POSTGRADUATE SCHOOL

FEDERAL UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY, OWERRI

THE REGULATIONS GOVERNING FUTO Postgraduate

School Handbook
POSTGRADUATE STUDIES
 POSTGRADUATE SCHOOL
FEDERAL UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY, OWERRI

THE REGULATIONS GOVERNING POSTGRADUATE STUDIES

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CONTENTS
Mission and Vision 3
Philosophy of the Programme 3
Brief History of the Postgraduate School 3
Objectives of Postgraduate Studies 3
General Responsibilities of the Postgraduate School 5
The Board of the Postgraduate School 6
Membership of the Board of the Postgraduate School 7
Administration of the Postgraduate School 7
Appointment of the Dean of the Postgraduate School 9
School Postgraduate Committee 9
Membership 9
Departmental Postgraduate Committee 10
Membership 10
Responsibilities 10
General Regulations
Appointment of Lecturers and Supervisors in the Postgraduate School 10
Admission 12
Admission Requirements for all programmes 12
Registration 14
Residence Requirement 16
Graduation 17
Academic Sanctions 18
Student Discipline 18
Non Academic Matters 18
Academic Matters 18
Student Academic Record 20
Custody of Student Academic Records 22
Postgraduate Instruction and Supervision 22
Approval of Postgraduate Programmes 23
Regulations Relating to Examinations 23
Thesis Regulations 26
Degree Regulations 29
Degree of Master of Science 29
Degree of Master of Engineering (M. Eng.), 31
Master of Technology (M.Tech.) and
Master of Business Administration (MBA)
Degree of Doctor of Philosophy 33
On-Campus Residency Rules and Regulations 41

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Vision
To make excellence our watchword in training high level manpower capable of
contributing meaningfully in science and technology to the society.

Mission
To identify the technology problems and needs of the society and find solutions
to them through high-skilled teaching and research for overall national
development.

Philosophy
To develop high skilled professionals in technology, engineering, science,
agriculture, management and health for public, private and international
organizations as well as for teaching and research institution and for global
competitiveness.

BRIEF HISTORY OF THE POSTGRADUATE SCHOOL

The University Senate at the 31st meeting approved the machinery for the setting
up of Postgraduate Studies at the Federal University of Technology, Owerri. Prof.
Amah Nduka was appointed the first Dean of the proposed Postgraduate School
with effect from1st October, 1984.
In January 1989, the Postgraduate School was formally approved by the National
Universities Commission (NUC), Lagos and allowed to admit students into various
programmes.
The first set of postgraduate students were admitted in 1989/90 Academic Session.
In 1990/1991 and 1991/1992 Academic Sessions, 109 and 177 postgraduate
students, respectively, were registered in the 16 departments offering
Postgraduate programmes in the School.

FEDERAL UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY OWERRI

OBJECTIVES, STRUCTURE AND ORGANIZATION OF THE POSTGRADUATE SCHOOL
1. Objectives of postgraduate Studies
The objectives of the Postgraduate Studies in this University are:

a) To develop and offer academic and professional programmes leading to

the award of postgraduate degree to emphasize planning, adaptive,
technical, maintenance, development, and productive skills in the

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 Engineering, Scientific, Agricultural, Medical, Environmental, Technological
and allied professional disciples, with the aim of producing socially mature
personnel with capability not only to understand, use and adapt existing
technology but also improve and develop new ones.
b) To identify indigenous technologies and to upgrade and modernize them.
c) To act as agents and catalysts for the effective and economic utilization,
exploitation and conservation of our natural, economic and human
resources.
2. Programme Implications
a) Pursuant to the above objectives, the School will foster through instruction
and research a deeper understanding of fundamental principles and
hence the acquisition of the requisite ability to apply these ideas to new
problems. The student in the Postgraduate School must, therefore, be
made to realize quite early that his intellectual growth and subsequent
success is directly related to his depth of command of basic principles. Thus,
the programme aims at extending mental horizons, producing new
orientations, and developing a depth of understanding.

b) The fulfillment of these objectives calls for the:

i. Provision of facilities for training in research; development and

production.
ii. Provision of a wide variety of programmes of postgraduate training.

3. Higher Degrees.
Higher degrees fall into two broad categories:
a) Academic Degrees: These are research-oriented programmes that stress
scientific content and are intended primarily for those who wish to prepare
for a career in research. Academic degrees are awarded by the Senate in
recognition of a candidate’s command of a wide range of related subjects
within an academic field and ability to pursue original research leading to
a significant contribution to the field of study.

b) Professional Degrees: These are research-oriented programmes that stress

professional training and are intended primarily for those who wish to pursue
advanced study which is especially suited for industrial practice.
Practicing Engineers and Applied Scientists avail themselves of continuing
education opportunities for a variety of reasons. Within a given company,

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 changing from one position to another can mean a change in emphasis of
the skills required. Also, within a given position in a given company, changes
in the required skills may evolve due to changing practice, changing
products, or changes in technology. The demand for continuing education
for engineers and technologists is expected to be satisfied by the
professional degree programmes. Professional degrees are awarded by
the Senate in recognition of a candidate’s command of a comprehensive
body of professional knowledge and ability to organize and carry out
investigation of significant problems in the field of study.

GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE POSTGRADUATE SCHOOL

Under the authority of the Senate, the Postgraduate School is responsible for the
supervision, coordination and planning of activities within the University which
relate to programmes of postgraduate study. Thus, the responsibilities of the
Postgraduate School include the following:
I. As a supervisory unit, the Postgraduate School ensures that academic
regulations are defined in such a way as to promote academic excellence
in postgraduate programmes of study. To this end, the School shall:

a) Be responsible, under the authority of the Senate, for the establishment of

academic regulations and procedures as regards admission requirements,
general requirements for higher degrees, and the regulations governing the
preparation and evaluation of thesis.
b) Participate in cooperation with the Schools postgraduate Committees, the
Planning Committee and any outside agency authorized for this purpose,
in the evaluation of the quality of the postgraduate programs offered by
various departments.

II. As a coordinating unit, the postgraduate School is responsible, through its

secretariat, for coordinating the application of the academic regulations
and procedures regarding the admission, registration, enrolment and
promotion of postgraduate students; the maintenance of the student
records; the composition of board for examining and evaluating thesis, and
the approval for award of degrees to candidates.

III. As a planning unit, the Postgraduate School advises the Schools

Postgraduate Committees and the Senate as to the formulation and

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 updating of the five-year academic development plan of the University
and of each Department.

THE BOARD OF THE POSTGRADUATE SCHOOL

The Postgraduate School shall be governed by the board whose
functions and composition are described below. The Board is
subject to the authority of the Senate and as such acts as one of
its standing committees.
1. FUNCTIONS OF THE BOARD OF THE POSTGRADUATE SCHOOL
The Board shall
(i) Establish its own general regulations and such other regulations as may
become necessary, from time to time, for the proper conduct of its
meetings.
(ii) Create any standing or ad-hoc committee considered necessary.
(iii) Have authority to consider and approve the following on behalf of the
senate, provided that each case shall be duly reported to Senate:
deferment of admissions; supervisions; supervisors for postgraduate
students, proposal for the thesis title and research plan, minimum periods
of industrial study; forms and formats for the various provisions of the
postgraduate studies and regulations.
(iv) Recommend the approval of the following to the Senate, after due
consideration, regulations (or amendments to them) for postgraduate
studies; higher degree programmes (or amendments to them); award
of higher degrees; minimum educational qualifications for admission
into postgraduate programmes; course examination results; extension of
periods of study, external examiners; all such other responsibilities as
Senate may direct from time to time;
(v) Recommend to the Planning Committee new programmes of
Postgraduate studies submitted by academic units, after due
consideration.
(vi) Determine the criteria and procedures to be applied in the allocation
of scholarships, fellowships, stipends and any other awards available to
postgraduate students.
(vii) Determine the policy for the maintenance of records for students
registered for postgraduate studies.
(viii) Participate in the formulation of the University five-year development
plan and in its continual updating as well as the University’s annual
estimates. To this end, it shall:

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 (a) Examine the draft plan of each programme prior to its study by the
Planning Committee.
(b) Forward to the Estimates Committee annually its recommendations
as to the priorities to be established in the development of the
programmes of postgraduate study.
(ix) Promote the quality and relevance of the programmes of postgraduate
studies offered by the Federal University of Technology, Owerri. To this
end, it shall:
(a) Supervise all the procedures for the evaluation of the postgraduate
programmes of study initiated by any authorized professional
accrediting agency, or by any other agency authorized for this
purpose.
(b) Examine reports from these agencies and reports to the Planning
Committee.
(c) Recommend to Senate, candidates whose study should be
terminated.
(d) Handle any other matter referred to it by the Senate from time to
time.
2. Membership of the Board of the Postgraduate School
Dean, Postgraduate School -Chairman
Associate Dean, Postgraduate School -Member
Deans of Schools -Member
Heads of Departments -Member
Directors of Centers of Studies/Institute -Member
University Librarian -Member
Three representatives from each School who must
be Professors, (one of whom must be the Coordinator
of the Postgraduate Committee in that School) -Members
Director, Academic Planning & Development
(if he is a Professor) -Member
Outgoing Dean, Postgraduate School (He shall be
an Ex-officio member for a term of two years after
he had left office as Dean, Postgraduate School). - Member

In Attendance
Registrar
Bursar

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Secretary, Postgrad School -Secretary
Director of Academic Planning and Development
(if not a Professor). -Member

Quorum - One third of the Membership of the Board which should include the
Dean or the Associate Dean Postgraduate School or representative.

ADMINISTRATION OF THE POSTGRADUATE SCHOOL

1.0 Dean of the Schools

The Postgraduate School shall be headed by a Dean, whose functions
shall be determined mainly by his dual role as the Chairman of the Board
of the School and an officer of the University:

1.1 As Chairman of the Board of the Postgraduate School, he shall perform his
functions in conformity with the regulations of the Senate and the School.
More specifically, he shall

(i) be a member of the Committee of Deans, Senate band its

Committees on Planning and Estimates.
(ii) be a member of each School Postgraduate Committee.
(iii) ensure that all the decisions of the Board of the School are
implemented.
(iv) submit an annual report to the Board of the Schools.
(v) advise chairmen of the Schools’ Postgraduate Committees in
relation to the formulation and updating of the academic
development plan of their school.
(vi) represent the University in relation to any outside agency engaged
in planning postgraduate studies and evaluating higher degree
programmes.

1.2 As an officer of the University, he is responsible to the Vice-Chancellor

under whose direction he shall

(i) ensure the proper operation of the Postgraduate School.

(ii) be a member of such other committees as Senate or the Vice-
Chancellor shall direct.
(iii) be responsible, in collaboration with the programme concerned,
for the publicity and advertisement of postgraduate programmes
of study offered by the University and for the maintenance of
adequate student information system.

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1.3 Appointment of the Dean of the Postgraduate School

The term of office and procedure for the selection of the Dean of the
Postgraduate School shall be the same as that provided for a Dean in the Act
establishing the University; in this case the election is by members of the Board of
the Postgraduate School. All Professors in the University shall be eligible for
appointment as Dean of the Postgraduate School.

2.0 Associate Dean of the School

The Associate Dean of the Postgraduate School works in close collaboration with
the Dean and acts as Dean in the absence of the Dean. He is a member (ex
officio) of the Board. The Associate Dean shall be appointed by the School for a
term of two years. He is eligible for reappointment once. All Senior Lecturers and
above in the university shall be eligible for appointment as Associate Dean of the
Postgraduate School.

3.0 School Postgraduate Committee

3.1 Membership

Dean of the School - Chairman

Heads of Departments - Members

One representative from each Department - Members

All Lecturers with PhD involved in

Postgraduate teaching and/or supervision of
Postgraduate Diploma Programme - Members

Three members of the School

who are members of the Board of
Postgraduate School - Members

School Administrative Officer - Secretary

3.2 Terms of Reference

Each School Postgraduate Committee

(i) may set up standing or ad-hoc committees and shall define their
functions and composition.

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 (ii) shall, following an examination of the submissions made by the
Department, make such recommendations as may be required to the
Board of the Postgraduate School as regards academic regulations for
admission, promotion, thesis evaluation and the composition of examining
boards, the candidates for master’s and doctoral degrees, criteria and
procedures for the allocation of scholarships available to postgraduate
students, and approval of courses and programmes. To this end, it must
verify that the courses and programmes submitted for approval conform
with the academic regulations; that they do not duplicate other courses
already in existence and that they are consistent with the development
plan of the Department.

4.0 DEPARTMENTAL POSTGRADUATE COMMITTEE

4.1 Membership
Head of Department -Chairman
Most Senior Professor -Coordinator
All Lecturers involved with teaching/supervising
of postgraduate courses - Members

4.2 Responsibilities
Each Departmental Postgraduate Committee shall
(i) make academic regulations for admission, teaching, examination,
supervision and thesis evaluation in line with the academic regulation of
the Board of Postgraduate School.
(ii) design courses and programmes for Postgraduate Diploma, Master’s and
Doctorate degrees in line with the academic regulations for approval by
the Senate through the Board of Postgraduate School. Such courses must
be in line with the School and Departmental Development and Strategic
Planning.
(iii) recommend lecturers for teaching and supervision of Postgraduate
Programmes in the Department.

APPOINTMENT OF LECTURERS AND SUPERVISORS IN THE POSTGRADUATE SCHOOL

A member of the Postgraduate School is authorized to teach at the postgraduate
level, to supervise Masters and Doctoral thesis and to be called upon to serve on
a thesis examining board. Candidates for membership must be full time
academic staff of the Federal University of Technology Owerri or adjunct lecturers
and must not be pursuing postgraduate studies in any University and must satisfy
condition (4) below at the time of appointment. Such appointed lecturers shall
be paid postgraduate supervision allowance per student supervised per session
not exceeding five (5) students per lecturer which should be reviewed from time

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to time. They must have established reputation as researchers in their fields and
shall satisfy at least one of the following conditions:

1) Hold the rank of a Professor

2) Hold the rank of a Reader
3) Hold the rank of a Senior Lecturer
4) Hold the rank of a Lecturer and have at least two years of relevant
experience in University teaching and in research and have completed
the Doctorate Degree.
5) Where applicable, an external supervisor can be appointed from outside
the Federal University of Technology, Owerri.

Membership of the Postgraduate School is approved by the Board of the

Postgraduate School, based on recommendation made by the Department and
communicated to the Postgraduate School by the Chairman of the School
Committee. Membership of the Postgraduate School is subject to a periodic
review. Every exception to this regulation must be approved by the Board as far
as supervision of thesis and participation on thesis examining boards are
concerned. Approval of the appropriate School Committee is required for
exceptions regarding the supervision for individual thesis by scholars outside the
University. The above does not restrict the appointment of full-time teachers of the
Federal University of Technology, Owerri to give courses at the postgraduate level.

