GCTU has successfully concluded its second doctoral progress review session for the 2023 PhD cohort in a meeting held on Thursday, June 26, 2025.
The exercise aimed to evaluate each student’s research progress, ensure alignment with academic expectations and guide timely completion of their theses.
The session, which focused on students pursuing doctoral studies in the Information Technology (IT) discipline, followed an earlier review conducted on Tuesday, June 24, which spotlighted Computer Science PhD students. The Thursday session saw six out of eight expected students presenting the progress of their research to a review panel chaired by GCTU’s Research Coordinator, Prof. Alfred Coleman.
Speaking at the conclusion of the session, Prof. Coleman emphasized the importance of commitment and consistent engagement with research supervisors. “If you don’t pursue your supervisors, forget it,” he cautioned. He announced the implementation of a formal Supervisor-Student Agreement Form to institutionalize communication and track progress. “This will become a binding document that guides expectations and progress,” he explained.
He also urged students to manage their time effectively: “Spend time to work on your thesis. In the quiet of the night, write something – anything. Before long, you’ll have accomplished more than you think.”
The Head of the Computer Science Department and panel member, Dr. Emmanuel Freeman, also addressed students, reiterating the significance of securing ethical clearance and staying on track for timely completion. “Whether your research involves human subjects or not, ethical clearance is non-negotiable,” he stated. He further highlighted the timelines for graduation, urging students to target submissions by March or July, depending on their intended graduation window.
Dr. Freeman also encouraged students to participate in GCTU’s upcoming international conference on the Fourth Industrial Revolution, co-hosted with the Namibia University of Science and Technology. “This is a home conference – take advantage and submit at least one paper from your thesis,” he advised.
In a post-session interview, Prof. Coleman expressed satisfaction with the students’ development: “There has been tremendous progress. Many students are already moving into the analysis phase, which is encouraging.”
When asked to compare the IT and Computer Science sessions, he noted that while both groups are progressing well, “a few students in the IT stream need to improve, but we believe they will catch up soon.” He also highlighted the importance of early and consistent effort: “If you wait till the last minute, you will grow old in the system. The key is to start early and remain committed.”
