The Department of Food Science and Technology has welcomed newly admitted postgraduate students at an orientation programme aimed at introducing them to academic requirements, departmental culture, and research expectations.
Speaking at the event, Prof. Francis Alemawor, Patron of the Association of Food Science and Technology Students (AFSTS), congratulated the students on their admission and urged them to approach their studies with commitment and curiosity.
He spoke on behalf of the Head of Department, Prof. Jacob Agbenorhevi, and encouraged the new students to take advantage of academic and professional development opportunities available within the Department and the wider University community.
Prof. Alemawor also highlighted upcoming departmental activities, including a short course on handmade and artisanal chocolate production and a Food Festival, which he said would provide practical exposure and industry engagement for students.
Academic regulations and assessment procedures were outlined by the department’s Examination Officer, Dr. John-Lewis Zaukuu, who cautioned students to comply fully with registration and examination requirements. He warned that breaches of examination regulations could attract sanctions ranging from reprimand to dismissal.
The Graduate Coordinator, Dr. Janet Quaisie, addressed progression requirements for postgraduate programmes, explaining that PhD students must pass a qualifying examination to advance to candidacy, while failure after two attempts results in the award of an MPhil degree.
She also reminded continuing students to submit progress reports at the end of each semester and noted that theses must meet approved similarity thresholds on Turnitin and AI-detection standards.
Emphasising the importance of research, Prof. William Otoo Ellis said postgraduate research should extend beyond academic writing to produce solutions with real-world impact. He noted that research conducted today has the potential to address both present and future challenges.
Further guidance was provided by Prof. (Mrs.) Ibok Oduro, who encouraged students to remain focused on their research goals and to view research as an ongoing scholarly conversation. She stressed the importance of skills such as networking, negotiation, and risk-taking in postgraduate training.
Other Senior Members also encouraged students to participate in professional and student associations, attend conferences, and acquire relevant technical skills to enhance their academic and professional development.
