The School of Postgraduate Studies (SPS) at the University successfully hosted its first-ever research bootcamp for postgraduate students from Wednesday, 24th July to Friday, 26th July 2024. The intensive three-day programme was designed to enhance the research capabilities of students, equipping them with essential skills to navigate the complexities of their academic pursuits.
The opening ceremony was graced by distinguished members of the University’s leadership. Associate Professor Solomon Nunoo, Dean of Planning and Quality Assurance, formally welcomed the participants and underscored the significance of the bootcamp in providing students with practical tools to complete their theses efficiently. He emphasised that the training was carefully structured to offer both technical and practical insights, aimed at ensuring academic excellence.
Several key officers also attended the event, including Professor William K. Buah, Dean of the Faculty of Mining and Minerals Technology; Professor Christian K. Amuzuvi, Dean of the Faculty of Engineering; Ms Franklina Adjoa Yebowaah, the University Librarian; Mr Samuel Effah, Internal Auditor; Mr Francis Nyarko, Deputy Registrar of the School of Postgraduate Studies; and Dr Kofi Kamasa, Head of the Department of Management Studies.
The bootcamp curriculum covered a wide range of critical topics such as research proposal development, literature review composition, research methodology, data analysis, and referencing techniques. Expert facilitators led targeted sessions focusing on specialised fields within Engineering and Management, allowing students to gain insights that were directly applicable to their disciplines. The interactive nature of the programme fostered dynamic discussions, providing participants with the opportunity to engage deeply with the material.
At the close of the bootcamp, participants expressed their satisfaction with the experience, noting that it provided invaluable insights into the research process. Many attendees requested that the bootcamp be held regularly to benefit future cohorts of postgraduate students. Professor Grace Ofori-Sarpong Akuffo, Dean of the School of Postgraduate Studies, expressed her gratitude to the Ghana Chamber of Mines Tertiary Education Fund (GCM-TEF) for their generous support in providing logistical assistance to the programme. She also encouraged students to apply the knowledge gained to their thesis work to ensure timely completion.
The bootcamp concluded with a certificate presentation ceremony, marking the culmination of a successful and enriching event.