The administrative structure of the Postgraduate School is shown below:

APPENDIX 1

SENATE

BOARD OF THE
POSTGRADUATE SCHOOL

SCHOOL POSTGRADUATE
COMMITTEE

DEPARTMENT POSTGRADUATE
COMMITTEES

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REGULATIONS GOVERNING POSTGRADUATE STUDIES

1. HIGHER DEGREES
The University awards the following Higher Degrees: M.Agric., M.Tech., M. Eng.,
MBA, M.Sc., PhD and Postgraduate Diploma.
The University may institute additional higher degrees and diplomas on the
recommendation of the Board of the Postgraduate School and the
approval of the Senate.

2. THE NATURE OF POSTGRADUATE INSTRUCTION

Postgraduate instruction shall be conducted in the following ways:

1) Advanced lecture courses,

2) Seminars,
3) Independent study, or
4) Research/projects.

3. GENERAL REGULATIONS

3.1 ADMISSION

3.1.1 Admission Requirements for all programmes (PGD, Master, M.Phil and
Ph.D.)

i. All applicants must satisfy the basic matriculation requirements including

Credit Pass in Mathematics and English Language.

ii. For PGD: Minimum HND Upper Credit, Bachelor’s degree not below third
class honours.

iii. M.Sc.: Minimum requirement is Bachelor’s degree with Second Class Lower
Division and a minimum of CGPA of 3.0 on a 5 point scale as approved by
the Senate of FUTO.

iv. M.Phil: Minimum requirement should be M.A./M.Sc. degree with CGPA of

not lower than 3.50 on a 5-point scale.

v. PhD: Minimum Requirement should be M.A./MSc. degree with CGPA of not

lower than 3.50 on a 5 point scale.

Professional/Executive Masters Degrees

Bachelor degree not lower than 3rd class or HND at
Upper Credit level with years of experience.

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3.1.2 (a) Eligibility for Postgraduate Diploma
(i) Graduates of FUTO and other recognized universities;
(ii) Holders of Higher National Diploma (HND) with Credit, or above in its
relevant areas, professional qualifications such as ICAN, ACA, FIST, FIMT
FMILT, FNIST may also qualify for admission;
(iii) Graduates with first degree from a recognized university and holders of
Higher National Diploma (H ND) with Postgraduate Diploma may apply for
the MBA programme.

(b) Eligibility for the Degree of Masters.

A candidate must have one of the following qualifications:

i. A first degree with at least good second-class honours from the Federal
University of Technology, Owerri or from any other approved university, with
at least a CGPA of 3.0 on a 5 point scale.
ii. Qualifications other than 3.1.1.b (i) approved by the Senate. A candidate
may be required by the Board of the Postgraduate School prior to
registration to pass written and/or oral examinations set at the first-degree
level.
iii. A candidate with a qualification lower than second-class lower division will
be required to do a postgraduate diploma before a Master’s programme.

(c) Eligibility for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy

A candidate must hold a Master’s degree (with at least 3.50 CGPA or a
score average of 60% of the University or an equivalent standard of any
other approved University or such other qualifications as the Senate may
from time to time recognize. A Candidate with a degree of Professional
Master’s (M.Tech./M.Agric M.Eng.) may qualify for admission provided they
satisfy the condition above.

3.1.3 Method of Application

a) Application for admission to a course of study leading to a higher degree

shall be made on-line.

b) All applicants must supply

i. Official transcripts of academic records covering all previous
university studies (transcripts should normally be received directly
from the institutions concerned).
ii. Three confidential letters of recommendation supplied by lecturers
who have known the applicant and are familiar with his/her work.
iii. Copies of the Degree Certificates.

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 Applicants should note that the application for postgraduate admission is
now on-line, and should ensure that they meet up with all the requirements
for on-line application. After applying on-line, the applicants should send
the hard copies of their credentials and transcripts to the Postgraduate
School.

c) Candidates shall normally be admitted once a year and within the first four
weeks of the first semester of every session.
d) Completed application forms must reach the Secretary, Postgraduate
School not later than a specified date before the period of admission in
3.1.3. (c).
e) Application shall be considered in the first instance by the Departmental
Postgraduate Committee then to the School Postgraduate Committee in
the School in which the proposed course of study is based. The School
Postgraduate Committee shall make appropriate recommendations to the
Board of the postgraduate School.
f) Admission shall be made by the Senate on the recommendation of the
Board of the Postgraduate School. The Dean of the Postgraduate School
shall notify successful applicant in writing.
g) The proposed programme of study and research must be clearly stated by
the candidate.
h) Candidates may be required by the Board of the Postgraduate School to
furnish additional records.
i) Neither the Board of the Postgrad School nor the Senate shall be obliged
to give reasons for rejecting an application for admission.

3.1.4 Advertisement of Programmes

(a) Approved postgraduate programme shall be advertised at least once

in each academic year in the manner and at the time to be prescribe
by the Board of the Postgraduate School.
(b) Non-advertisement of an approve program shall not be a sufficient
ground for not considering admission into such a programme.

3.2 REGISTRATION

3.2.1 General
a) A candidate may register for either full-time or part-time study.
b) Candidates shall normally complete their registration within four weeks of
the beginning of each semester and shall renew their registration at the
beginning of each semester until the completion of their degree
programme.
All prescribed fees must be paid before the student is allowed to register.

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 Part of the fees shall go into the running of departmental postgraduate
programme.

c) Before registration, students should consult with their academic advisers.

d) Except by specific action of the Senate through the Board of the

Postgraduate School, the postgraduate students shall be required to
register for a minimum of 30 units for masters, 24 units for M.Phil and 12 units
for PhD, excluding the unit for project/thesis/dissertation before graduation.
The number of units allowed for a course is chosen so that one unit
corresponds to one hour of lecture (or three hours of laboratory) per week
for fifteen weeks. Exceptions for part-time students are subject to the
regulations detailed in the section on part-time programmes.

e) Full-time Postgraduate Student

(i) Shall limit employment (teaching assistant, research assistant, or
demonstrator) outside the academic programme to an average of
six hours a week in any semester.
(ii) May only be employed on part-time basis with the permission of the
Dean of the Postgraduate School.
(iii) Shall be geographically available and visit the campus regularly.

f) Part-time studies should be available in some programmes. However, it is

understood that students whose programme of study includes a full-time
residence requirement will have completed this requirement before being
allowed to become part-time students.
g) All changes in the registration must be reported on DROP or ADD CARDS to
the Secretary, Postgraduate School by the student. Such changes are
governed by regulation 3.2.1.(b).

h) A student registered in the Postgraduate School and enrolled in a

programme of study may audit courses, provided the consent of the
lecturer has been obtained. Auditing permits attendance at classes only.
No work shall be evaluated, and no record kept of such courses (and the
courses shall not appear on the student’s registration form).

i) The name of an applicant who has been admitted shall be placed on a

University Register. Registration shall normally be effective at the beginning
of each academic session, but may, on the recommendation of the School
Postgraduate Committee concerned and if the Board of the Postgraduate
School is satisfied that it is in the interest of the student, be effective at the
beginning of the Semester following that in which the application is
approved by the Senate.

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 j) The Senate may upon the request of the Board of the Postgraduate School
remove a student’s name from the register if the student fails to satisfy the
Board that he is making adequate Progress. A student’s name may also be
removed from the register for nonpayment of fees, or for failure to observe
such regulations governing discipline within the University as may be in
force. A Student’s name once removed from the register may be restored
only with the approval of the Senate.

k) Identity cards are required for borrowing books from the University, Libraries,
for using various University, facilities and for attendance at some University
sponsored events. The cards are issued by the Registrar to students who are
duly registered and have paid their fees. They usually remain valid for the
entire academic year, provided the student renews registration for each
semester. The identity card must be surrendered upon withdrawal from the
university.

3.2.2 Residence Requirement

The residence requirement of a programme is the compulsory full-time
attendance period, and its purpose is to encourage student to gain insight
and intellectual stimulation from the University environment. To fulfill the
residence requirement, a student must be in full-time (consecutive)
attendance for the time specified as the period of residence, and
consequently in such geographical proximity as to be able to participate
fully in the University activities associated with the programme.
3.2.3 Part-time Programmes
Part-time registration is permitted except for fulfillment of the residence
requirement. Many master’s programmes without residence requirements
may be completed entirely on a part-time basis. For fees purposes, all part-
time degree students are admitted to programmes of a length equal to
that of a full-time student. Part-time graduate study is subject to the
following:
a) Applicants for part-time programme must submit a regular application
form.
b) Any research work done for credit shall be supervised by a member of the
Postgraduate School.
c) Students admitted to the part-time programme are required to take a
minimum of 3 units and a maximum of 9 units Postgraduate work each
semester.

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 d) Any postgraduate department has the right to accept part-time study
under more stringent conditions.
3.2.4 Withdrawal and Re-admission
a) A student who wishes to withdraw from the University must apply for formal
withdrawal. Failure to obtain such a formal release constitutes voluntary
withdrawal from the postgraduate programme and termination of intent to
proceed to the degree for which admission was granted. Withdrawal forms
are obtainable from the Dean’s Office and are filled with the same office.
Withdrawal requires the endorsement of the student’s Head of
Department, Chairman of the School Postgraduate Committee and the
Dean of the Postgraduate School.

b) Female Postgraduate student may apply to the Dean of the Postgraduate

School through the Chairman of the School Postgraduate Committee and
the Head of Department for a (one semester) maternity leave from the
Postgraduate School during their programme of study. While on leave,
students will neither be registered with the School nor will they be required
to pay fees for this period. They will not be eligible to receive Federal
University of Technology, Owerri Fellowship (or Scholarship) support during
the leave. In the case of other fellowships (or scholarships), the regulations
of the particular granted agency will apply. The leave will, upon request by
the student, be extended by one semester. Where possible, the start and
end of the leave should coincide with the start and end of a semester.

c) A student who has withdrawn and wishes to re-enroll must file an

application for re-admission with the Dean’s Office and must pay
prescribed non-transferable, non- refundable re-admission fee. With the
exception of maternity leave, student’s approval of re-admission is not
automatic; and formal review of the student’s application and academic
record is made by the Postgraduate School and the appropriate School
Postgraduate Committee, and the student is notified in writing whether the
application has been approved or not.
3.3 GRADUATION
3.3.1 Degree Recommendation
When all requirements for the degree have been completed, the School
Postgraduate Committee is required to submit a recommendation to the
Secretary of the Postgraduate School, giving evidence that the Programme
approved by the Senate has been satisfactorily completed.

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3.3.2 Assemblies for the Conferment of Degrees
Convocation ceremony is held once a year. The Secretary of the Postgraduate
School shall submit the names of the graduands to the Registrar.
3.3.3 Academic Sanctions
Academic sanctions are applicable to any student who has an outstanding
University obligation. Recognized University obligations are:
(a) Tuition fees,
(b) Academic and other incidental fees,
(c) Residence fees and other residence charges,
(d) Library fines,
(e) Health service accounts,
(f) Loans made by the University,
(g) Unreturned or damaged instruments, materials, library books and equipment,
(h) Any other obligations that may be approved from time to time.

The following academic sanctions will be imposed on postgraduate students who

have outstanding recognized University obligations:
(i) The University will not release the official degree certificate which declares the
degree earned, not provide oral confirmation or written certification of degree
status to external enquirers.
(ii) Registration will be denied to a continuing or returning student. Payments
made by continuing or returning students shall be applied, first to outstanding
university debts, and secondly, to current fees.

3.4 STUDENT DISCIPLINE

3.4.1 Non Academic Matters
Students discipline for non-academic offences is vested in the Vice Chancellor
3.4.2 Academic Matters
In all work submitted in conformity with the requirements for postgraduate
degrees, source materials must be properly acknowledged. If they are not, the
submission may be disqualified. Where deliberate plagiarism or any other
academic offence is suspected, disciplinary proceedings may be initiated.
(a) Academic Offences
In order to protect the integrity of the teaching, learning and evaluation
processes of the University, it shall be an offence for any student

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 (i) to use or possess unauthorized aids or obtain unauthorized assistance in
any academic examination (or semester tests) or to use unauthorized aid
or obtain unauthorized assistance in any other form of academic work or
to cheat in any way.
(ii) to represent as that of the student, in any academic work submitted for
credit in a course or programme of study, any idea or expression of an idea
of another person;
(iii) to submit for credit in any course or programme of study, without the
knowledge and approval of the academic staff to whom it is submitted,
any academic work for which credit has previously been obtained or is
being sought in another course or programme of study in the University or
elsewhere;
(iv) to submit for credit in any course or programme of study any academic
work containing a purported statement of fact or reference to a source
which has been concocted.
(v) to forge or in any other way falsify any academic record of the University
or of any academic division of the University or to forge or in any other way
falsify any academic record of another educational institution used for
purposes of the Federal University of Technology, Owerri, or to alter or make
use of any such forged or falsified records.
(vi) to remove books or other library material from a University library without
proper authorization, to willfully mutilate library material or misplace it, or in
any other way willfully deprive other members of the University of the
opportunity to have access to library resources.
(b) Sanctions
The following sanctions, listed in order of increasing severity, may be imposed
upon conviction of any student of any offence:
(i) Caution;
(ii) Censure;
(iii) Assignment of a mark of zero in academic work submitted for credit;
(iv) Failure in or cancellation of credit for any course or other academic work
in respect of which any offence was committed;
(v) Suspension from attendance in all courses which the student registered at
the time the offence was committed for any period less than twelve months
from the date on which the offence was committed and loss of credit for
any course or courses which have not been registered at the time the
offence was committed;
(vi) Suspension from the University for a specified period;
(vii) Expulsion from the University;

19
(viii) Withdrawal of a degree.

(c) Reporting
The Postgraduate School shall investigate all academic offences and shall report
its findings and recommendations to the Senate.

