By Shina Abubakar, Osogbo

The Vice-Chancellor of Osun State University (UNIOSUN), Professor Clement Adebooye, has cautioned newly admitted postgraduate students against patronising “thesis contractors,” urging them to uphold academic integrity and contribute meaningfully to knowledge.

Adebooye gave the charge on Wednesday during the matriculation ceremony for new postgraduate students held at the Olagunsoye Oyinlola Auditorium in Osogbo.

He described the growing trend of students outsourcing their theses to roadside consultants as a practice that undermines scholarship and diminishes the integrity of postgraduate education.

“I hear of thesis contractors opening shops on campuses to consult for Master’s and PhD students. This is absurd,” he said.

“In this era of artificial intelligence and advanced technology, it is unbecoming of postgraduate students not to engage in research and produce their own work. Many groundbreaking works, including those of Nobel laureates, originated from postgraduate research. You must rise to the challenge and contribute to knowledge development.”

The Vice-Chancellor emphasised that postgraduate education requires deeper thinking, intellectual independence and a commitment to generating new ideas, rather than merely consuming existing knowledge.

“Postgraduate studies demand rigorous research, discipline and integrity. You are expected not only to learn but to create knowledge,” he stated.

He assured the students that the university provides a conducive learning environment, experienced faculty and the necessary academic support, but stressed that their success ultimately depends on their dedication and ethical conduct.

Adebooye also urged the students to avoid all forms of academic misconduct and uphold the highest standards of scholarship.

“Let your work speak for you,” he added.

Highlighting the relevance of research to societal development, the Vice-Chancellor encouraged the students to focus on studies that address real-life challenges.

“The journey is not just about earning certificates but about becoming solution providers. The world needs innovative thinkers, problem solvers and ethical leaders. Let your research make a difference in society,” he said.