Ahmadu Bello University Holds Lecture on Supervisor-Supervisee Relationship

The School of Postgraduate Studies (SPGS), Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, hosted its fourth-quarter postgraduate lecture series on the importance of the supervisor-supervisee relationship on Tuesday, 19th November 2024. The lecture, titled "Supervisor-Supervisee Nexus: Fostering a Healthy Partnership," was held at the SPGS Auditorium, ABU Main Campus, Samaru, Zaria.

The event aimed to enhance the collaboration and communication between lecturers and postgraduate students. In his opening remarks, Prof. M.N Shuaibu, Dean of SPGS, highlighted the importance of time management and urged staff and students to avoid the habit of "African time," commending the Nigerian School of Military Legal Services for their punctuality.

The lecture was delivered by Prof. M.K Isah, a professor of governance in the Department of Local Government and Development Studies at ABU. He emphasized the significance of a positive supervisor-supervisee relationship, which he described as crucial for student development, research quality, and academic success.

Prof. Isah discussed the role of supervisors in guiding students and advancing their careers. He stressed the importance of ethical conduct, transparency, and responsibility in research, especially in sensitive areas involving human subjects.

Addressing the challenges faced in supervisor-supervisee relationships, Prof. Isah identified power imbalances and resource constraints, especially in large universities like ABU, which can limit individual attention. He called for improved administrative processes, better resource allocation, and the establishment of formal mentorship programs to support both students and supervisors.

The lecture highlighted the need for a healthy academic partnership to foster quality research and academic integrity in postgraduate studies.