3.5 STUDENTACADEMIC RECORDS

3.5.1 Definition
Student academic records refer to information relating to a student’s admission
to an academic performance at the University. The “official student academic
record” shall contain:
a) registration and enrolment information.
b) results for each course and academic period.
c) detailed evaluations of a student’s academic performance used to judge
his/her progress through an academic programme.
d) basis for a student’s admission such as the application for admission and
supporting documents.
e) results of petitions and appeals filed by a student.
f) medical information relevant to a student’s academic performance which
has been furnished at the request or with the consent of the student
concerned.
g) letters of reference which may or may not have been provided on the
understanding that they shall be maintained in confidence.
h) personal information which is required in the administration of academic
records such as name, address, telephone number, citizenship, etc.
3.5.2 Access to Academic Records
(a) Access by a student:
(i) A student may examine and have copies made of his/her academic record
as defined above, with the exception of those portions of the record which
comprise (1) his/her application for admission to the School and supporting
documents and (2) letters of reference which have been provided on the
understanding that they shall be maintained in confidence.
(ii) A student’s request to examine a part of his/her academic record shall be
made in writing and shall be complied with by the Secretary, Postgraduate

20
 School. Such compliance shall occur within thirty days of receipt of the
request.
(iii) A student has the right to challenge the accuracy of his/her academic record
with the exception of the material specifically excluded above in section
3.5.2(a)(i) and to have his/her official student academic record supplemented
with comments so long as the source of such comments are identified and the
official student academic record remains secured within the custody of the
School. Reference to such comments would not necessarily appear on official
academic reports such as transcript or statements of results.
(b) Access by the University Staff
Members of the teaching and administrative staff of the University shall have
access to relevant portions of a student’s academic record for purposes related
to the performance of their duties. Access to medical information as defined in
3.5.1.(f) shall be granted to members of the teaching and administrative staff only
with the prior expressed or implied consent of the student and, if applicable, in
the case of medical assessment, the originator of the record.
(c) Access by University campus organization
Recognized campus organizations in the University shall have access to the
information referred to in 3.5.2(d) (i) as well as to the residence address and
telephone number of student’s names by that organization for the legitimate
internal use of that organization.
(d) Access by others
(i) By the act or registration, a student gives implicit consent for a minimal
amount of information to be made freely available to all enquirers: The
academic programme(s) and the session(s) in which a student is or has
been registered, degree(s) received and date(s) of award.
(ii) Any other information contained in the academic record of a student,
including the student’s comments generated under 3.5.2(a)
(iii) But with the exception of the material specially excluded in 3.5.2(a) (i),
student’s academic record shall be released to other persons and
agencies only with student’s prior expressed written consent, or on the
presentation of a court order, or in accordance with the requirements of
professional licensing or certification bodies or otherwise under compulsion
or law. Requests granted to any persons or agencies outside the University
for access to a Postgraduate student’s academic record shall be kept in
file.

21
(iv) General statistical material drawn from academic records not disclosing
the identities of students may be released for research and information
purposes by the School.
(e) Refusal of Access
The University reserves the right to withhold access to the statements of results and
transcripts of students who have outstanding debts. The University may also
choose not to release the official certificate to such student and not to provide
written certifications of degree on their behalf.
3.5.3 Custody of Student Academic Records
Postgraduate student’s academic records are normally under the custodial
responsibility of the Postgraduate School. Fifty years after a student has ceased
to be registered, all records including those which have been retained by any
programme or office of the University become the responsibility of the University
Archivist and become open to researchers authorized by the Federal University of
Technology, Owerri.
3.5.4 Exemptions
The Board of the Postgraduate School shall have power to waive the application
of a regulation in individual cases. Such exemptions are granted only in
exceptional circumstances, and require the favorable recommendation of the
Department and of the School Postgraduate Committee.

3.6 POSTGRADUATE INSTRUCTION AND SUPERVISION

3.6.1. Eligibility to Teach Postgraduate Courses
(a) Only members of the Postgraduate School shall normally be permitted to
teach Postgraduate courses (see the document “Objectives, Structures and
Organization of the Postgraduate School”)
(b) In special circumstances, other categories of staff may be permitted to teach
postgraduate courses, provided they have PhD and the permission is granted
by the School Postgraduate Committee.
3.6.2 Supervision of Postgraduate Research
(a) Upon admission to a postgraduate degree programme, an interim adviser will
be appointed for each student by the Head of Department concerned.
The responsibilities of an adviser include assisting students in selecting a suitable
area of research and in registration, to acquaint students with the research

22
interests of the staff and to help them identify the staff most suitable to direct their
research.
(b) A Committee of three members in the area of study shall be appointed by
the Board of the Postgraduate School on the recommendation of the
appropriate School Postgraduate Committee to supervise the work of each
doctoral student. The principal supervisor is the chairman of this committee,
In this case, one of the supervisors may be a person of recognized expertise
who is not a member of the University. AIl Postgraduate Students are required
to present seminars before graduation.
(c) The role of the supervisors shall include:
(i) guiding and advising Postgraduate students in the choice of courses,
topic, design, collection of data, and the writing of thesis
(ii) submission of annual report on the work of the candidate through
the School Postgraduate Committee to the Board of the
Postgraduate School.
(d) In the case of absence from the University for an extended period of time, the
departments shall make suitable arrangements for the continued supervision
of the student. Such arrangements should be communicated to the
Postgraduate School before the supervisor leaves the University.

3.7 APPROVAL OF POSTGRADUATE PROGRAMMES

(a) Approval of postgraduate programmes shall be by the Senate on the
recommendation of the Board of the Postgraduate School.
(b) No Postgraduate degree programme or amendments to programmes shall
be advertised or offered in the University unless such had been approved
by the Senate on the recommendation of the Board of the Postgraduate
School.

3.8 REGULATIONS RELATING TO EXAMINATIONS

3.8.1 General
a) Courses are assigned a unit value. One unit corresponds to one hour of lecture
per week or three hours of laboratory (research, or independent study) per
week per Semester.
b) The work of all students is reported in terms of the following grades:
A (70 – 100 = excellent)
B (60 – 69 = very good)

23
 C (50 – 59 = good)
F (0 – 49 = fail).
c) A student may register to repeat the course in which he has earned grade F in
a subsequent semester and receive credit without regard to the previous
grade, the new grade and units being counted as for other courses. The
original F and units remain on the record and they are counted in computing
the grade-point average.
d) All courses that do not have a formal lecture structure (research, seminars,
independent study) shall be designated “Graded Pass/Fail”. A grade on the
pass/fail system shall be “P” if it would have been a C or better on the letter
grade system, otherwise the grade is F. Grades of P or F obtained in courses
graded on a pass/fail basis are not included in computing grade-point
average.
e) Grade-point per unit are assigned as follows A(5), B(4), C(3), F(O).
f) The grade-point average is computed by dividing the total number of grade-
points earned by the total number of units taken in a semester; whereas the
cumulative grade-point average is computed by dividing the total number of
grade-points earned by the total number of units in a given period.
g) Grades A, B, C, and F are used in determining a student’s grade-point
average.
h) All grades are considered final when approved by the Senate on the
recommendation of the Board of the Postgraduate School.
i) Errors on grade reports should be brought to the attention of the School
without delay. If the School can confirm that the grade assigned to the student
is indeed in error it will make the necessary correction on the student’s record
and request that a corrected grade report be issued.
j) An aggrieved student may appeal for a review of his/her script(s). The
following formal procedure of appeal shall be followed:
(i) The student shall, in the first place, petition the Secretary,
Postgraduate School through the Departmental Postgraduate
Committee, the Secretary shall refer such a petition to the School
Postgraduate Committee.
(ii) The recommendations of the Committee shall be forwarded to the
Board of the Postgraduate School through the Secretary of the
Postgraduate School.
(iii) Students applying for a review of answer script shall be required to
pay a non- refundable fee of N10,000.00 or N2,000.00 per paper for
semester examination.
(iv) Where a student is required to withdraw from the University in
accordance with 3.8.2(f) below and petitions for a review of his/her

24
 script(s), the withdrawal status shall continue to be in force until the
review exercise is concluded; thereafter the withdrawal status is
either confirmed or revoked depending on the result of the review.
k) At the close of each semester, students may collect an unofficial copy of
their academic record from the office of the Secretary of the Postgraduate
School. Students may also send self-addressed, stamped envelopes to the
Secretary stating that they want their copies mailed to them. Official copies
of the academic record/transcripts are also available from the office of the
Registrar at a fee of N 10,000 for any record requested.
3.8.2 Examinations
(a) The examination requirements shall include any or all of the following:
i. Passing of written and practical examinations in the subjects of the
student’s programme of study;
ii. Proof of proficiency in the languages prescribed for the programme;
iii. Submission of a thesis/project report and its acceptance by the
examiners appointed for that purpose;
iv. Passing of oral and written examinations on the subjects.
(b) candidates shall be required to take examination in all lecture courses for
which they are registered. A candidate who is absent without good cause
from an examination for which he/she was duly registered, shall be
deemed to have failed the examination. Where a candidate has been
absent with good cause approved by the Senate on the recommendation
of the Board, he shall be allowed to take the examination at the next
available opportunity without penalty.
(c) The examination shall not exceed three hours duration and must be
administered at the end of the semester and at the time announced in the
examination timetable.
(d) The Chairman of the School Postgraduate Committee shall arrange for all
marked scripts and mark sheet to be securely kept in the office of the Dean
of the Postgraduate School. They may be destroyed after a minimum of
five years.
(e) Only courses grade A, B, and C are accepted in satisfaction of higher
degree requirements. Courses graded below C do not yield unit credit
toward a higher degree, irrespective of the overall grade-point average.
Postgraduate Students must maintain a minimum grade point average of
3.0. in all Postgraduate course work undertaken at the University at the end
of the session.
(f) Students who obtain CGPA of less than 3.00 shall be required to withdraw
from the University.
(g) There shall be no resit examination in any Postgraduate Courses.

25
3.8.3 Reading and Defense of the thesis
(a) For the examination for each candidate, the Senate shall, on the
recommendation of the Board of the Postgraduate School, appoint a
Board of Examiners (of whom at least one shall be external to the University).
(b) The oral defense will take place when the examiners have had time to
critically evaluate the thesis. Each examiner will communicate one to the
following verdicts to the Postgraduate School:
(i) Accepted for defense; any minor modifications will be
communicated at the time of defense.
(ii) The thesis is not acceptable given the following reasons:
(c) Thesis examination may be held at any time subject to the availability of
examiners. The Board of Examiners shall render one of the following
verdicts:
(i) The thesis is acceptable for the verdicts.
(ii) The thesis is acceptable with minor revisions which must be approved
by the Internal Examiners on behalf of the Board of examiners.
(iii) The thesis must undergo major revisions. Once these have been
made by the candidate, the thesis either:
(1) is read again by the same examiners but a new defense is not
necessary, or
(2) undergoes the reading and defense processes in its entirety with
the same examiners. If the candidate is not recommended for the
degree after the second defense, he/she must withdraw from the
University.
(iv) The thesis is not acceptable; the candidate must submit a new thesis.
(d) All required revisions and corrections of the thesis must be carried out
promptly. A candidate who cannot complete them and submit the final
corrected or revised copies of the thesis to the School before the beginning
of the next semester, shall register for that next semester
(e) The examination results shall be presented in accordance with the
regulations set out for each higher degree work.
3.9 THESIS REGULATIONS
3.9.1 Standards of the Thesis
(a) The Master’s thesis should reveal that the candidate is able to work in a
scholarly manner and is acquainted with the principal works published on
the subject of the thesis. As far as possible it should be an original
contribution. However, a thoughtful and critical synthesis of the conclusions

26
 of specialists on a particular problem related to the subject of specialization
may be accepted.
(b) A Doctoral thesis must constitute a significant contribution to knowledge,
embody the results of the original investigation and analysis and be of such
quality as to merit publication.
(c) The thesis topic shall not exceed 18 words.
3.9.2 Registration of the Topic.
a) When the thesis topic has been approved by the School Postgraduate
Committee, it shall be submitted to the Postgraduate School for registration.
The form used for this purpose will bear the signature of the student’s
supervisor(s) and the Head of Department.
b) The Secretary of the Postgraduate School will then notify the student that
the thesis topic has been registered.
Advancement to Candidacy
a) Candidates in good standing (see regulation 3.8.2(e) shall, not later than
the end of the second semester of registration,
(i) write a proposal of the research topic(s) of their choice for the
consideration of the School Postgraduate Committee and
subsequent approval by the Board of the Postgraduate School.
(ii) be assigned to supervisors by the Department in consultation with the
Dean of the Postgraduate School through the Chairman of the
School Postgraduate Committee.
b) Candidates shall, with the assistance of their principal supervisors, register
the title of the proposal research. The department shall provide, through
the Chairman of the School Postgraduate Committee, the list of supervisors
by completing the appropriate form obtainable from the office of the
Secretary, Postgraduate School. This plan of study, if approved by the
Board of the Postgraduate School on the recommendation of the School
Postgraduate Committee, shall constitute the thesis requirements for the
degree, and changes in the schedule will not be recognized unless
approved by the Board of the Postgraduate School on the
recommendation of the School Postgraduate Committee.
3.9.3. Writing of the Thesis
The writing of the thesis must conform to the following specifications:
a) The thesis shall normally be written in English language. Any exceptions will
need the approval of the Board of the Postgraduate School prior to
commencement of the research. Exceptions will be made only in most
unusual circumstances where there is another language. Where approval

27
 is given for the thesis to be written in any other approved language, a
summary of the abstract in English language shall be provided.
b) All copies shall be in double-spaced, typeset on one side of the paper only.
c) The paper shall be of good quality and shall be A4 except for drawings and
maps on which there is no restriction as to size.
d) The margin on each sheet shall be not less than 32 mm on the left-hand
side, 12.7 mm on the right, 25 mm at the top, and 19 mm at the bottom.
e) There shall be a cover page showing:
The title of the work;
The author’s name with qualifications;
The degree;
The date of submission;
University.
f) The spine shall show the surname, degree and year only.
g) For the Master’s thesis the colour of the binding shall be navy blue. For the
PhD thesis the colour of the binding shall be marron.
h) All pages shall be numbered.
i) Diagrams, charts, etc. should be included where possible, within the text,
otherwise they may be clearly referred to in the text, numbered and folded
for insertion in a pocket in the back inside cover or volume after binding.
Pictures must be scanned.
j) Each copy of the thesis shall have a title page showing the title of the works;
the author’s name; with qualification e.g. B.Sc, M.Sc etc. the degree; the
date of submission; University and the words “A Thesis submitted in partial
fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of (insert appropriate degree)
the Federal University of Technology, Owerri” on the recommendation for
the Board of the Postgraduate School.
3.9.4 Submission of the Thesis
(a) At the end of the course work, the candidate shall deliver a seminar prior
to submission of thesis. A candidate who intends to submit a thesis must
include on the prescribed form not less than three months before the
proposed date of oral presentation the following:
i. A request for permission to submit the thesis;
ii. The registered title of the thesis.
iii. A synopsis of the work in not more than 350 words.
This form shall be submitted to the Secretary, Postgraduate School through the
candidate’s Head of Department on the recommendation of the Supervisor(s)

28
who shall certify the suitability of the synopsis and whether the residential and
other requirements have been met.
(b) At the time of submission of the thesis, the Supervisory Committee shall furnish
the Postgraduate School with a statement certifying that it has read the thesis
and finds it acceptable for submission to the members of the Board of
Examiners.
(c)A candidate shall furnish at least four bound typewritten or printed copies of
the thesis which has been prepared in accordance with the appropriate
format and other particulars approved by the Postgraduate School.
(d)The Postgraduate School shall transmit copies of the thesis to the examiners
and will receive their reports. If the reports are favourable, the School will
organize the defense of the thesis (see also 3.8.2)
(e) By registering for postgraduate studies at the Federal University of Technology,
Owerri, a candidate agrees to the use of the thesis for research purposes. Thus,
on submitting the thesis, the candidate will sign a document, available in the
Office of the Dean of the Postgraduate School, thereby permitting the
consultation and the lending of the thesis. By means of the same document,
the author also authorizes the Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO)
to reproduce the thesis and to lend such reproductions at no cost to libraries
or individual requesting them.
3.9.5 Distribution of the Thesis
(a) Four copies of successful thesis are to be submitted through the Chairman
for the School Postgraduate Committee to the Secretary, Postgraduate
School. The copies shall be distributed as follows:
One copy to the University Library;
One copy to the Postgraduate School;
One copy to the candidate’s supervisor;
One copy to the Department.
(b) The Postgraduate School will keep two copies of a rejected thesis.
3.9.6 Affirmation of Responsibility
A candidate’s thesis must contain a clear statement of his responsibility of the
work, including the extent of his contribution of original work. All of the
candidate’s previously published work under joint authorship must be referenced
in the thesis. A candidate must also certify that his original work contained in the
thesis has not been submitted to this or any other institution for a degree.

