Abstract:
The First Annual Postgraduate Seminar of the University of Embu was held at the University’s
Charter Hall on 25th May 2017. The one day seminar brought together thirty-five members of
academic staff, one external supervisor and sixty-three postgraduate students. The Seminar was
an opportunity for postgraduate students to share the progress made in their research work. In
his opening remarks, the Vice Chancellor affirmed that importance placed by University
Management on postgraduate studies. The management has established the Board of
Postgraduate Studies, appointed a Director of postgraduate studies, recruited of qualified and
experienced staff as well as provided supervisors among others. The Vice Chancellor further
noted that only 20% of the postgraduate students presented their research findings. He called
upon Deans, Chairmen of Departments, Supervisors and Students to do more to ensure that
students are progressing as expected. To improve the quality of postgraduate research output, the
University of Embu has put several measures in place including; publications requirements for
all postgraduate students, antiplagiarism check, training and sensitization of supervisors on
effective supervision, recruitment of competent staff with excellent research, publications and
student supervision experience. Impressive presentations were made by the students. Some of
presentations indicate that the students may produce results that could be published in high
impact journals, patented or commercialized. The importance of choosing the correct research
design and data analysis tools was observed in several presentations. The need to improve the
quality of slides and style of presentation was echoed throughout out the seminar. Supervisors
were requested to do a bit more in helping the postgraduate students master scientific
communication and the art of public speaking. This was the first seminar its kind at university
level. It is envisaged that the University Postgraduate Seminar will become an annual event.
