Trends in Inaugural and Public Lecture Presentations at the Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO), 1986-2019

Abstract

This study is designed to determine the trend of inaugural and public lecture presentations at the Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO), from 1986 – 2019. A total of thirty-five hard copies of the inaugural and thirty-three public lectures were retrieved from the University Library for the research. The frequency of presentation, gender of the lecturers, discipline/programme, subject matter and trend of presentation of the lectures were analyzed using descriptive statistics including frequency tables, percentages, charts and graphs. Findings revealed that only a few lecturers have presented their inaugural lectures compared to the number of Professors in the University. More males had presented lectures, when compared to females. Sciences, Engineering, Agriculture and Management had low presentation. The subjects of the public lecture revolved around and demonstrated the societal challenges and issues at the time of the presentations. Recommendations were made primarily to ensure motivation and policy position on inaugural and public lectures presentation.

Keywords: Inaugural lectures, Public lectures, Research, Universities