29
4. DEGREE REGULATIONS
4.1 DEGREE OF MASTER OF SCIENCE
4.1.1 Programme of Study
(a) A candidate shall pursue, within a department, a programme of advanced
study approved by the Senate on the recommendation of the Board of the
Postgraduate School. The programme shall be a minimum of 18 credit units
of Postgraduate courses, and the preparation of a research thesis.
(b) The study will normally be undertaken internally at the University. A candidate
may be granted permission by the Board of the Postgraduate School on the
recommendation of the School Postgraduate Committee to conduct part of
the study outside the University. No candidate will be given such permission
unless arrangements which the department deems adequate are made to
ensure that some part of the time is spent within the University.
(c) Each candidate shall be required to pursue a full time course for study of a
period of not less than two Semesters.
(d) Each candidate shall be required to complete all requirements for the award
of the Master of Science degree (including satisfactory defense and
submission of the Master’s thesis) in not more than six semesters.
(e) Candidacy for the Master’s degree shall lapse automatically if regulation
4.1.1 (d) is breached. In exceptional cases reinstatement can be
accomplished upon the recommendation of the Departmental
Postgraduate Committee to the Board of the Postgraduate School. In this
case extension shall not exceed two additional semesters, at the end of
which candidature shall lapse finally.
4.1.2 Transfer of Credit
A maximum of four semester units earned elsewhere as a postgraduate student
may be validated by the Department as the equivalence of specific Federal
University of Technology, Owerri courses. The method of validation should be
indicated - e.g. transcript information, or examination. A letter grade of B or better
(6O% - 100%) in the course is required for transfer credit. However the minimum
residence requirement remains unchanged.
4.1.3 The Master of Science Thesis
(a) Each candidate shall submit a thesis prepared in accordance with
regulation (3.9.3)

30
(b) There shall be a Board of examiners for the examination of each thesis
comprising:
(i) the Chairman of the School Postgraduate Committee (or his
designate) deputizing for the Dean of Postgraduate School,
(ii) the candidate’s principal supervisor (s),
(iii) the departmental representative,
(iv) one external examiner (to be nominated by the option and
appointed by the Senate on the recommendation of the Board of
the Postgraduate School,
(v) one member of the Postgraduate School who is knowledgeable in
the field.
(c) Upon successful defense of the thesis, the candidate shall be required to
submit four bound copies of the thesis through the Head of department
and these shall be distributed in accordance with regulation 3.9.5 (a).
4.1.4 Award of the Degree
Upon the approval by the Senate of a recommendation by the Board of the
Postgraduate School, the degree of Master of Science is conferred on a
candidate who has satisfied the residence requirement, satisfactorily completed
all approved work, maintained a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.00,
presented an acceptable thesis, and fulfilled such other requirement as may be
prescribed by the department.
4.2 Degree of Master of Engineering (M. Eng.), Master of Technology (M.Tech.)
and Master of Business Administration (MBA)
4.2.1 Programme of Study
(a) A candidate for Master of Engineering and Master of Technology shall pursue
in this University, under the direction of one Postgraduate option, a programme
of studies approved by the Senate on the recommendation of the Board of
the Postgraduate School. The programme shall include a minimum of 30 units
of lecture and laboratory courses in addition to a project. Candidates without
adequate industrial experience may be required to undergo extensive
industrial study. For the Master of Business Administration, the minimum period
is three semesters of course work in addition to a project.
(b) Each candidate shall be required to complete all requirements for the degree
in not more than eight Semesters.
(c) Candidacy for the professional Master’s degree will lapse automatically if
regulation 4.2.1(c) is breached. In special cases reinstatement can be
accomplished upon the recommendation of the School Postgraduate

31
 Committee to the Board of the Postgraduate School. In this case extension
shall not exceed two additional semesters at the end of which candidature
shall lapse finally.
4.2.2 Thesis Report
A candidate’s report must be presented in the form described in regulation 3.9.3.
The report must be approved by the candidate’s supervisor.
4.2.3 Examination Committee
A committee of four shall be appointed by the Dean of the Postgraduate School
on the recommendation of the School Postgraduate Committee to examine the
candidates. This is done at least six weeks before the examination. However,
Master of Business Administration projects shall be orally examined.
4.2.4 Oral Presentation of thesis Report
(a) Presentation of the report is open to any interested academic staff.
However, the grading may be restricted to members of the Examination
Committee.
(b) A summary of the candidate’s postgraduate marks should be made
available to the Examination Committee at the time of the presentation.
(c) The candidate will give a copy of the project report to the members of the
Examination Committee at least three weeks before the presentation and
one copy of the report will be left with the option representative so that any
interested person may study it.
(d) The candidate will present the report to the Examination Committee and
will then respond to question from the members. Questions will centre on
the work presented by the candidate, fields related to the work and on the
course taken by the candidate.
(e) At the conclusion of the presentation and examination, the Committee
shall return a grade for the report and the examination. The Committee
shall submit recommendations to the Dean of the Postgraduate School.
(f) Upon successful defense of the project, the candidate shall submit four
bound copies of the project report through the Chairman of the School
Postgraduate Committee and these shall be distributed in accordance
with regulation 3.9.5 (a).
(g) Candidate may elect to do a thesis instead of a project. In this case thesis
regulations shall apply (see 4.1.3).

32
4.2.5 Award of the Degree
Upon the approval by the Senate of a recommendation to the Senate by the
Board of the Postgraduate School, the degree of Master of Engineering or Master
of Technology or Master of Business Administration is conferred on a candidate
who has satisfactorily completed at least three semesters of approved work at
the University, maintained a cumulative grade —point average of at least 3.00,
presented an acceptable project/thesis report, passed the oral examination and
fulfilled such other requirements as may be prescribed by the department.

4.3 Degree of Doctor of Philosophy

4.3.1 Programme of Study.
(a) A candidate for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy shall pursue a
programme of advanced study and research approved by the Senate on
the recommendation of the Board of the Postgraduate School. The number
of units of advance core course (above the master’s level) required shall
not be taken in less than 2 semesters for full time and a minimum of 3
semesters for part-time, a minimum of 6 units per semester for full time and
a minimum of 3 units per semester for part-time and it shall not be less than
9.
(b) The progamme of study for Doctorate degree are more individualized than
those for Master’s degree, permitting more specialization within a field or
the establishment of connections among fields. The field of study may be
in a single department, except for essential related courses in other options,
in several options, or in an interdisciplinary group.
(c) Unless otherwise specified, six semester of residence are required for full-
time and eight semesters for part-time. Only in exceptional circumstances
shall the students spend less than six semesters of full-time residence at the
University. Normally, the years of required full-time attendance shall be
done consecutively.
In exceptional cases, and with the approval of the Postgraduate School, required
full-time attendance may be interrupted for a period of time not to exceed one
year. The time limit for completion of the programme, however, remains
unchanged.
(d) Each candidate shall be required to complete all requirement for the
award of the degree (including satisfactory defense and submission of the
Doctoral thesis) in not more than twelve semesters.

33
(e) Candidacy for the doctorate degree shall lapse automatically if regulation
4.3.1(d) is breached. In special cases reinstatement can be accomplished
upon the recommendation of the School Postgraduate Committee to the
Board of the Postgraduate School. In this case extension shall not exceed
two additional semesters, at the end of which candidature shall lapse
finally.
4.3.2 Graduation Requirements
1. PGD: Minimum of 2 Semesters and maximum of 4 Semesters for Full Time
Students. For Part Time Students, minimum is 4 Semesters and maximum of
6 Semesters.
2. M.Sc: Minimum of 3 Semesters and maximum of 6 Semesters for Full Time
Students. For Part Time Students, minimum is 4 Semesters and maximum of
8 Semesters.
3. M.Phil.: Minimum of 3 semesters and maximum of 6 Semesters for Full Time
Students.
4. Ph.D.: Minimum of 6 Semesters and maximum of 10 Semesters for Full Time
Students. For Part Time students, minimum is 8 Semesters and maximum of
14 Semesters.
5. Number of Units Requirement for Graduation: 30 units for Masters; 24 units
for M.Phil; and 12 units for PhD, excluding the unit for
Project/Thesis/Dissertation)
4.3.3 Transfer of Credit from Master’s to PhD
(a) A Federal University of Technology Owerri postgraduate student who has
completed the Master’s degree may apply for transfer to the Doctoral
progamme. Transfer credit towards the Doctorate degree programme for
postgraduate work completed in the Master’s programme will be limited to
one course (three units) provided the course has not been credited
towards another degree. Such credit may be given on the
recommendation of the student’s option and with the approval of the
Postgraduate School.
(b) A maximum of eighteen semester units earned elsewhere as a
postgraduate student may be validated by the department as the
equivalence of specific Federal University of Technology, Owerri Master’s
level courses. The method of validation should be indicated, e.g. transcript
and syllabus information or examination. A letter grade of B or better (60%-
100%) in the course is required for transfer credit. However, no transfer credit
towards the Doctorate degree programme will be granted for work done
elsewhere.

34
(c) A Federal University of Technology, Owerri, Doctoral student who has
already received four semesters of residence credit may request up to two
semesters for work to be done at another institution. The work must have
prior approval of the option and the Board of the Postgraduate School,
through the school Postgraduate Committee. The number of credits to be
earned shall be determined before the student begins the course of study.
4.3.4 Language Requirement
The requirement serves to ensure that PhD candidates have the ability to acquire
wide knowledge in their fields of study, and to enable them to keep up with
foreign development in the field. Students should fulfill the language requirement
(if required by the programme) for the PhD before advancement to candidacy
and preferably before admission to the qualifying examination. Each
postgraduate programme may have somewhat different foreign language
requirements, not only with respect to the particular languages requirements, not
only with respect to the particular languages required but also with respect to
their number.
4.3.5 Qualifying Examinations
Before admission to candidacy, students must pass a series of qualifying
examinations (written and oral) on the fundamentals of the field administered by
the department and approved by the Senate on the recommendation of the
Board of the Postgraduate School. The candidate must have completed the
Master’s programme, obtained at least a CGPA of 4.00 on a 5 point scale or 60%
score average in all the courses taken at that level and the language
requirement(s) must have been fulfilled. School Postgraduate Committees have
the option of requiring performance levels higher than the minimum required by
the Postgraduate School. A candidate would be allowed to take the examination
in not more than two times after the previous semester; the repeat examination
should be taken when next available.
4.3.6 Advancement to candidacy
(a) Application is made on a form furnished by the Secretary, Postgraduate
School, not later than the semester following the one in which the qualifying
examinations were passed. The completed form, bearing the endorsement
of the student’s Chairman of School Postgraduate Committee is filled with
the Dean of the Postgraduate School. All courses should have been passed
and the candidate must have had a minimum CGPA of 4.00 and all
requirement for the Doctorate degree (except the thesis) must have been
completed before the student is advanced to candidacy.

35
(b) Candidates in good standing (see regulations 4.3 and 4.3(a) shall, not later
than the semester following the one in which the qualifying examinations
were passed ‘
(i) write a proposal of the research topic(s) of their choice for the
consideration of the School Postgraduate Committee and subsequent
approval by the Board of the Postgraduate School.
(ii) be assigned to supervisors by the Department in consultation with the
Departmental Postgraduate Committee.
(c) candidates shall, with the assistance of their principal supervisors register
the title of the proposed research. The department shall provide, through
the Chairman of School Postgraduate Committee the list of supervisors by
completing the appropriate form obtainable from the Office of the
Secretary, Postgraduate School.
(d) The Board of the Postgraduate School shall admit a student to candidacy
for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy after the student has been admitted
to work for the Doctorate degree and has been in residence for at least
one semester thereafter, has initiated an approved program of study; has
passed the written and oral examination; has fulfilled any relevant
language requirements, and has shown ability and independence in
carrying on research.
(e) The approved plan of study shall constitute the thesis requirement for the
degree and changes it the schedule will not be recognized unless
approved by the Board of the Postgraduate School on the
recommendation of the School Postgraduate Committee.
4.3.7 The Doctoral Thesis
(a) At the completion of the Doctoral thesis before submission, the candidate
shall be examined internally by the Departmental Postgraduate
Committee.
(b) If the candidate is successful in (a), he shall submit a thesis embodying the
results of original investigation conducted by the candidate on the
approved topic. The thesis shall constitute a significant contribution to the
knowledge of the field, and is to be prepared in accordance with
regulation 3.9.3.
(c) Where a thesis or part thereof has been published, there shall be a
statement in the publication indicating that the content of the publication

36
 is in partial fulfillment of PhD degree requirements of the Federal University
of Technology, Owerri.
(d) The thesis must first be approved on behalf of the School Postgraduate
Committee by a reading committee consisting of the three supervisors.
Each member of the reading committee signs the signature page of the
final copy of the thesis when he/she is ready to certify that the work is of
acceptable scope and quality. This internal assessment shall precede
regulation 3.9.4 (b).
(e) Each Doctorate candidate shall be examined orally on the major subject,
the scope of the thesis, and its significance in relation to the major subject.
(f) A candidate shall, not less than three months before submitting himself or
the thesis examination, notify the Secretary of the Postgraduate School in
accordance with regulation 3.9.4.
(g) All Doctorate thesis must be assessed externally. The external examiner(s)
(who must not be one of the Supervisors) is (are) appointed by the Senate
from appropriate specialists outside the Federal University of Technology,
Owerri on the recommendation of the Board of the Postgraduate School.
The external written report should have been received before the final oral
examination takes place. The members of the Board of Examiners who are
experts in the field shall also submit their appraisals of these, (see regulation
3.8.3).
(h) For the final examination of each candidate (see regulation 4.3.6(d),the
Senate shall, on the recommendation of the Board of the Postgraduate
School, appoint a Board of Examiners (of which least one shall be external
to the University) comprising:
(i) The Dean of the Postgraduate School (or his designate) who shall be
Chairman,
(ii) An external examiner,
(iii) The Chairman of the School Postgraduate Committee (or his designate),
(iv) One member of the Postgraduate Schools who is recognized expert in
the field,
(v) The Head of Department,
(vi) The Candidates Supervisors.
(i) The Board of Examiners shall evaluate the appraisals of the thesis, examine
the candidate on the content and implication of the thesis, determine the

37
 adequacy of the thesis, and must satisfy itself that the thesis document
meets the proper standards of scholarship.
(j) Upon successful defense of the thesis, the candidates shall be required to
submit four bound copies of the thesis through the chairman of the School
Postgraduate Committee to the Secretary of the Postgraduate School and
these shall be distributed in accordance with regulation 3.9.5 (a).
(k) If the defense is unsuccessful, the verdict of the PhD thesis will follow the
format of the master’s degree (see regulation 3.8.3.).
4.3.8 Award of the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy
Upon the approval by the Senate of a recommendation by the Board of the
Postgraduate School, the degree of Doctor of Philosophy is awarded in
recognition of a candidate’s knowledge in a field of learning and for significant
and original accomplishment in the field. The candidate’s research must reveal
high critical ability and power of imagination and synthesis.

5. ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS
All of the procedures and regulations described above constitute the minimum
requirements for the higher degrees as set by the Postgraduate School. Each
department may adopt additional requirements, as approved by the Board of
the Postgraduate School and the Senate, according to the demands of a
candidate’s field of study.

6. INVENTIONS
The University has interest in any invention which results from research supported
by funds or utilizing facilities administered by the University, whether such invention
be made by a postgraduate student or a University employee, and reserves the
right to require such student or employee to assign part of all of the right in any
such invention to the University.

7. EXPENSES
(i) Fees for Postgraduate Studies shall be charged as may be determined by
the University from time to time.

38
(ii) Postgraduate supervision allowance be paid at the end of each session to
all supervisors at a rate to be determined from time to time.

8. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
i. Staff Mix by Rank: The staff mix should be in the ratio 30:50:20 for
Professor/Reader, Senior Lecturer, Lecturer I with PhD.
ii. Probation: A student with GPA of less than 3.0 (50%) at the end of any
semester is deemed to be on probation.
iii. Withdrawal: A student withdraws from the programme if he is on probation
for 2 consecutive sessions.
iv. Temporary withdrawal from Studies: A student may temporarily withdraw
from programme for condonable reasons as may be defined by the Senate
for a session each time and not exceeding 2 consecutive sessions.
v. Resit: There is no resit for PG programme. Any student that fails any exams
shall have an opportunity to retake or repeat at the next appropriate
semester, not exceeding 2 attempts.
vi. Inter University Transfer: It should be stated that inter university transfers are
not encouraged. However, if a student transfers from one university to
another, the student must satisfy the minimum duration and requirements
for graduation in the new university.
vii. Deferment of Admissions and Temporary Withdrawal by students: A fully
admitted student who has paid all required fees may be granted
deferment for one session each time and not for more than 2 consecutive
sessions, except on health grounds.
viii. Carrying Capacity: No Supervisor may be allowed to supervise more than
5 postgraduate students concurrently.
ix. Result Presentation to the Senate: Results of all taught courses are to be
presented to the Senate every Semester.
x. Panel for Final Oral Exam (External): The minimum composition of the Panel
shall comprise:
* HOD
* Supervisors
* Internal Examiners
* PG Representative
* External Examiner
xi. The number of students required to be supervised per supervisor should not
be more five (5) at any given time.
xii. Classifications of Postgraduate Diploma (PGD):

39
 The classification of PGD shall be based on the cumulative grade point
average (CGPA), earned at the end of the programme.
Cumulative Grade Class of Diploma
4.50 – 5.00 Distinction
3.50 – 4.49 Credit
3.00 – 3.49 Merit
Below 3.00 Fail

xiii. Annual Progress Report: All Postgraduate Students and Supervisors are to
submit a progress report to the Postgraduate School/College annually.

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9. ON-CAMPUS RESIDENCY RULES AND REGULATIONS

9.1. OVERVIEW
Federal University of Technology Owerri (FUTO) is a campus with statutory
accommodation and housing provisions for postgraduate (PG) students who
meet the requirements for on-campus boarding while studying for their higher
degrees in the University. The residential practice in Federal University of
Technology Owerri is designed to assist the psychological and ethical
development of her students. The residential practice is an attempt to ensure
students draw maximally from the serenity of the campus to enhance their
personal and academic learning experience in the University. It is also an attempt
to ensure focus on the total human development, personal relationships and
cultural integration.
Every postgraduate student must be fully involved in the activities of the University
community and contribute to the development of communal living amongst all
levels of residents from roommates, floor-mates, wing-mates to hall-mates.
Exhibition of any behaviour contrary to this expectation of communal living is
highly prohibited in the University. Students are expected to consciously
discourage other individuals from disrupting or interfering with the sense of
communal living in the Hostels of Residence. It is expected that every PG student
of Federal University of Technology Owerri will take pride in his/her residential life
and care for its peace and serenity all the time. The organ of the University
responsible for the administration of the residential guidelines is the Student Affairs
Unit under the leadership of the Dean of Student Affairs. A University disciplinary
committee will handle all violations of residential guidelines.
The PG student hostels are supervised by Hostel Officers who are employed for
their understanding of the culture of the University. They also possess satisfactory
maturity and basic skills to exercise good judgment in the conduct of their roles
as wardens of the conduct and culture of the residential life of the PG students.
These Hostel Officers are supervised by Hostel Administrators who in turn is
managed by the Dean of Student Affairs. This residency staff are equipped to
listen to complaints, attend to inquiries, incident maintenance issues, organize
activities that foster communal life within the hostel of residence.

9.2. REQUIREMENTS FOR POSTGRADUATE STUDENT RESIDENCY

All full-time PG students who meet the eligibility conditions for accommodation
are required to live within the allocated space in the Hostel of Residence provided

41
for PG students only. Qualified students are expected to live for the period the
allocation remains tenable which could be a minimum of a semester but not
more than an academic session per time. The PG students Hostel of Residence
shall not be for part-time PG or other students except otherwise stated with all
payments duly made. Undergraduate students shall also not be accommodated
(whether full time or part time). Exceptions to this can only be made with the
approval of the Vice Chancellor. Family allotments are not provided to students
by the University, all allotments are for students ONLY.
A. Conditions for Residency
All PG students are expected to make a formal application for a residential slot in
the Hostel of Residence provided for PG students. In particular, attention is given
to students who have fulfilled all requirements relating to fee payment, academic
registration and completion of all residency agreement forms. All applications for
accommodation will be within a time frame and all relevant documents (proof of
academic registration and full payment of fees, completed residency agreement
forms including a personal data form) must be attached for submission to the
Dean of Student Affairs who in turn will communicate to the students upon
decision from the University management.
There are no specialized options for residential allocations except where there are
obvious cases for the physically challenged or those with proven and certified
medical reasons. PG students may decide to live outside the campus. Allocated
room within the University are not transferable. Students may terminate their
Residency Contract subject to the conditions stated therein if they have satisfied
the tenure for which the rooms were allocated, withdraw from the University; have
been released by the University based on academic or disciplinary reasons.
The University reserves the right to impede allocation to applicants on the basis of
previous or current disciplinary actions.

B. Residency Agreements
Postgraduate Students - PG students are not guaranteed rooms in the Hostel of
Residence. Any room allocation will be based on completion of all forms and
subject to available spaces.
Part-Time Post Graduate Students - Except otherwise specified, with special
conditions and approved by the Vice-Chancellor, all allotments are reserved for
full-time PG students.

42
Staff - The Dean of Student Affairs has a set of staff working under him that will
serve as Hostel Assistants, Hostel Officers and Hostel Administrators. Hostel Staff
have a work plan of 24/7 hours for their corresponding Hostel of Residence. Staff
are put on shifts within this 24-hour work schedule. The responsibilities of the Hostel
staff are precise in separate sections within this document.
Exceptional Accommodation Requirements/Policy - PG students who desire to
request special accommodation allotment due to a disability, should notify the
Dean of Student Affairs, through the Head of Department and Dean, with the
specific request. Requests on the basis of medical need or situation should also
be directed to the Dean of Student Affairs.
Documentation of a disability or medical condition will be required in order to
establish the need for a special allocation of accommodation. Documentation
must include an assessment by a suitable professional and certified by the
University Medical Director. Students seeking special accommodation based on
a disability, or requesting some service based on a medical or psychological
condition, should inform the relevant officers of the Student Affairs. The final
evaluation of the request rests with the University.

9.3. GUIDELINES AND PROCEDURES FOR ACCOMODATION

A. Agreement of Rules Guiding Peaceful Accommodation
An occupant of a room in the PG student Hostel of Residence who accepts the
conditions stated in the Residency Agreement, also consents to abide by the rules
guiding a peaceful co-existence.
B. Code of Conduct in the Hostel of Residence
The behavior of all students in the University is centred on the acceptance and
compliance with the core values of the University which bothers on Spirituality,
Mental alertness, Honesty, Capacity Building, Obligation, Conscientiousness and
Sacrifice. PG students are to ensure that their conduct on campus does not
infringe on any rule or regulation established for the undergraduate students; in
particular, no undergraduate student is allowed to visit the PG Hostel of Residence
without an authorization letter duly signed. A PG student in the opinion of the
University management, who cannot co-exist peacefully with others, after
sufficient caution and warning, shall be evicted from the Hostel of Residence, in
addition to other sanctions. All PG students are required to maintain standards of
behaviour expected from students of a prestigious Institution such as Federal
University of Technology Owerri. Improper behaviour will not be accepted in the

43
University such as excreting outside designated areas; Brushing of teeth outside
the room; Littering of University premises; Barricading windows with wood or metal
object; and any other behaviour that may be classified as indecent and may
be in direct opposition to the University’s core values.

C. Absolute Quietude
The time between 12 midnight and 5 a.m. are considered serene in the Hostel of
Residence. Students are therefore to observe absolute quietude and expected
to limit movements in the hostel to their floors only as they are not permissible to
engage in any activity that may disturb other residents of the Hostel of Residence.
9.4. LEVEL OF NOISE
Noise is not permitted in the Hotel of Residence at all. Radios, televisions, stereos
and other electronic gadgets must be used at minimal level and the sound must
not be heard outside the room. It expected that hostels of residence should
always have a good and conducive environment.
9.5. OCCUPANTS OF HOSTELS/ROOM
Those allocated in a particular room are expected to live in the room. Students
may be re-assigned or consolidated when there is a vacancy. The University has
the right to increase the number of students assigned to any room. Students of
the same gender live within the same hostel and community. Students may
request for a change of room; this is done with a properly routed application to
the Dean of students Affairs. This can be granted based on the availability of
space and reason for the application. The University has the right to move
students from one room to another when it appears in the student’s best interest
or the interest of other occupants in the room. The right for PG hostel
accommodation is non-transferrable and not for sell. Students are not allowed to
move into another room without the written approval of the Dean of students
Affairs
9.6. ROOMMATE CONFLICT
Quarrelling, assault, religious criticism and fighting are absolutely forbidden in the
Hostels of Residence or in any other part of the University campus. Any
contravention of this rule will be punished accordingly. If students experience a
roommate conflict of any type, noise or any undue behaviour that requires help,
they should contact their Hostel Officers or Hostel Administrator. Hostel Resident
Staff will help mediate the conflict or refer students to appropriate authorities.

44
9.7. ABSENCE FROM STUDENT HOSTEL
The entry point gates and doors to the Hostels of Residence will be shut by 10 p.m.
daily and open by 5 a.m. daily. The gates will be open on emergency issues.
Students are expected to be vigilant monitors of all activity within their residence
as they could be held accountable for incidents that occur. PG students are
expected to notify the Hostel Resident officials of their exit from campus and/or
absence from the Hostels of Residence.
9.8. ALTERATIONS ARE NOT ALLOWED IN STUDENT HOSTELS
PG students are not permitted to repaint, paint their rooms or make significant
permanent alterations to furnishings placed in the rooms. PG students are not to
tamper with installations in the room which may include window treatments. PG
students are not to construct lofts, counters/bars, or other types of furnishings. Any
writings or markings on the walls, ceilings, or doors as a result of posters, bills, and
graffiti will be considered as damages and the concerned student will be
charged for this act and sanctioned accordingly. Signs cannot be placed on
Windows/Doors at any time. Empty or full cans or bottles should not be seen
through the windows or on the window panes. Stickers may not be placed on
either windows or the doors (inside or outside). Occupants will be subject to
sanctions for the violation of any of these rules.
9.9. FURNISHINGS
An inventory form must be filled by the occupant of a room before accepting the
allocation. All installed and supplied furnishing must remain in the rooms for the
period contained in the hostel agreement. PG students will be surcharged for
missing or damaged furnishings. Common rooms/Lounges are equipped with
furniture for the use of all PG students. None of these should be removed for any
other purpose other than what it was provided for. Removal of furniture for
personal use is not permitted and will be considered as theft if violated.
9.10. COMMON ROOMS / LOUNGES
Common rooms or lounges are situated in each hostel for studying, relaxing
Socializing, meetings, floor programs, and other activities. Some common rooms
are identified as academic resource centers, or kitchenettes. All equipment and
furnishings in lounges or common rooms are the property of the University.
9.11. ALLOCATED ROOMS AND ACCESS KEYS
Duplicate of the keys allocated to a room is prohibited by PG student. PG students
shall only use keys or access cards for spaces they are authorized to enter. If a key

45
is illegally duplicated, the occupants of the affected rooms will be surcharged for
lock change and be subject to disciplinary action. If a student loses the key to an
allocated room, the lock on the door will be changed and the student billed for
the replacement cost.
9.12. ROOM CLEANING AND REQUESTS MAINTENANCE
All PG Students shall take responsibility for cleaning the room allocated to him/her.
All dirt and waste papers should be properly disposed in the trash bins in the
Hostels. The Hostel keepers will be responsible for the evacuation of such bins at
scheduled times. (In case of urgent evacuation is required kindly notify by calling
the call Hostel Resident Officials) the other surroundings will be cleaned by the
University cleaners, for all non-emergency requests for maintenance (e.g., light
bulbs, broken or missing items), students should fill out the relevant forms domiciled
with the Resident staff within the Hostel of Residence.
9.13. COOKING
The Hostels was not designed for individual cooking. All PG students and residents
are not allowed to cook in the hostels of resident. All PG students and Residents
are expected to get their food from the authorized food vendors in the cafeteria
section of their choice.
9.14. MALICIOUS AND ACCIDENTAL DAMAGES
Malicious damage is a deliberate disruptive act of an individual that results in the
damage of University’s properties. Accidental damage is an unintentional act of
damaging of University’s properties. All types of damage are the responsibility of
the students allocated to that property and repair or replacement costs will be
charged accordingly. No student is expected to carry out the repair or replace
without the written approval of the Dean of Student Affairs.
Note: all repairs and replacement are done by the university in which the cost for
any damage that occurs in common areas of the Hostels of Residence will be
shared among all the residents of that particular room, floor, wing or hostel as the
case may be. Occupants of the Hostels of Residence are expected to help curb
the common area damages by bringing up cases of damages to the Resident
Staff. Students who are found to have high disruptive behaviour may have their
Hostel accommodation revoked. The cost for damages is as advised by the
Directorate of Physical Planning and Development (PP&D) of the University.
9.15. SECURITY AND SAFETY
Every PG student is responsible for his/her personal property. Students are advised
to register their valuables in the asset registration book in the Hostel of Residency

46
and promptly report any loss of items to alert security officials for immediate follow
up. Students are expected to lock the doors to their individual rooms when they
are not present or when they are sleeping or using the bathrooms. In addition, the
University shall bear no financial liability for any loss of personal property. Owing
to the potential danger to life and personal safety, as well as the likelihood of
causing damage, students are prohibited from accessing roofs or overhang areas
on all student residences and other University buildings and facilities. Students who
access roofs will be subject to disciplinary action and may lose their
accommodation in the hostel. In addition, possession and use of motorcycles or
gas driven vehicles, gasoline,
Butane or other flammable liquids, barbecue grills (including propane gas grills),
firearms, weapons of any type, and explosives are prohibited. Violation of these
also attracts disciplinary actions.
(i) Weapons: No student shall possess or introduce to the campus any dangerous
weapons including, but not limited to: firearms, explosives, knives (other than small
pocket-type or table knife,) compressed air gun, BB guns, paint ball rifles or pistols;
martial arts weapons, ammunition, dangerous chemicals, bows, arrows, items
used as weapons in threats or actual acts of violence, or other potentially harmful
objects.
(ii) Interference: No student shall interfere with the public and/or personal safety of
others through negligent or intentionally improper acts including but not limited
to propping open doors which are normally locked; intentionally damaging door
locks or safety mechanisms; exiting or entering buildings through windows or
unauthorized entrances.
(iii) Threat to Safety: No student shall engage in any activity or behaviour that creates
a threat or a perceived threat to the safety and well-being of him/herself, the
University, or others.
(iv) Identification Cards: All students are required to carry and present valid University
identification when requested to do so by a University Official. No student shall
alter or forge any identification card or other document presented to show proof
of age.
(v) (a) Maximum Occupancy (residence hostels): Each resident assigned to a
residence hostel space may host up to two guests at any time.
(b) Unauthorized Occupancy (residence hostels): Facilities not authorized for
sleeping quarters (i.e. lounges, laundry rooms, common areas) may not be used
for that purpose without the consent of the Hostel Administrators.

