Project Overview
Doctoral training in many Nigerian universities, including OAU, has been affected by systemic challenges such as prolonged time-to-completion, limited research capacity, inadequate supervision and mentorship, low publication output, and insufficient exposure to international research standards. These gaps have continued to impact the overall quality and global competitiveness of doctoral graduates. Therefore, the Consortium for Advanced Research Training in Africa (CARTA) implemented the Intervention towards Strengthening Research Training in Obafemi Awolowo University (ItSRETO) to enhance the quality of doctoral education at Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU). The programme was designed to strengthen PhD students’ competencies in critical thinking, research methodology, data analysis, scientific writing, publication, and timely completion of doctoral studies. The Centre for Gender, Women and Children in Sustainable Development (CGWCSD) was engaged to conduct an end-line evaluation to assess the programme’s outcomes, impact, and sustainability within the university’s postgraduate system.
Approach
CGWCSD adopted a mixed-methods evaluation design combining quantitative and qualitative approaches. Data were collected through surveys, in-depth interviews, stakeholder consultations, document reviews, and comparative analysis of ItSRETO beneficiaries and non-beneficiaries. Key respondents included doctoral students, supervisors, postgraduate administrators, faculty members, and programme facilitators.
Objectives
The evaluation aimed to assess the effectiveness and impact of the ItSRETO intervention, identify factors influencing doctoral education quality, examine the level of institutionalisation of programme innovations within OAU, and provide actionable recommendations for strengthening and sustaining doctoral training reforms.
Partners
- Consortium for Advanced Research Training in Africa (CARTA)
- Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife
- Postgraduate College, OAU
- Centre for Gender, Women and Children in Sustainable Development (CGWCSD)
Key Activities
The assignment involved conducting an end-line evaluation of the ItSRETO programme, administering surveys among doctoral students and beneficiaries, and facilitating interviews with key stakeholders including supervisors and postgraduate administrators. The team assessed programme outcomes against defined performance indicators, reviewed contributions to research capacity and institutional development, and developed evidence-based recommendations for sustainability and scale-up.
Key Outcomes and Achievements
The evaluation identified significant improvements in timely submission and defence of doctoral research proposals, increased participation of students in conferences and research dissemination, and strengthened competencies in research design, data analysis, academic writing, and publication. It also highlighted improved collaboration between students and supervisors, integration of research methodology training into doctoral curricula, and contributions to postgraduate policy and curriculum reforms at OAU. In addition, the programme supported more gender-responsive approaches within doctoral training structures.
Impact
Overall, the CARTA ItSRETO programme contributed to strengthening doctoral research training at Obafemi Awolowo University by improving academic standards, enhancing research quality, and fostering a culture of timely completion and scholarly productivity. The intervention also supported institutional reforms within the postgraduate system and provided a scalable model for strengthening doctoral education across higher education institutions in Nigeria and Africa.
