Pursue scholarship to solve humanity’s challenges, Adetokun tells postgraduate students 

Pursue scholarship to solve humanity’s challenges, Adetokun tells postgraduate students 

Professor Ismail Ayoade Odetokun of the Department of Veterinary Public Health and Preventive Medicine, University of Ilorin, has urged postgraduate students to utilise the knowledge acquired in the course of their studies in solving humanity’s challenges.

Prof Adetokun made the appeal in a virtual presentation during the maiden seminar series of the Faculty of Renewable Natural Resources, Federal University Dutsin-Ma (FUDMA).

The theme of the seminar was ‘Postgraduate Education Beyond Paper Certification: The Becoming of a Scholar with Real-World Impact’.

Prof Odetokun, who was the Keynote Speaker, said that pursuing a postgraduate study is not all about obtaining a certificate or publishing thesis, but utilising the knowledge to positively impact society.

“The main focus should be generating knowledge and impacting the world positively through one’s findings, solving problems, independent research, influencing policies which can bring growth to the community and the world, as well as driving innovations and capacity building,” he said.

According to him, a professional and capable scholar must have intellectual curiosity and maintain a high level of integrity, creativity, humility and submission, discipline, collaboration, resilience, and appetite for lifelong learning.

He added that a scholar, beyond publication, should be a capacity builder, able to influence policy, be an entrepreneur, engage the community for successful growth, transfer technology and engage in public enlightenment and education.

“As a scholar or postgraduate student, before starting any research or study, first inquire: ‘Why is this research important’?; ‘What problems does it/ will it solve in the field of the study?’; ‘Who are the benefactors’? and can society apply the findings?”, he said.

He stressed that research becomes impactful and relevant only when it improves the livelihoods, influences policies, enhances education, protects the environment, advances health care, supports industry, and promotes sustainable development.

“Certificate open doors, scholarship creates opportunities, while research should influence and address societal needs. However, integrity sustains academic excellence, and real impact defines lasting success.

“Furthermore, do not pursue a degree merely to be called a master or doctor; pursue scholarship so that your knowledge impacts and becomes a solution to humanity’s challenges”, he concluded.

In his remarks, the Dean, Faculty of Renewable Natural Resources, Prof. Akeem Babatunde Dauda, listed the objectives of the seminar series to include understanding the major purpose and reasons for postgraduate education, the difference in earning a degree and becoming a scholar, identifying strategies for producing quality research, and developing personal road map toward scholarly excellence.

Speaking at the occasion, the Vice-Chancellor Prof. Mohammed Khalid Othman said collaboration on research is the surest way of advancing knowledge.

He said the seminar provides a platform for seeking and enhancing such collaboration for the overall benefit of the system.

Prof Othman pledged support and alignment with noble ideas to advance the visibility of the university.