47
(vi) Unauthorized Access: Unauthorized entry into University facilities or property
without explicit consent is prohibited. No student shall possess, without explicit
authorization by the appropriate University entity, any keys or codes to any
University facility or premises. No student shall provide unauthorized access to
anyone without explicit authorization by the appropriate University
entity. Restrooms with gender designations are for the use of people with that
gender identity.
(vii) Aiding, Assisting and/or Inciting in Prohibited Conduct: No student shall aid,
help, or otherwise assist another in violating any rule applicable to the Student
Conduct Code. No student shall willfully incite others to commit any acts
prohibited in the Student Conduct Code
9.16. HEALTH AND SAFETY

(i) Fire Safety: No student shall cause or create a fire; attempt to set a fire; set off
false fire alarms, unnecessarily discharge fire extinguishers; damage, tamper with,
dismantle, or disconnect any fire safety system or equipment. No student shall act
in a manner that disregards fire safety rules. Students must evacuate any
University facility when the fire alarm is activated.
(ii) Arson: No student shall set fires, attempt to set fires, or act in a manner that
disregards fire safety rules and results in a fire.
(iii) (a) Prohibited Items (campus): Any item or device that constitutes a threat to fire
safety on campus is prohibited. This includes but is not limited to: fireworks,
flammable liquids, portable stoves, grills and/or barbeques, hover boards,
torches, etc.
(b) Prohibited Items (residence hostels/facilities): Any item or device that constitutes
a threat to fire safety in any residence hostel or campus facility is prohibited. This
includes but is not limited to: candles, incense, tart warmers, plug-in air fresheners,
halogen lights, holiday/decorative string lights, multi-plug adapters, extension
cords etc. Please consult the Residence Life Guide to Living on Campus for a
more comprehensive list.
(iv) Cooking and Appliances: Cooking may only occur in University designated
kitchens. Food that is cooking should not be left unattended for any reason and
should be checked regularly. The following appliances are prohibited in any
residence hostel room or University facility: toaster ovens, slotted toasters, hot
plates, indoor grills, sandwich makers, rice cookers, and rotisserie ovens.

48
(v) Pets/Animals: No pets are permitted in the University Hostel by the students. On-
campus residents may only have fish in a tank of no more than 10 gallons for
experimental purposes.
9.17. ALCOHOL/DRUGS/GAMBLING/SMOKING

(i) Alcohol: The University prohibits the possession and consumption of alcoholic
beverages in the Hostel. The sale, giving, serving, manufacturing, and dispensing
of alcoholic beverages within the Hostel of residence is prohibited.
(ii) Drugs: The University prohibits the use, possession, manufacture, distribution, or
dispensing of any substance defined by law of the Federal Government of Nigeria
as illegal. No student shall possess substances defined as controlled, other than
personally prescribed medications. No student shall abuse or improperly use over
the counter drugs/substances. The use or possession of prescription drugs
prescribed to another person is prohibited.
(iii) Gambling: No student shall gamble for money or other valuables on University
property or in any university facility without the expressed authorization of the
University.
(iv) Smoking: Smoking is prohibited inside the Hostels. This includes cigarettes,
cigars, hookahs, electronic cigarettes, vaporizers, and any other smoking
device/equipment.
9.18. SEXUAL BEHAVIOUR
Anything that connotes a sexual object in whatever form is prohibited in the
University. No occupant of the room in the Hostels of Residence is permitted to
walk half nude or completely nude in the common or open areas of the Hostels
of Residence. Public display, viewing and producing of pornographic films and
photographs are strictly prohibited in the Hostels of Residence as well as within the
University environment. Any act of lesbianism or homosexuality is forbidden in the
University. No act of sexual immorality will be tolerated by occupants of the
Hostels of Residence anywhere on campus. To this end, all PG students are to
declare their marital status upon completion of residency agreement forms.
9.19. GUEST POLICY
(a) Guest Responsibility (campus-wide): When a student has a guest or guests on
campus, the student assumes responsibility for the conduct of that guest or
guests.
(b) Guest Responsibility (residence hostels): Residents hosting guest(s) assume full
responsibility for the actions of their guest(s) whether the guest has been formally

49
registered or not, and regardless of duration of visit. This may include liability for
the cost of property damage caused by a guest and/or any judicial action
instituted as a result of guests’ behavior. All guests must sign in and out the
residence hostels with their residential host present. All residential guests must be
at least 17 years old. All guests must leave a valid photo identification at the
residence hostel desk for the duration of their visit. Residential guests are not
permitted to stay overnight for more than two (2) nights per week. Residential
guests are not permitted in the residence hostels without being accompanied by
their host.
9.20. ROOM/RESIDENCE INSPECTIONS
Resident PG students in the Hostels of Residence will be expected to complete
the Room Inventory Forms. This is to enable the student to verify the condition of
the allocated room. This form represents the official record of the condition of the
room when the student took possession of it. Upon vacation from the room, the
residency staff goes with the occupant to inspect the condition of the room
comparative to the original inventory form. Any difference in the condition of the
room that is beyond wear and tear will be charged to the occupants of the room.
Residency or maintenance staff may inspect rooms at intervals besides the
beginning or end of the residency agreement period to check compliance level
of occupants with the established policies. Occupants must make themselves
available for this exercise as it forms basis for future decisions. Occupants will be
subject to disciplinary actions for any policy violation.
9.21. STUDENT RESIDENCE ENTRY
Residency staff members may enter a student's residence with the student's
voluntary consent. To protect privacy, students should keep their doors closed
and ask visitors to identify themselves before admitting them into the room. If
consent is not given, staff members can enter the room if one of the following
conditions exists:
a. There is a need for maintenance (e.g. electrical work);
b. There is a need to check occupancy;
c. There is an emergency health problem;
d. There is a need to check for damages;
e. There is a need to investigate possible violations of University policies or
standards of conduct;
f. There is a need to close the building (e.g., holidays, etc.); and

50
g. Student Residence Search.
A room search will be conducted only when there is a reason to believe that there
is property or evidence within a particular room that is in violation of University
policy and/or state or federal law, or material that is needed for evidence in a
University disciplinary hearing. The Vice-Chancellor, Dean of Student Affairs, and
Hostel Administrator in the Postgraduate Students Hostel of Residence are the only
University officials who may authorize a search of a student residence. (Whenever
possible, the search will be conducted in the presence of the student(s) whose
residence is being searched). Searches will be conducted in the same manner as
a standard entry into a student residence; however, all areas of the residence
may be searched, including locked drawers and suitcases. Items confiscated
during a search that are clearly in violation of University policy will be removed
from the room and may be used as evidence in a disciplinary hearing. Since these
items are part of the disciplinary process, their disposition will be determined by
the Office of the Dean of Student Affairs at the conclusion of the process. The
person requesting the search must state the nature of the item he or she is looking
for. However, other items found that are clearly in violation of University policy
may be confiscated as well. If the student is not present, a letter will be left for all
items that have been removed from the room.
9.22. VACATION PERIODS
All University residences are closed during Public holidays and end of semester
breaks. Students wishing to remain on campus during these periods must request
permission in writing from the Dean of Student Affairs, not later than two weeks
before vacation date; such requests would be considered on a case-by-case
basis, and the University Management will exercise discretion to grant or deny
such requests. Students approved to remain in residence hostels when they are
closed will be charged a daily fee that will be determined by the University
Management and may be re-assigned to a temporary room during the period.
Students are not expected to leave their personal property in the rooms when the
hostels are shut. The University has no liability for personal property left in students'
rooms during vacation periods. All resident students must vacate their rooms and
remove all personal belongings within 24 hours of the end of each semester.
Failure to leave the residence hostel will subject students to a charge to be
determined by the University Management for every hour they remain on
campus. All relevant dates are published well in advance in the University
calendar to allow for proper planning. All University policies remain in effect during
vacation periods. Additional restrictions will be communicated through the Dean
of Student Affairs prior to the start of the vacation period.

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10. SEXUAL HARASSMENT POLICY
10.1. Background
The mission of African Center of Excellence in Future Energy and Electrochemical
Systems (ACE_FUELS), Federal University of Technology Owerri (FUTO), Nigeria in
educational excellence and public engagement is rooted in its vision of
Scholarship in Action. The fulfillment of this mission is deeply tied to fostering a
diverse community of outstanding faculty staff and students. It is also committed
to ensure equal educational opportunity, employment, access to services,
programs, activities and cross-institutional collaboration without regards to race,
colour, national origin, religion, creed, age, disability, sex, gender identity, gender
expression, sexual orientation, familial status, pregnancy, predisposing genetic
characteristics, military status, or domestic violence victim status.

ACE-FUELS FUTO is committed to creating and maintaining a center dedicated to

the advancement, application and transmission of knowledge and creative
endeavors through academic excellence, where all individuals who participate
in the programs and activities can work and learn together in an atmosphere free
of harassment, exploitation, or intimidation. FUTO will respond promptly, fairly and
effectively to reports of Prohibited Conduct as sexual misconduct and will take
appropriate action to prevent, to correct, and when necessary, to discipline
behavior that violates its Policy on Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment hence
the aim of this policy.

Sexual harassment is offensive or unwelcome conduct based on someone's sex,

gender, sexual orientation, or gender identity and/or expression. It also refers to
persistent and unwanted sexual advances where the consequences of refusing
are potentially disadvantageous to the victim [6]. It includes offensive or
unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, or other verbal or
physical conduct of a sexual nature usually aimed at women though both gender
can be a target of such offensive conduct. [1]. This Policy therefore will address
FUTO responsibilities and procedures related to Prohibited Conduct in order to
ensure an equitable and inclusive education and employment environment free
of sexual violence and sexual harassment. Furthermore, conduct prohibited by
the ACE-FUELS, is in accordance with The Sexual Harassment in Tertiary
Educational Institutions Prohibition Act, 2016[5]. ACE-FUELS has therefore adopted
this policy to fulfill its educational mission, meet its ethical and legal obligations to
members of the center, and foster a productive environment for learning and
working. Students or employees who believes that he or she has been sexually
harassed should however, follow the reporting procedures and complaints would
be filed as soon as possible after the alleged harassment. Late reporting should
be avoided since it will impede the Center's ability to investigate.

52
10.2. Definitions and Policy Statement
A. Definitions
Consent: Consent to sexual activity is an active confirmation that requires that
both persons affirms, are conscious and have voluntary agreement to engage in
sexual activity [4]. It is the responsibility of each person to ensure they have the
affirmative consent of the other to engage in the sexual activity. Lack of protest,
lack of resistance, or silence do not alone constitute consent. Affirmative consent
may be initially given but can be withdrawn at any time during sexual activity.
The existence of a dating relationship or past sexual relations between the persons
involved should never by itself be assumed to be an indicator of consent (nor will
subsequent sexual relations or dating relationship alone suffice as evidence of
consent to prior conduct). Consent cannot be given when a person is
incapacitated, which occurs when an individual lacks the ability to knowingly
choose to participate in sexual activity. Incapacitation could be due to lack of
consciousness or being asleep, unable to communicate due to a mental or
physical condition, being involuntarily restrained, or if an individual otherwise
cannot consent. Depending on the degree of intoxication, someone who is under
the influence of alcohol, drugs, or other intoxicants may be incapacitated and
therefore unable to consent. Consent cannot be given when it is the result of any
coercion, intimidation, force, or threat of harm. When consent is withdrawn or can
no longer be given, sexual activity must stop.

Complainant: This is an individual that raises an issue, files report providing a

notification or making a complaint about a matter that they wish the centre to
consider and for which specific outcome/s or resolution/s are explicitly or implicitly
expected.

Duty of Care: requires all Employees and Students to take reasonable care in view
of reasonably foreseeable circumstances that may arise. Safety of Employees,
Students and visitors on campus is the first priority in any situation.

Employee: means an individual employed by the University under an Enterprise

Agreement or a common law employment contract.

Respondent: means a Students or Employee against whom claims relating to

Sexual Harassment and Sexual Violence are made. A person alleged to have
engaged in Prohibited Conduct and about whom a report of sexual violence,
sexual harassment, other prohibited behavior, or retaliation is made

Student: means an individual enrolled in a degree, diploma or certificate course

of the University, or an individual enrolled on a non-award basis, or through
University Extension as a continuing education student, in units offered within
degree, diploma or certificate courses of the University.
53
Supervisor/Manager: means an individual who is responsible for supervision of the
Employee or Student.

Vexatious Complaint: means one that is made or pursued without reasonable

grounds or made to harass or annoy, to cause delay or detriment, or for any other
wrongful purpose.

Confidential Resources: The employees who receive reports in their confidential

capacity such as CARE Advocates, environmental and Social safeguard officers,
Licensed counselors in student counseling centers and in employee assistance
programs, any persons with a professional license requiring confidentiality
(including health center employees but excluding campus legal counsel), or
someone who is supervised by such a person.

Preponderance of Evidence: A standard of proof that requires that a fact be

found when its occurrence, based on evidence, is more likely than not.

