Maryam Aminu
For many postgraduate researchers, writing a strong proposal is only the beginning; defending the work before examiners can be just as challenging. That gap is set to take centre stage in Lagos on September 25, as Highstone Global University USA hosts an international research conference for academics, researchers and professionals.
The conference, which begins at 9:00 a.m. at the Nigerian Army College of Logistics and Management, located by Lagos State University, will focus on practical skills in research methodology, academic writing and thesis and dissertation defence, alongside discussions on climate change.
One of the sessions, “Research Methodology in the Proposal: Choosing and Justifying Your Approach, Design, and Methods,” will take participants through qualitative, quantitative and mixed-methods approaches, as well as sampling, data collection, validity and reliability, research ethics and integrity.
For postgraduate researchers struggling with how to turn their research into a well-structured academic document, another session, “Writing for Academic Excellence: Structure, Style, and Scholarly Conventions in Thesis and Dissertation Writing,” will focus on thesis and dissertation structure, academic writing styles and citation methods, including APA, Harvard and MLA.
The session will also address plagiarism prevention and some of the common challenges researchers encounter while writing their academic work.
Attention will also be given to one of the moments many postgraduate students find most demanding defending their research.
Through a session titled “Defending Your Work: Mastering the Thesis/Dissertation Presentation and Viva Voce,” participants will learn about effective presentation techniques, slide design, responding to questions from examiners, managing presentation anxiety and presenting research findings with confidence.
Climate change will form another major part of the conference, with experts expected to examine current research findings, the implications for society and possible approaches to tackling the challenges associated with a changing climate.
According to the organisers, the conference is designed to give participants practical knowledge they can apply to their research proposals, theses and dissertations while creating an opportunity to meet and exchange ideas with other researchers and professionals.
Participants will also receive Executive Diploma Certificates, which are scheduled to be presented on September 26, 2026, at the Lagos Theatre, Lagos State.
The organisers said the conference is open to members of the research and academic community who want to strengthen their research capacity and engage in discussions on issues of global importance.
For registration and further information, interested participants can contact Highstone Global University USA via highstoneuniversityus@gmail.com or WhatsApp on (+1) 234-288-1373.
