ICRITR Holds Orientation for Second Cohort of Master’s Degree and PGD Students
The Prof. Ngozi Eunice Egbuna International Centre for Regional Integration and Trade Research (ICRITR) on Friday, 7 February 2026, conducted an online orientation programme for students admitted into its second cohort of Master’s Degree and Postgraduate Diploma (PGD) programmes for the 2026 academic year.
The virtual orientation, held via Zoom, brought together newly admitted students, academic staff and administrative personnel, and was designed to formally welcome participants, outline academic expectations and familiarise students with the Centre’s structure, learning processes and support systems.
In her opening remarks, the Director of ICRITR, Professor Ngozi Eunice Egbuna, congratulated the students on their admission and provided an overview of the Centre’s mandate, academic culture and operational framework. She stressed the importance of discipline, commitment and active engagement throughout the programme.
Academic sessions during the orientation were led by senior faculty members, including Professor Gladys Uzamaka Eze and Professor Chris Kalu, who explained the programme structure, mode of delivery and assessment process. They informed students that the programmes run for four semesters, with all lectures, seminars, presentations and revision sessions conducted online.
Also speaking during the session, Dr. Ekwugha addressed students on academic coordination and procedural matters, outlining expectations regarding coursework, research progression and student–faculty engagement. He emphasised adherence to timelines, effective communication with course coordinators and the importance of maintaining academic integrity throughout the programme.
Participants were briefed on the academic process, which includes continuous assessment through class participation, examinations and research work, culminating in the submission of a thesis or dissertation. Students were informed that supervisors would be assigned in the second semester in line with institutional guidelines.
The Centre further highlighted its collaborations with international organisations such as the World Trade Organization (WTO) and the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank), noting that experts from these institutions would participate in selected academic activities through guest lectures and academic engagements.
Student support services were also presented during the orientation. These include ICT support to assist with online learning and technical challenges, career support services for professional development, and comprehensive administrative support covering registration, documentation and communication procedures.
On financial arrangements, students were informed of the two-installment payment structure, with the first installment due before the first semester examinations in July, and the second installment payable at the commencement of the second semester.
The orientation concluded with an interactive question-and-answer session, during which students sought clarification on academic, technical and administrative issues. ICRITR management reaffirmed its commitment to providing a structured, supportive and academically rigorous environment for the second cohort in the 2026 academic session.