Responsible Employee: Any ACE-FUELS employee who is not a Confidential

Resource and who receives, in the course of employment, information that a
student has suffered sexual violence, sexual harassment or other prohibited
behavior and promptly notify

Stalking: This is a repeated conduct directed at a Complainant (e.g., following,

monitoring, observing, surveying, threatening, communicating or interfering with
property), of a sexual or romantic nature or motivation, that would cause a
reasonable person to fear for their safety, or the safety of others, or to suffer
substantial emotional distress.

B. Sexual Misconduct
The ACE-FUELS FUTO understands Sexual Misconduct to be instances of:
i. Sexual Harassment
ii. Sexual Violence (Sexual assault and Sexual threat)
iii. Sexual Abuse

Sexual Harassment Sexual Harassment is defined in legislation as conduct with a

sexual component which is unwelcome, unsolicited and unreciprocated [2.3].
Conduct with a sexual component includes physical, visual, verbal and non-
verbal behaviour. It includes a wide range of behaviours including but not limited
to:
i. sexual comments or jokes
ii. displaying sexually graphic pictures, posters or photos
iii. suggestive looks, staring or leering
iv. propositions and sexual advances
v. making promises in return for sexual favours
54
vi. sexual gestures
vii. intrusive questions about a person’s private or sex life, and discussing your
own sex life
viii. sexual posts or contact on social media
ix. spreading sexual rumours about a person
x. sending sexually explicit emails or text messages
xi. unwelcome/ unnecessary touching, hugging, massaging or kissing
xii. criminal behaviour, including sexual assault, stalking, grooming, indecent
exposure and sending offensive communications
xiii. unwelcome behaviour or contact of a sexual nature which offends,
intimidates, embarrasses or humiliates an individual
xiv. unwelcome physical touching or familiarity, including deliberately brushing
against someone, patting and embracing [7].

ACE-FUELS FUTO thus refers sexual harassment as “unwanted conduct which has
the purpose or effect of violating another person’s dignity, or creating an
intimidating, hostile, degrading, humiliating or offensive environment for another
individual.” This can take many forms, occurs in a variety of circumstances and
may be directed at an individual or group of individuals. It is not the intention of
the harasser, but the conduct itself and the impact on the recipient, which
determines what constitutes harassment. The impact of harassment can result in
the recipient feeling discomfort or humiliation and may adversely affect the
recipient’s performance, undermine security or prospects, or create a
threatening or intimidating learning or living environment. It may provoke
aggressive, retaliatory attitudes and actions. Certain behaviour will be, by its
nature or severity, unwelcome even on a single occasion.

The ACE-FUELS FUTO understands that:

i. Sexual Harassment may be perpetrated or experienced by people of any

sexual orientation or gender identity.
ii. Sexual Harassment may be a single incident or a persistent pattern of
unwelcome behaviour.
iii. Sexual Harassment does not include: mutual attraction or/and consensual
romantic involvement or friendship.
iv. Behaviour constitute Sexual Harassment if individual relationships change
and non-consensual, unwelcome and unreciprocated behaviours
continue.
v. Unwanted sexual touching and incidents that occurred before the age of
15 are not included; the University considers this Sexual Abuse.
vi. This Policy shall be implemented in a manner that recognizes the
importance of the rights to freedom of speech and expression and shall not
be interpreted to prohibit expressive conduct that is protected by the free
speech and academic freedom principles
55
C. Sexual Violence
The ACE-FUELS FUTO understands Sexual Violence to be instances of:
a) Sexual Assault
b) Sexual Threat

Sexual Violence involving a physically violent and/or coercive component, or

threats of physical violence, such as physical molestation or assault, may
constitute a criminal offence. Any individual who is subjected to such incidents
should seek advice and support concerning reporting the matter to the police
and/or the Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC).

ACE-FUELS FUTO understands that:

a) Sexual Violence may be perpetrated or experienced by people of any
sexual orientation or gender identity.
b) Sexual Violence may be a single incident or a persistent pattern of
unwelcome behaviour.

D. Sexual Assault
The ACE-FUELS FUTO understands Sexual Assault to be unwanted sexual acts or
behaviours which an individual did not consent to, or was not able to consent to,
through the use of physical force, intimidation or coercion, including but not
limited to:
i. aggravated sexual assault (sexual assault with a weapon)
ii. attempted rape
iii. indecent assault
iv. penetration by objects and forced sexual activity that did not end in
v. penetration
vi. rape (sexual penetration without consent) by violence or duress.
vii. Recording, photographing, transmitting, or distributing intimate or
viii. sexual images without the prior knowledge and consent of the parties
ix. involved
x. sexual assault by contact without the consent of the complainant,
xi. by touching an intimate body part (genitals, anus, groin, breast, or
xii. buttocks) (a) unclothed or (b) clothed.

E. Sexual Threat
The ACE-FUELS FUTO understands Sexual Threat to be an act of a sexual nature
carried out against an individual's will through the use of physical force,
intimidation or coercion made face-to-face.

56
 F. Sexual Abuse
The ACE-FUELS FUTO understands Sexual Abuse to be Sexual Harassment and/or
Sexual Violence and/or any other sexual activity involving a child (under the age
of 15), beyond their understanding or contrary to currently accepted community
standards.

10.3. Other Prohibited sexual conduct

A. Invasions of Sexual Privacy which include
• watching or enabling others to watch a person’s nudity or sexual acts
without the person’s consent, especially in a place where that person has
a reasonable expectation of privacy;
• making photographs (including videos) or audio recordings without the
person's consent, or posting, transmitting or distributing such recorded
material depicting that person’s nudity or sexual acts in a place where that
person has a reasonable expectation of privacy; or
• Using depictions of nudity or sexual activity to extort something of value
from a person.
.
B. Retaliation
Retaliation includes threats, intimidation, reprisals, and/or adverse employment or
educational actions against a person based on their report of Prohibited Conduct
or participation in the investigation, report, remedial, or disciplinary processes
provided for in this Policy.

10.4. Policy Statement

A. Sexual Harassment Policy

Sexual harassment is unlawful under the Nigerian Sexual Harassment in Tertiary
Educational Institutions Prohibition Act, 2016 [5]. The Act defines Sexual harassment
to include -
(a) Sexual intercourse between an educator and a student where the student is
below the age of 18 years or is an imbecile or of generally low mental capacity
or physically challenged.

(b) any unwelcome sexual attention from an educator who knows or ought
reasonably to know that such attention is unwelcome to the student; or

(c) any unwelcome implicit or explicit behaviour, suggestions, messages or remarks

of a sexual nature that have effect of offending, intimidating or humiliating the
student or a related person in circumstances which a reasonable person having
regard to all the circumstances would have anticipated that the student or such
related person would be offended, intimidated or humiliated;
57
(d)any implied or expressed promise of reward by an educator to a student
or related person for complying with a sexually oriented request or
demand; or

(e) any implied or expressed threat of reprisal or actual reprisal from an educator to
a student or related person for refusal to comply with a sexually oriented request
or demand.

It is also unlawful to treat someone less favourably because they have either
submitted a complaint of sexual harassment or have rejected such behaviour.
Under the Act, when an educator engages in unwanted conduct of a sexual
nature that has the purpose or effect of violating someone’s dignity, or creating
an intimidating, hostile, degrading, humiliating or offensive environment for them,
he/she is guilty of violating the law.

ACE-FUELS SH policy is intended to be consistent with applicable local and federal

laws and regulations. Procedures for resolution of any SH complaint will however,
be determined by Designated Official. ACE-FUELS FUTO is committed to creating
and maintaining a community free of sexual violence and sexual harassment.
Sexual violence and sexual harassment violate both law and University policy. Any
member of the ACE-FUELS FUTO may report conduct that may constitute sexual
violence, sexual harassment, retaliation, and other prohibited behavior. The
centre will respond promptly and equitably to such reports, and will take
appropriate action to stop, prevent, and remedy the Prohibited Conduct, and
when necessary, to discipline the Respondent.

ACE-FUELS FUTO therefore states that the Centre:

i. Understands that, under the Nigerian Sexual Harassment in Tertiary
Educational Institutions Prohibition Act, 2016, Western Equal Opportunity
Act 1984, the Commonwealth Sex Discrimination Act 1984 and Fair Work
Act 2009, Sexual Harassment in employment, education, accommodation
and in the provision of goods services and facilities:

ii. Recognizes the existence of a relationship of authority, dependency and

trust between an educator and a student in an institution, breach of which
is unlawful is unlawful.

iii. Understands that an employer is required to take remedial and

preventative action, including disclosure of necessary information, in
response to allegations of Sexual Misconduct, including but not limited to
where there is a threat of physical harm or danger to an individual (Western
Australian Occupational Safety and Health Act 1984). The Centre's Duty of
Care to Employees or Students may be compromised if no action is taken.
58
 iv. Has both legal obligations and a Duty of Care to all its Employees and
Students which may take precedence over the desire of a Complainant for
confidentiality. Duty of Care considerations will include an assessment of
the safety of people involved in the matter, and may require Employee
relocation or adjustment of duties and reporting lines, or the Centre
timetable, while the matter is addressed

v. Understands that a member of the Centre Community may, while

performing duties as an Employee, as a Student or as any other individual
while undertaking official duties for the Centre, experience Sexual
Misconduct on premises outside of the Centre. ACE-FUELS FUTO will liaise
with the responsible authority to ensure proper procedures will be followed
and will continue to provide support services.

vi. Understands that Sexual Misconduct conducted on a digital environment

not managed by the Centre will be subject to this policy, where a
Respondent is an Employee or Student, only where it impacts on their
individual safety within the scope.

vii. Understands that a member of the Centre Community may, while

performing duties as an Employee, as a Student or any other individual
while undertaking official duties for the Centre, experience Sexual
Misconduct by an individual outside of the Centre Community. In such
circumstances, ACE-FUELS FUTO will liaise with the responsible authority to
ensure proper procedures will be followed and will continue to provide
support services.

viii. Understands that consensual romantic and sexual relationships which may
exist between members of the Centre and the University community may
give rise to conflicts of interest, such relationships between a student and
Centre member or other employees or between employees are also
subject to other University policies, such as The University Code of Conduct
or Quality assurance policies.

ix. Understands that retaliation against someone for reporting or participating

in an investigation and related processes is prohibited.

x. Understands that the Centre/ University will protect the privacy of

individuals involved in a report of Prohibited Conduct to the extent
permitted by law and by University policy and procedures. However,
investigation may involve interviews with a number of persons to gather

59
 relevant evidence, and extremely sensitive/ confidential information which
may also require its disclosure during or following an investigation.

xi. Understands that Nigeria does not allow or recognize Lesbian, gay,
bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) rights. There is no legal protection against
discrimination in Nigeria—a largely conservative country of more than 170
million people, split between a mainly Muslim north and a largely Christian
south. Very few LGBT persons are open about their orientation, and
violence against LGBT people is frequent [10].

xii. Understands that both male and female same-sex sexual harassment/
activity is illegal in Nigeria. The maximum punishment in the twelve northern
states that have adopted Shari'a law is death by stoning. That law applies
to all Muslims and to those who have voluntarily consented to application
of the Shari'a courts. In southern Nigeria and under the secular criminal laws
of northern Nigeria, the maximum punishment for same-sex sexual
harassment/activity is 14 years' imprisonment.

B. Scope
This policy covers all faculty, staff, and students of ACE-FUELS FUTO, and related
third-parties (such as applicants for admission and employment, vendors, guests,
and contractors). It extends to all the Centre premises and includes
i. campuses
ii. managed employee accommodation
iii. managed student accommodation
iv. sporting and recreational clubs and facilities to the extent that they fall
within the Centre
v. managed digital environments
vi. individuals not employed by the University that undertake official duties for
the University
vii. activities and situations related to business that are not conducted on
Centre premises, including but not limited to: field trips, conferences,
students’ camps, inter-Centre events, parties and other social functions.

C. Policy Process: Roles and Responsibilities

All complaints of sexual harassment should be brought to the attention of the
Social Safeguard Officer or appointed Centre director of student support or Dean
of student affairs in the University. Early complaints will surely lead to early
resolution which can benefit the complainant, the respondent and the Centre.
All supervisory or teaching personnel who are informed of any sexual harassment
complaint brought to their attention by a student or staff member shall direct the
complaint to the Social Safeguard Officer or appointed Centre director of student
support or Dean of student affairs in the University.
60
The following roles and responsibilities and complaint resolution process have
been established to assist the Centre and the University in ensuring an
educational environment and work place free from sexual harassment,
discrimination, and discriminatory harassment.

Duty to Report Complaints

ACE_FUELS FUTO members employed by the University (including student
employees such as teaching assistants, resident assistants, hostel porters etc)
have a duty to report Prohibited Conduct when they become aware of such
conduct to the appropriate Designated Official above (see Appendix below for
contact information). Members who have a duty to report Prohibited Conduct
may be subjected to disciplinary or corrective action if they fail to fulfill this
obligation. Optionally, students who are not employed by the University are highly
encouraged to report complaints that they are aware of to the appropriate
designated.

Resolution of complaints
Incidents reported to Designated Officials will be resolved through informal
procedures or formal investigations. During resolution/or investigation, it is
expected that the University community members cooperate.

Responsibilities of Medical, Counseling and confidential support officials

Students are encouraged to utilize the following resources for confidential
discussion and support related to sexual harassment and its effects. However, the
students must ensure University involvement, through either the informal or formal
reporting process, as detailed in this policy since confidential officials are not in a
position to report the harassment to University management or to intervene to
end the misconduct. Confidential Resources include:

i) University Professional Counseling Centre

ii) Office of the Dean student affairs
(iii) Medical Providers – University Health Centre
(iv) Ordained Clergy

D. Free inquiry and collective search

ACE-FUELS has a compelling interest in free inquiry and the collective search for
knowledge and thus recognizes principles of academic freedom as a special
area of protected speech. Consistent with these principles, no provision of this
Policy shall be interpreted to prohibit conduct that is legitimately related to the
course content, teaching methods, scholarship, or public commentary of an
individual faculty member or the educational, political, artistic, or literary
expression of students in classrooms and public forums. However, freedom of
speech and academic freedom are not limitless and do not protect speech or
61
expressive conduct that violates University/ Centre Sexual harassment policy and
federal or State sexual misconduct laws.

Policy Implementation
The University Executive Officers (the Pro-Chancellor, Vice Chancellor and the
Principal Officers) and other designees, have the authority to develop procedures
and supplementary information to support the implementation of this Policy. It is
their responsibility to apply appropriate and consistent interpretations of this Policy
that do not result in substantive changes to the Policy. At each location, they must
establish and implement local procedures consistent with this Policy. Exceptions
to local procedures required by the Policy must be approved by the Executive
Officer or designee.

Approval to Policy Revision

The University Executive Officers (the Pro-Chancellor, Vice Chancellor and the
Principal Officers) and other designees approves this Policy and recommend any
revisions thereof to the Policy in consistent with approval authorities and
applicable Bylaws, Standing Orders, and Policies of the regents. They shall ensure
that the Policy is reviewed regularly and updated in a manner that is consistent
with other University policies.

