1. ISSUES AND CHALLENGES IN POSTGRADUATE STUDENTS ACADEMIC DEVELOPMENT FOR VIABLE NATION BUILDING BY DR. MUINAT M. BELLO
Department of Fisheries, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Maiduguri, P.M.B. 1069, Maiduguri, Nigeria

2. INTRODUCTION Why Post graduate studies? Centred on Research
Who is a Post- graduate student
Postgraduate students are matured person, building an academic career path after their Bachelor Degree or Higher Education.
Academic Development for Viable Nation Building
Industries are developmental component of a nation, which invariably depends on academic findings and break through.

3. Role of research in a knowledge-based society
Post graduate students are vital for emerging sectors of the economy.
To solve societal problems
Contribute to knowledge
Researches in the Universities are to solve new geo-political challenges.
The basic premise :–
Quality research capacity remains essential for national development agendas;
Postgraduate education is a critical component,
Postgraduate education is expanding and diversifying.

4. ISSUES AND CHALLENGES Information about this topic/title
Gap in knowledge
 Copy or using other peoples project (Plagiarism)
Duplicate research and wasted effort
Supervisors
Supervisee/ Student

5. Collaborative research initiatives,
Family commitment, work, finance etc.
Internet services/Poor information and services ( Use of Educational tools; Zotero, Mendeley, Agora etc.)
Referencing
Post graduate conference attendance and presentation
Research training as a priority for Staff Development Programmes in Universities.

6. Funding Methodology/ innovative design - Research grants (ETF)
Funds to buy equipment for research
Funds to pay the research team
Funds for any travel involved in the research project
Article processing charges or publication charges
Research Uptake (Patent/Research findings to end-users)

7. SUGGESTED WAY-OUT

8. Changing mind-set
Keep an open mind
Be current
Exchange Ideas
Be persistence (never give up)
Google,

9. Personal Development Plan (PDP)
Seven steps to writing a PDP:
Set clear goals for yourself.
Prioritise those goals.
Set yourself deadlines for when you want to achieve them.
Recognise threats and opportunities.
Develop your skills or increase your knowledge.
Use your support network (collaboration).
Measure your progress

10. Formal/informal training, reading, attending meetings,
*Every Post-graduate should have a "living" professional development plan in place; not be tempted to run another man’s race
Formal/informal training,
reading,
attending meetings,
observing colleagues,
practicing skills,
refreshing or learning new skills,
developing new skills,
establishing networks and
ensuring research visibility
Contact with mentors.

11. Time Management Plan

12. Researcher Development Framework (RDF)
RDF is designed for:
Researchers to evaluate and plan their professional development
Managers and supervisors of researchers in their role to support the development of researchers
Trainers, developers, human resources specialists and careers advisors in the planning and provision of support for researchers’ development

13. Vitae RDF for a guide

15. Research uptake

16. Recommended Search Engines
Google scholar, Google Patent
This might seem like a trivial piece of advice, but ask yourself -- do you know how to use Google well? See this article which has 20 tips to use Google search efficiently. You can find more articles like this online. There are even self-paced online courses offered by Google on "power searching". Orcid number, LiveDNA number, ResearchID, AuthourAID/INASP.
Being part of online networks, for example, Scopus, Ajol, Academia.edu, Mendeley, Zotero, ResearchGate, LinkedIn, AuthorAID discussion list, Facebook, Twitter, WhatsApp Journal group, Research groups etc.

17. Different grants donors:
The World Academy of Sciences (TWAS) 
International Foundation for Science (IFS)
Partnerships for Enhanced Engagement in Research (PEER)
Organization for Women in Science for the Developing World (OWSD)
Elsevier Foundation
TDR at the World Health Organization (WHO)
Newton's List
Terra Viva Grants

18. Free on-line courses
A Google search for scientific writing pdf ( brings up several informative articles and even books, all available as free PDF documents. Look at these when you can.
The AuthorAID resource library ( contains a searchable collection of e-resources on research writing, proposal writing, and other topics.
High-quality online courses in academic writing or research writing are occasionally offered by Coursera ( and other providers of MOOCs (massive open online courses).
Edx

19. THANK YOU FOR YOUR ATTENTION