal 6: Increased provision and use of information technology:
SPGSS6.1 Provide free Internet access for all staff and students.
SPGSS6.2 Support the establishment and maintenance of Faculty Computer Laboratories.
SPGSS6.3 Support the provision of personal computers to all Senior lecturers and professors.
Goal 7: Decentralisation and Transparency in Administration
SPGSS7.1 Support the discussion and approval of annual budgets at the Faculty and Department boards.
Goal 8: Increased participation of a diverse range of stakeholders
SPGSS8.1 Encourage Departments to source for financial and material support for postgraduate programmes through International linkages and exchange programmes with Oversees Universities.
SPGSS8.2 Encourage Industries, parents, students, Alumni, philanthropists organisations to make free-will donations to the University.
VI. ACTION PLAN
1998 to 1999
Establish a computer data base - on postgraduate programmes, students and supervisors in collaboration with MIS and generate relevant reports.
Continuously review all teaching programmes in readiness for NUC Accreditation of Postgraduate Programmes.
Publish open lectures.
Organize and host the next conference of Committee of Deans of Postgraduate Studies in Nigeria Universities.
Organise a Workshop/Seminar on Research methodology for postgraduate students and staff engaged in research.
1999 to 2003
Review of prospectus
Introduce new postgraduate programmes in Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Religious Studies, Accounting and Management Sciences.