By Isaac Akugizibwe

KIU, Main Campus- Postgraduate students have been urged to pay maximum attention to research and ensure it is done on time. This was during a groundbreaking meeting between the Directorate of Higher Degrees and Research (DHDR) and postgraduate students held at the 5th floor of the Iddi Basajjabalaba Memorial Library on Wednesday, February 7th, 2024.

The meeting, attended by a significant number of postgraduate students both in person and virtually, focused on providing a comprehensive briefing for the upcoming semester's expectations.

The Director of Higher Degrees Prof. Israel Obora highlighted the importance of starting research on time and also took students through the research processes.

"Research is the main determinant of everything at the postgraduate level and it usually takes a lot of time than on the other course units.  As such it requires better planning and this is only possible when you start the process on time," he said.

"When you do your research on time, you graduate in time, as simple as that," he added.

He also gave a hint on the newly established requirement at master’s level where candidates are supposed to publish at least two papers before the VIVA presentation.

"We expect PhDs to have three papers published while Masters should have two papers published," he noted.

"Any paper you would like to publish must be before the Viva presentation," he added.

The Director of Academic Affairs (DAA), Dr. Malinga Ramadhan reiterated the need to have research done on time citing that it helps both the student and the University to meet deadlines.

"The most important aspect of Postgraduate is research, in research there a challenges that you have to endure and we are here to guide you. But as we plan to guide you, Plan for your research on time," he said.

Dr Malinga also urged students to embrace regular attendance of lectures and asked them to ensure they are fully registered with the various departments.

"In Academic affairs, our task is to enforce academic rules, please register yourself in whatever department you are supposed to, it is so important. Do it on a semester basis. You may miss your results for a particular semester if you do not do semester registration," he emphasized.

"Also attend lectures, it is so important. 75% attendance is needed for you to sit exams," he added.

He also thanked new students for choosing KIU saying, "We want to assure you that you have made the right choice. Kindly look at the mission and vision of KIU, "KIU aspires.

The meeting was also attended by members from the Directorate of Quality Assurance.