by Christiana Gokyo, Jos
The Plateau State University (PLASU), Bokkos, has reiterated its commitment to promoting academic integrity and ethical research practices among postgraduate students, warning against plagiarism and other forms of academic misconducts.
The initiative is aimed at laying a solid foundation for credible, reliable, and valid research, particularly as the University continues to strengthen its School of Postgraduate Studies, established less than two years ago.
The Vice-Chancellor of the University, Professor Shadrach Gaya Best, reaffirmed the institution’s commitment during a seminar organised by the School of Postgraduate Studies for Masters’, PhD, and Postgraduate Diploma students.
Professor Best, who was represented by the Dean of the School of Postgraduate Studies, Professor Theresa Gyang, said the University had established research guidelines aligned with global best practices, which all postgraduate students were expected to uphold.
He emphasised that the University would not tolerate academic misconduct and disclosed that students’ research works would be uploaded online for scrutiny, stressing the need to protect the institution’s academic reputation.
“For you to succeed in your thesis and dissertation, humble yourself and be teachable,” the Vice-Chancellor advised the students.
Professor Best also cautioned students against failing to complete their research within the stipulated time-frame, noting that delays could require them to pay additional tuition fees.
Resource persons at the seminar included the Dean of the School of Postgraduate Studies, University of Jos, Professor Dakul Anthony, who delivered a paper on ‘Ethical Considerations and Plagiarism.’
Professor Gyang and the Dean of the Faculty of Education, Professor Sayita G. Wakjissa, also delivered presentations on ‘Dissertation and Thesis Writing.’
The resource persons emphasised that research should be ethically-conducted and directed towards addressing societal challenges. They further highlighted the importance of originality, academic honesty, and adherence to established research standards in producing credible scholarly work.
In a goodwill message, the Dean of the Faculty of Arts, Professor Chris Gonsum, urged students to comply with the University’s research guidelines and maintain high ethical standards throughout their academic programmes.
He encouraged them to conduct their research with diligence and integrity to ensure they graduate with dignity and honour.