The School of Graduate Studies at Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Kumasi has held a workshop on thesis oral examinations to review procedures, share experience and tighten assessment practices.

The session underscored the university’s commitment to fairness, integrity and transparency in graduate assessment.

Prof. Robert Clement Abaidoo, said examiners play a central role in protecting academic standards.

“Our responsibility goes beyond evaluation. We must guide and support students and ensure each has a fair opportunity to demonstrate knowledge,” he said. “This is a commitment to integrity and excellence, and to safeguarding the university’s credibility.”

Discussions led by Prof. Abaidoo covered conflicts of interest and the need for timely, consistent and unbiased feedback. He urged panel chairs to adhere strictly to their responsibilities and ensure the process demonstrates that candidates have earned their degrees.

Prof. Nicholas Kyei Baffour, from the Department of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering, called on stakeholders to maintain neutrality, confidentiality and fairness. “Act as an impartial moderator, not an examiner,” he said.

The Director of the School of Graduate Studies, Prof. Michael Poku Boansi, said all examiners will be registered on a central system, with panel chairs notified by email upon assignment.

Participants also shared practical challenges, including supervision gaps, subjective judgments and assessing complex research topics. The exchanges informed measures aimed at improving consistency across programmes.

Clear guidelines, collaboration and effective communication were identified as essential to preventing bias and sustaining trust in the examination process.

By: Akosua Bandoh