The concept of a thesis, derived from Latin and Greek origins, refers to a central argument or proposition advanced and defended through research. In Uganda, many universities have not taken it upon themselves to help students publish their theses. An unpublished thesis is considered technically unworthy.
A scholar identifies a research topic or proposal and demonstrates before a panel of academics how they intend to investigate a particular problem or fill an identified research gap. Research is broadly grouped into doctrinal and non-doctrinal research, with the latter commonly undertaken by students pursuing courses such as Business Administration and Medical Sciences.
Academic efforts are increasingly encouraging learners to adopt a mixed-methods approach, combining both doctrinal and non-doctrinal research methods. For example, examining the effectiveness of a statute without incorporating statistical evidence is challenging. Several universities in Uganda require students to undertake research as an exit requirement, but there is little data on how many universities publish or help students get their dissertations published.
It is an established academic practice that scholars ought to publish their research to advance knowledge and be subjected to peer review. Universities that do not promote this principle should be ignored by those interested in scholarly advancement. Kampala International University has taken steps to promote a culture of scholarly publication by encouraging Master's and PhD students to publish in reputable journals before graduation.
Other institutions, including cultural institutions and government agencies, should consider scholarly publication in academic journals as a practice worth emulating. The National Council for Higher Education in Uganda should develop an education policy framework that encourages research findings publication in academic journals, beginning at certificate level and progressing to higher levels of education.
This would help learners develop the intellectual capacity to communicate their knowledge and demonstrate their academic value to potential employers. The writer, an interdisciplinary scholar, encourages universities to support student research publication to enhance their academic relevance and intellectual potential.
Ultimately, any scholarly research that is not published should be ignored, and research that does not contribute to solving societal problems should be pulled off the shelf. The writer advocates for a culture of scholarly publication, where academics are encouraged to publish their research to advance knowledge and contribute to societal development.
Key points
- Universities in Uganda are urged to support student research publication to enhance academic relevance and intellectual potential.
