NSUK School of Postgraduate Studies Hosts 2nd Lecture Series and Vice-Chancellor’s Research Grant Awards

On Friday, November 7, 2025, the School of Postgraduate Studies (SPGS) of Nasarawa State University, Keffi (NSUK), held the second edition of its Lecture Series at the S.B. Mohammed Auditorium, presented by Prof. Moses Z. Zaruwa.

The lecture, titled “Presentation Skills for Oral Defenses and Conferences,” emphasized effective communication, confidence, and professionalism in research presentations.

In her remarks, Vice-Chancellor Prof. Sa’adatu Hassan Liman, represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research, Innovation and Linkages), Prof. K’tso Ngargbu, congratulated the recipients of the Vice-Chancellor’s Research Grant, describing the recognition as a testament to their research excellence and an opportunity to refine presentation and communication skills. Prof. Ngargbu commended the SPGS for organizing the series, stressing that strong oral defense skills are vital for effectively communicating research findings.

Prof. Abdullahi Adamu Sulaiman, Dean of SPGS, lauded the Vice-Chancellor for her commitment to academic excellence and encouraged grant recipients to pursue research that promotes national development. Deputy Dean (Research), Prof. Titilayo Bamidele, also acknowledged the University’s support for innovation and urged postgraduate students to engage deeply in research and discovery.

During the lecture, Prof. Zaruwa highlighted essential tools for successful thesis defenses and conference presentations, including memorization and internalization of key points, preparedness for questions, structured and coherent presentations, and projecting confidence and professionalism.

The event’s highlight was the presentation of research grants to outstanding postgraduate researchers:

• ₦1,000,000 – Bala J. Christiana (Dept. of Biochemistry): “Investigating the Possible Antileukemic Properties of Three Traditional Plants Eaten in Northern Nigeria.”
• ₦750,000 – Uche Christopher Obi (Dept. of Agricultural Economics and Extension): “Comparative Economic Analysis of Catfish (Clarias gariepinus) Production Under Alternative Pond Cultures in Plateau State, Nigeria.”
• ₦500,000 – Makanjuola Rasheed Osuolale (GHIDI): “Bioengineering of a Novel Lateral Flow Immunoassay for Rapid and Simultaneous Diagnosis of Plasmodium Species.”

The programme was attended by Deans, Directors, postgraduate students, and other members of the University community, with former Vice-Chancellor Prof. Mohammed Akaro Mainoma serving as the Special Guest of Honour.

The event reinforced NSUK’s commitment to fostering research excellence, innovation, and professional development among postgraduate scholars.