Research work is a subject that many students dread, particularly as it is often a final-year requirement. While some students approach it as a mere formality to fulfill graduation requirements, the challenges go beyond lack of interest. There are also supervisors who lack the requisite skills to guide students effectively. Some supervisors treat research supervision as a personal learning process, while others exploit it as a money-making opportunity. Unfortunately, students who are unwilling to put in the effort often enable this exploitation by paying for shortcuts.
Misunderstanding the Purpose of Research
The core issue is a widespread misunderstanding of the purpose of research. Many students see it solely as a hurdle to graduation, and institutions fail to instill the broader significance of research beyond the academic requirement. The result? Students aim to submit their projects by any means necessary, and some supervisors resort to copying from previous works for their “clients” without understanding the essence of research.
At its core, the philosophy of research is to develop solutions to societal problems. Yet, in Nigeria, thousands of projects are submitted every year with little to no practical impact. How many significant inventions or societal solutions emerge from our institutions every five years? The answer to this question underscores the lack of value in much of the research being produced.
A Symbol of Waste: Discarded Research Projects
A striking example of this wastefulness is the viral image of a junkyard filled with old, bound projects from a Nigerian institution. This symbolizes the fate of many research works—discarded and forgotten after serving their purpose as a graduation requirement.
The Need for Incentives to Promote Excellence
To encourage impactful research and promote solutions to societal problems, it is essential to incentivize exceptional work. Institutions should take the initiative to thoroughly evaluate research projects and reward the top 20 works across departments annually, benefiting both students and their supervisors. This would foster originality, professionalism, and competition.
Beyond the individual institutions, the Nigerian Universities Commission (NUC) and its counterparts for polytechnics, colleges of education, agricultural colleges, and nursing schools could establish a nationwide platform to showcase the best 20 projects from each institution. A panel of esteemed scholars would then assess these projects, narrowing them down to the top 100.
These outstanding works could attract grants for implementation, with proceeds shared equitably—20% to the students and their supervisors, 30% to the institutions, and 50% to the Federal Government. Additionally, students whose projects are selected should be awarded scholarships to pursue postgraduate studies at any African university of their choice. Such initiatives would not only elevate the quality of research but also position institutions as hubs for innovative solutions to national and global challenges.
A New Book on Research Writing
Meanwhile, two scholars, Dr. Emmanuel Oluwayemi and Dr. Emmanuel Olufemi, have recently collaborated on a book titled Practical Guide to Theological Research Writing. In this work, the authors emphasize the importance of mastering research writing for students.
While the book is emphasised on theology, it also covers research writing in a broader sense, highlighting that the methodology and analytical thinking required for research are applicable across all disciplines.
The publication serves as a valuable resource for student researchers and their supervisors, offering insights that can enhance understanding and improve research skills.
Given that research is an essential tool in every field of human endeavor, this book is a useful guide for anyone engaged in academic research.
The Path to Transforming Research in Nigeria
Nigeria’s educational institutions hold great potential to address societal issues through research. However, for this to happen, both students and supervisors must understand the true purpose of research and strive for excellence. Institutions must also take the lead in redefining the role of research, ensuring that it contributes meaningfully to solving real-world problems.
If Nigeria is to progress as a nation, its educational system must play a pivotal role. Transforming the approach to research is a necessary step in this journey.
Photo credit: The Internet
*Feature by Dayo Emmanuel