On Friday, 7th November, 2025, the School of Postgraduate Studies (SPGS), Nasarawa State University, Keffi (NSUK), hosted the second edition of its Lecture Series presented by Professor Moses Z. Zaruwa.
The lecture, titled “Presentation Skills for Oral Defenses and Conferences,” was held at the S.B. Mohammed Auditorium.
In her remarks, the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Sa’adatu Hassan Liman, represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research, Innovation and Linkages), Professor K’tso Ngargbu, congratulated the research grant award recipients. The Vice-Chancellor described the recognition as “not only a testament to their research excellence but also an opportunity to further refine their presentation and communication skills.”
Professor Ngargbu commended the SPGS for organizing the lecture series, noting that the occasion was a celebration of research excellence and innovation within the University community.
He emphasized the importance of presentation and oral defense skills as a critical component of research success. According to him, “These skills enable researchers to communicate their findings effectively, defend their work with confidence, and share their knowledge with the wider world.” He further reaffirmed the University’s commitment to sustaining excellence in research and innovation.
In his welcome address, the Dean, School of Postgraduate Studies, Professor Abdullahi Adamu Sulaiman, lauded the Vice-Chancellor for her unwavering commitment to academic excellence. He appreciated the organizing committee for their dedication and congratulated the grant recipients, encouraging them to pursue research that promotes national development. Professor Sulaiman reiterated NSUK’s commitment to fostering innovative and impactful research that drives academic growth and societal advancement.
Earlier in her remarks, the Deputy Dean (Research), Professor Titilayo Bamidele, appreciated the Vice-Chancellor for her continued support of academic excellence through research and innovation. She explained that the event was organized to celebrate research impact and innovation, congratulating the award recipients and urging postgraduate students to engage more deeply in research and discovery.
Delivering his lecture, Professor Moses Z. Zaruwa expressed gratitude to the University Management for the opportunity to deliver the lecture. He emphasized the importance of knowledge, skill, and competence in effective thesis presentation, noting that “to be good at presentation, practice is critical.”
He highlighted key tools for successful thesis defense and conference presentations, including:
Memorization and internalization of key points; preparedness for possible questions; a structured and coherent presentation; as well as projection of confidence and professionalism.
The highlight of the event was the presentation of research grants to deserving postgraduate researchers. The first price (₦1,000,000) went to Bala J. Christiana (Matric No: 08201220003) from the Department of Biochemistry for her research titled “Investigating the Possible Antileukemic Properties of Three Traditional Plants Eaten in Northern Nigeria.”
The second price (₦750,000) was won by Uche Christopher Obi (Matric No: 092303220001), from the Department of Agricultural Economics and Extension for his work titled “Comparative Economic Analysis of Catfish (Clarias gariepinus) Production Under Alternative Pond Cultures in Plateau State, Nigeria.”
The third price (₦500,000) went to Makanjuola Rasheed Osuolale (Matric No: PHD23MBG0001), from GHIDI for his research titled “Bioengineering of a Novel Lateral Flow Immunoassay for Rapid and Simultaneous Diagnosis of Plasmodium Species.”
The programme was graced by Deans of Faculty, Directors, postgraduate students, and other members of the University community. A former Vice-Chancellor, Professor Mohammed Akaro Mainoma, was the Special Guest of Honour at the event.
