The School of Graduate Studies at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Kumasi has announced new academic requirements that will make research publication a prerequisite for graduation for MPhil and PhD students beginning in the 2025/2026 academic year.
The announcement was delivered by the Director of the School of Graduate Studies, Professor Michael Poku-Boansi, during the University’s 59th Congregation Ceremony.
Under the revised policy, PhD candidates will be required to produce at least two publications: one journal article and one peer-reviewed conference paper, as part of their thesis submission. MPhil students must present either one peer-reviewed conference paper or one published article before their theses are assessed.
Professor Poku-Boansi said the School, in collaboration with the Office of Grants and Research, will organise writing clinics to support graduate students and strengthen their publication output.
As part of efforts to increase the policy relevance of graduate research, he revealed that PhD candidates will now be required to submit policy briefs alongside their theses.
“These policy briefs will be shared with the National Development Planning Commission (NDPC) and the relevant ministries and agencies to help inform their policies at the national level,” he said.
He further disclosed that oral examinations for master’s students will be reintroduced across all colleges in March 2026, marking a return to a major component of academic assessment.
He also announced that the School has developed a framework for joint PhD degrees, which will enable students to collaborate with faculty and access resources from multiple universities while producing a single thesis and defending it jointly.
Professor Poku-Boansi also unveiled the launch of the Book of Doctoral Abstracts and the Doctoral Dialogues Series.
The November 2025 edition, he said, features 221 abstracts from 220 Doctor of Philosophy candidates and one Doctor of Business Administration candidate, adding that students will share their research experiences in short video recordings under the Doctoral Dialogues initiative.
Addressing graduands, he encouraged them to remain connected to the university through the Alumni Association. “By joining, you help build the KNUST global community, which is essential for your networking, career opportunities, fostering connections and supporting your alma mater.”
He urged them to uphold their values and contribute to national development. “Remember that your little and genuine contribution can make your country and the world better. Do so with your talents, values, experiences and knowledge. Uphold your professional ethics and be good ambassadors of KNUST.”
The School of Graduate Studies is graduating 2,381 students this year, comprising 1,606 males (67.45%) and 775 females (32.55%).
The cohort includes 220 Doctor of Philosophy graduates, one Doctor of Business Administration graduate, 556 Master of Philosophy graduates, 1,586 Master of Science and equivalent degree holders, and five Postgraduate Diploma recipients.