Policy compliance and actions approval

The University Executive Officers at each location will designate the management
office that is responsible for monitoring, enforcing, and reporting policy
compliance subject to periodic auditing and monitoring by the Chief
Compliance and Audit Officer. Actions within the Policy must be approved
according to local procedures. Non-compliance to the policy however, is
governed by the University Policy on Faculty Conduct and the Administration of
Discipline which may result in educational efforts or employment or educational
consequences up to and including informal counseling, adverse performance
evaluations, corrective actions, and termination.

10.5. Code of Conduct

The Vice-Chancellor may in a case of misconduct by a member of the staff which
in the opinion of the Vice-Chancellor is prejudicial to the interest of the University,
suspend such staff member and any such suspension shall forthwith, reported to
the Council of University Executive Officers. The Council of University Executive
Officers are to determine after trials, whether to reinstate such staff or to terminate
the appointment or to take lesser disciplinary action against such person.

In situations where any student of the University/ACE-FUELS Center has been guilty
of misconduct, the Vice-Chancellor may, without any prejudice to any other
disciplinary powers conferred on him by statue or regulations, direct that :- the
62
student shall not take part in any activities of the University/ Center or make use
of such facilities of the University/ Center as may be so specified, or that the
student be rusticated in such manner as may be so specified or that the student
be expelled from the University/ Center.

Generally, University/ ACE-FUELS status sanctions provide notice to students on

how their behavior impacts their continuation at the University/Centre. These
sanctions are designed to provide opportunities for students to reflect on their
decision-making in order to make more informed decisions. Examples of
University/Centre status sanctions include but may not be limited to the following:

Warning: In instances of less serious deviations from the University standards of

conduct, the student(s) may be formally warned of the possible consequences
of continuing such behavior.
Disciplinary Reprimand: This action is a formal admonition on behalf of the
University community and is intended to clearly document in a student’s or
registered student organization’s disciplinary file that the behavior has been
deemed inappropriate.
Disciplinary Probation: This action signifies a change between good standing and
suspension or expulsion from the University. A student or registered student
organization is permitted to remain enrolled at or retain recognition by the
University under stated conditions. Further violations may result in suspension or
expulsion from the University.
Interim Suspension: This status is the temporary suspension of certain rights or
privileges while a conduct case is pending, may be broad and inclusive or may
be restricted to a specific location and/or function. It is based on the
determination that the safety and well-being of the University community or
specific persons are at risk.
Rustication/ Indefinite Suspension: This action results in the involuntary withdrawal
of the student from the University, or in loss of University recognition for a registered
student organization, for a specific or indefinite period of time, or until specific
conditions have been met.
Expulsion: This action results in the permanent separation of the student, or
registered student organization, from the University, its programs, and facilities
Residential status sanctions may also be applied on students living in campus
housing. Such status sanctions also include:
Residential Warning: In instances of less serious deviations from the University/
Centre Policies, the student(s) may be formally warned of the possible
consequences of continuing such behavior.
Residential Reprimand: This action is a formal admonition on behalf of the Centre
where it will be clearly document in a student’s disciplinary file that the behavior
has been deemed inappropriate.

63
Residential Probation: This action signifies that a student is no longer in good
standing with the University’s residential living program and could be forced to
relocate if another violation occurs.
Residential Relocation: This sanction indicates that the student has been
reassigned to a new on-campus housing assignment, either permanently or for a
specified period of time, and usually prohibits the student from returning to the
former housing assignment.
Residential Suspension: The action indicates that the student has been
temporarily removed from University housing for a specified period of time or until
the completion of specific conditions. A residential suspension involves the
student’s removal from housing altogether; however, a student may reapply for
housing at a later date. Access to residential facilities is usually prohibited during
the residential suspension.
Residential Expulsion: This action results in the permanent separation of the
student from University housing. A residential expulsion involves the student’s
removal from housing altogether. Access to residential facilities is prohibited

10.6. Complaint Initiation, Procedures and Response

This section provides an overview of complaint initiation, the procedures the
Centre/University uses to respond to reports of Prohibited Conduct. The Social
Safeguard Officer has general responsibility for oversight of the reporting process
and investigation of a report, other offices at each location will be involved and
consulted as necessary.

To initiate a complaint, Complainant may file a complaint with the

Centre/University which should be done as soon as possible following the alleged
sexual harassment using procedures described below. Timely complaint filing
gives the Centre/University the best chance to resolve the problem because any
delay in filing a complaint may severely limit available remedies. However, If the
respondent is no longer affiliated with the University (e.g., former student or former
employee), the University will take appropriate action within its authority,
including referring the Complainant to external reporting options. In addition, any
person may make a report, including anonymously, of Prohibited Conduct to the
Social safeguard officer (SSO), or to any Responsible Employee, or to another
appropriate office such as the Academic Personnel Office, Student Affairs or
Office of the Deputy Vice Chancellor Administration. The report shall be sent to
the SSO but if the person to whom a report normally would be made is the
Respondent, reports may be made to another Responsible Employee. Individuals
making reports shall be informed about the confidentiality of reports, including
when reports cannot be kept confidential as well as the range of possible
outcomes of the report, including Health and Safety measures, remedies, and
disciplinary actions that may be taken against the Respondent, and information
about the procedures leading to such outcomes.
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The specific procedures for reporting, investigating, and resolving Sexual
misconduct are based upon the nature of the Respondent’s relationship to the
student or staff. The procedures irrespective of the subject provide for a thorough
and impartial investigation that afford all parties notice and opportunity to
present evidence in determining whether a policy violation has occurred.
Furthermore, the SSO will make an initial assessment of the report soon after
receiving a report to determine whether the report alleges an act of sexual
misconduct as defined in Section 4. Following that, the SSO will make an
immediate assessment of the health and safety of the individual and the campus
community and implement necessary temporary remedies immediately
necessary and provide to the Complainant a written explanation of rights and
reporting options (including the right to make reports to the police), and available
campus and community resources. In addition, the University may exercise
jurisdiction over conduct that occurs off-campus but affects the learning or
working environment; or that would violate other University Policies had it
occurred on campus. Consequently, all referenced procedures, whether for
students or staff generally follow three steps while the centre applies the
preponderance of evidence standard in determining whether this policy has
been violated

A. Step 1- Interim Resolution

Once a complaint has been reported and until the resolution of the matter, the
University Designated Official with consultation of Social Safeguard Officer (SSO)
may take interim measures to protect the safety and well-being of Members of
the University community as well as to ensure non-retaliation for all parties while
informal or formal proceedings are pending. Examples of interim measures
include separation of the parties, no-contact directives, and alternative
academic or housing arrangements. Advisors. The Complainant and the
Respondent may be advised and accompanied by advisors of their choice
during any meeting related to the complaint. The advisor may not participate
directly in any meeting or contact the Designated Official.

In this procedure, an estimated timeline for resolution of complaints would be

within 60 days from when the Centre /University received notice of the grievance.
However, during semester breaks when witnesses may not be available or
disciplinary panels cannot be convened, the case may become complex, or
may result to other comparable situations. In such situation, the 60-day timeframe
may be adjusted to accommodate these circumstances and the SSO will notify
the parties and provide an anticipated completion date. However, the 60-day
time frame does not include the time needed for the University to process
appeals.

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B. Alternative/Informal Resolution
The goal of informal resolution is to resolve concerns at the earliest stage possible,
with the cooperation of all parties involved. This may include inquiry into the facts,
but typically does not include a formal investigation. Alternative Resolution may
be especially useful when: a report is made by a third party or anonymously; a
Formal Investigation is not likely to lead to a resolution; both parties prefer an
informal process; or a case involves less serious violations. The Complainant has
the right to request a Formal Investigation at any time, but the SSO has final
authority for determining whether to initiate a Formal Investigation. Both the
Complainant and Respondent may be accompanied by an advisor throughout
the process.

The SSO may initiate an Alternative Resolution process/ informal effort which may
include addressing the Respondent directly; participating in a facilitated meeting
with the appropriate University official; or participating in mediation. The informal
resolution could include by way of example: separating the parties; referring the
parties to counseling; referral for disciplinary action; a settlement agreement;
conducting targeted preventive educational and training programs; conducting
a follow-up review to ensure that the resolution has been implemented effectively
or providing remedies for the individual harmed by the alleged sexual
harassment. If the matter is resolved informally to the satisfaction of all parties, the
Designated Official shall maintain a record of the complaint and its resolution.
However, the centre/University encourages, but does not require, informal
resolution when possible. The Designated Official may prefer to bypass the
informal procedures depending on the severity of the allegation or complexity of
the complaint.

C. Formal Resolution
Formal resolution is usually carried out when informal process is unsuccessful or not
appropriate as determined by the Designated Official, the Complainant, or the
Respondent. This often results to filing of a formal complaint with the Designated
Official for investigation. If the Complainant requests that no investigation occur,
the SSO shall determine whether the allegations nonetheless require an
investigation to mitigate a potential risk to the campus community. If proceeding
with an investigation without the participation of a Complainant, the SSO shall
attempt to maintain the identity of the Complainant confidential from the
Respondent or inform the Complainant that such confidentiality cannot be
maintained. If determining not to proceed with an investigation, the Complainant
shall be informed of the limited ability to provide remedies. However, if the SSO
determines to conduct a Formal Investigation, the Complainant and Respondent
will be provided with a written summary of the allegations, the procedures that
will be followed, resources available to them, and a copy of the Policy. The
investigation shall be completed promptly, typically within 90 business days of its

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initiation, unless extended by the SSO following tangible reasons with a written
notice to the Complainant and Respondent stating the projected new timeline.

Depending on the nature of the allegations, the investigation could include

interviews with the Complainant, the Respondent and/or witnesses; review of
written documentation and relevant policies; review of evidence; and any other
steps necessary for thorough investigation of the allegations. During the
investigation, the Complainant and Respondent will have an equal opportunity
to identify witnesses and evidence that the SSO (or designee) may consider.
Disclosure of facts to persons interviewed shall be limited to what is reasonably
necessary to conduct a fair and thorough investigation. Participants in an
investigation may be advised to maintain confidentiality when essential to
protect the integrity of the investigation. At the conclusion of the investigation,
the investigator will prepare a written report that includes a statement of the
allegations and issues, the positions of the Complainant and Respondent, a
summary of the evidence, an explanation of why any proffered evidence was
not investigated, and findings of fact and an analysis of whether a violation has
occurred. The Designated Official/ SSO will issue simultaneous, written notifications
of the outcome of the investigation and its rationale to the concerned parties,
including referral to the appropriate disciplinary procedures; any available
appeal rights and procedures and how to obtain a copy of the Investigation
Report. The range of sanctions includes, but is not limited to a written censure, a
ban from specific areas of campus, loss of specific privileges, community service,
transfer or loss of on-campus housing privileges, disciplinary probation, mandatory
training, suspension, dismissal and disciplinary action up to and including
termination from employment. The Centre/ University shall then take prompt and
effective steps reasonably calculated to stop the violation, prevent its recurrence,
and remedy its effects as appropriate.

10.7. FRIVOLOUS CHARGES AND CONFIDENTIALITY TO COMPLAINTS

A. Frivolous Charges
The Centre/ University encourages reporting of violations of this policy in good
faith. It frowns at using the policy to bring false or frivolous charges against
students, faculty, or staff. In such situation, charges may be subject to disciplinary
action to those who bring such false report. However, failure to prove a
complaint, does not itself constitute a false or frivolous complaint.

B. Confidentiality to Complaints
ACE_FUELS/ University will maintain the confidentiality of information shared
throughout the complaint process. Although for the purpose of fact-finding or
efforts to resolve the complaint, disclosures may be required. In the limited
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instances where disclosures must be made by the University, it shall be limited to
those persons necessary to proceed in the fact-finding process or to otherwise
address the grievance. All persons involved in the grievance will be advised of
the importance of confidentiality throughout the process. Complainants in
certain cases may request that their names be kept confidential and that the
Centre/University take no action on their harassment complaint. The SSO will
evaluate each request and advise the Complainant on the limiting effect of such
action in terms of inability of the Centre/ University’s to respond fully to the matter,
including pursuing disciplinary action against the Respondent. Nevertheless, in
most instances, the University will honor such confidentiality requests unless in
situations where it may impede its ability to provide a safe and nondiscriminatory
environment for the Centre/University Community.

10.8. Good Practices for Prevention of Sexual Misconduct

One of the good practice to prevent sexual misconduct in the University or Centre
is to encourage students to report incidents of sexual assault and harassment for
their safety, manage their long-term physical and mental health, and to collate
and analyze data to help improve services and prevention. In other words, ACE-
FUELS FUTO must adopt transparent and robust disciplinary procedures and
sanctions; have properly resourced student support services (psychological,
medical and academic), and develop a range of ongoing prevention strategies
reinforced by visible university leadership.
In addition to the above user-friendly reporting mechanisms, the following good
practices would be adopted by ACE-FUELS as a preventive mechanism to
encourage those affected by sexual harassment, sexual assault, threat and
abuse or cyber bullying [9];

A. Awareness-raising
Using events that encourages diversity, encourage integration and signpost
support is one of the major ways of challenging harassment. The centre/ University
should include sexual harassment and related issues into its core training/
orientation event to let staff and students to have an idea on complaint
procedures and details of contact personnel such that they will recognize and
effectively deal with sexual harassment, in person and online. In addition, the
Centre will map out a diversity week at the beginning of the programme to
enable students and staff to learn about different cultures and perspectives. The
Centre would also organize workshops to make them more aware of risks
associated with their online activities.

There would also be posting of harassment policies and resources through

accessible locations as email communications, intranet, cafeteria messages,
walkway, notice boards, porters lobby in hostels and bathrooms etc.

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B. Mitigating hotspot situations
The Centre/ Universities can enhance the protection of their students particularly
in locations where problems are concentrated tagged the hotspot areas. An
annual campus safety audit would be undertaken, with student input to helps
identify the problems students face and the areas where they feel particularly
unsafe. The University will ensure that the centre building will have maximum
number of windows and doors in class rooms, offices and other spaces to ensure
adequate visibility. There will be separate and adequate sanitary facilities,
improved lighting in and around the campus, frequent removal of bushes as well
as placement of CCTV in these areas.

C. Management service and delivery

ACE-FUELS will develop an anonymous online system that allows victims to record
an incident and disclose when they are ready such as Callisto. Students will be
trained and encouraged to create a secure, time-stamped record of their report,
and will receive an alert if another student names the same perpetrator. The
Centre/ University will conduct regular victimization survey and use a centralized
recording system to keep track of the nature and prevalence of these incidents.

D. Partnership support
ACE-FUELS FUTO will create partnership comprising relevant internal support staff
(e.g. Dean Student affairs, Chief security officer; Student union president; etc.) as
well as representatives from relevant external organizations and agencies (e.g.
the police, NHI, local authority and charities). The Centre will ensure regular
meetings with this group and have information-sharing agreements in place so
that they can collectively direct their combined knowledge and resources to
support student safety and wellbeing. This scheme will surely encourage the
sharing of good practice to other university/ member universities seeking solutions
to similar problems such that they can learn from each other.

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