Stakeholders in Nigeria’s higher education sub-sector have called for urgent reforms in the postgraduate system, stressing its critical role in national development, research innovation, and global competitiveness.

They made the call at the 67th meeting of the Committee of Provosts and Deans of Postgraduate Colleges and Schools (CPDPGCS), held at the Lead City University (LCU), Ibadan, and themed: “Strengthening postgraduate education in Nigeria: Research, innovation and excellence.”

The keynote speaker and former Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ibadan (UI), Prof. Olufemi Bamiro, emphasised that a high-quality postgraduate system is pivotal to national transformation.

He stated that Nigerian universities must transform from mere degree-awarding institutions to knowledge-producing systems, with a measurable impact on socio-economic development.

According to him, “Postgraduate studies require strong partnerships between government, universities, and the private sector. Together, these three pillars can drive meaningful change.”

Bamiro also highlighted the importance of leveraging technology and youth engagement, saying Nigeria should not waste its human capital.

“With the adoption of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and robotics, we must encourage young innovators, challenge universities, and foster collaborations that translate academic research into solutions for national problems.

The committee chairman, Prof. Victor Dugga, restated the responsibility of provosts and deans in managing postgraduate research.

He said the committee meets every two years to coordinate activities, address challenges, and explore global best practices in research administration.

Dugga lauded the establishment of the National Research Fund (NRF), noting that postgraduate colleges play a vital role in planning and implementing initiatives funded by the NRF.

He added: “Students are not merely clients; they are the driving force of knowledge. Our deliberations focus on empowering them through mentorship, joint research, and access to resources that make them globally competitive.”

Earlier, the Vice-Chancellor of Lead City University, Prof. Kabiru Adeyemo, expressed the institution’s commitment to advancing postgraduate education.

He described postgraduate education as the engine room of knowledge creation, a breeding ground for innovation, and a foundation of sustainable development.

Adeyemo urged stakeholders to address challenges, including funding gaps, deficiencies in research infrastructure, curriculum relevance, quality assurance, and international collaboration.

He pointed out that without strong postgraduate systems, the quest for national transformation will remain elusive.

On his part, the host Provost, Prof. Afolakemi Oredein, highlighted the conference’s objective of bringing together deans from across Nigeria to discuss strategies for advancing postgraduate education.

She noted that education plays a significant role in national development, but requires strengthening to achieve its intended purpose.