The 10th All Africana Postgraduate Academy (APGA) was held on 22nd August 2019 from 08:30 – 16:00 in Pretoria Campus of Tshwane University of Technology (TUT), Pretoria, South Africa.
The theme of the academy was “The Post-Graduate Research Completion Process: Producing High-Quality Thesis, Research Papers and Patents”. It was aimed for the the doctoral as well as masters level scholars of South Africa. The academy got overwhelming response from the students of various universities in and around Pretoria. It was well represented from different universities and across discipline. There were altogether 97 post graduates participated in the academy. The participants were from TUT, University of Johannesburg and from other universities from South Africa. Dr L Sithole of Research & Innovation department of TUT was the program director.
After the registration, the program started with the introductory remarks by Prof. Mammo Muchie. Prof. Muchie lectured on the topic “Decoding the Research Journey to Create High Quality Output”.
The resource faculty includes Prof S Ojo (TUT) Prof WK Kupolati (TUT) Prof K Phago (North Western University), Prof Z Worku (TUT) and Dr Geci K. Sebina (Wits University). There were also mentors from TUT, North West University, AISA, HSRC, Wits University, University of Pretoria and University of Johannesburg.
After the lecture session, postgraduate participants presented their research problems. The postgraduates were from University of Johannesburg & Tshwane University of Technology. Dr. Geci from the University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg led lead the panel. There were also panellists from, TUT, UJ and Human Resource Council (HSRC), South Africa. The panellists have given feedback on the students’ research problems and other issues they face during their thesis writing process until they reach the completion stage.
Feedback from participants
The workshop was great and educational, well designed to teach & introduce to students about basic research skills, techniques, applicability or ideas which students can then use it in their own research context— Ajebush Argaw, Post-Doctoral Research Fellow Tshwane University of Technology.
The program was very educative for both students and lectures. I was blessed that day because I learned a lot. I wish it could be organized often. Thank you. — Kofi Quan-Baffour (Tabita), Post-Doctoral Research Fellow Tshwane University of Technology
I congratulate all professors M. Muchie, Sunday Ojo, Williams K. Kupolato, K. Phago and Z. Worku who made such very useful rich contributions at different sessions. All the presentations were very useful and rich. The presentations were focused on training and equipping for all those completing their masters and doctoral research. The presentations include how to publish high quality publications using commonly used methods of statistical analysis. The presentation also includes groups from natural science, engineering and economic and human sciences. – Yohannes Worku, Post-Doctoral Research Fellow Tshwane University of Technology
Congratulations, it was such a great event. I learned a lot and you showed us all that we Africans could do it, are doing it, and must continue to do it in large numbers. The fact that the room was packed to capacity speaks volumes and the enthusiasm of the professors was electrifying and motivating. These are the important things that students need and universities do not reward. I continue to be proud of you and your passion for our people. We shall triumph! – Nepeti, Nicanor, Doctoral Scholar from University of Johannesburg
I was delighted at the successful outcome of yesterday’s training. Really proud of you Prof It was my joy to see Africans mentoring Africans. Since this is the case now, the future of Africa is bright. Please keep up this good work – Africa is blessed to have you. It will be nice to have a copy of the presentations. I found myself learning new things even at this stage — Oluseye O. Jegede, Ph.D. Associate Editor, AJSTID, Taylor and Francis Group
Thank you very prof, this is life and part of my assignment. Ubuntu. Helping and supporting others. Thank you for your understanding and the team all went well. The feedback from participants was amazing. Stay blessed for your contributions on the young generation. Blessings to all of you team. —Yacuba Traore Doctoral Research Fellow, Tshwane University of Technology
Reported by
Dr. Swapan Kumar Patra Tshwane University of Technology Pretoria South Africa
Tshwane University of Technology Pretoria South Africa
