MISSION OF THE UNIVERSITY

The mission of Summit University, Offa (SUN, Offa) is: Providing for the advancement of learning and the acquisition of sound education enriched with good morals.

PHILOSOPHY

At Summit University, Offa, the Postgraduate Programme in Accounting is conceived as a transformative academic odyssey that goes beyond conventional limits. We aim to cultivate an environment where scholars embark on an advanced expedition marked by profound exploration, critical analysis, and innovative practices.

Committed to upholding the highest standards of academic excellence and societal relevance, the philosophy of our Postgraduate Programme in Accounting and Finance is guided by the following principles:

1. Holistic Financial Expertise: We strive to instill a comprehensive understanding of accounting and finance, encompassing both theoretical knowledge and practical application. Our program seeks to produce graduates with a well-rounded skill set, capable of addressing complex financial challenges in various professional settings.
2. Ethical Leadership: Recognizing the integral role of financial professionals in shaping organizational and economic landscapes, we emphasize the importance of ethical conduct. Our philosophy encourages ethical leadership, ensuring that graduates contribute responsibly to their organizations and society at large.
3. Innovation and Adaptability: In the dynamic realm of accounting and finance, adaptability and innovation are paramount. Our program is designed to foster a mindset that embraces change, equipping students with the skills to navigate evolving financial landscapes and implement innovative solutions.
4. Interdisciplinary Perspectives: Acknowledging the interconnected nature of global business and finance, our program encourages interdisciplinary perspectives. We believe that a broad understanding of various disciplines enhances the ability to make informed financial decisions and contributes to a well-rounded financial professional.
5. Research Excellence: At the core of our philosophy is a commitment to research excellence. We encourage scholars to engage in rigorous academic inquiry, pushing the boundaries of knowledge in accounting and finance. By fostering a culture of research, we aim to contribute to the advancement of the field.
6. Collaborative Learning Environment: We envision a collaborative learning environment where students engage in meaningful interactions with faculty, industry experts, and peers. This collaborative approach cultivates a rich exchange of ideas and experiences, enhancing the overall learning journey.
7. Community Engagement: Our program emphasizes the importance of community engagement. We believe that financial professionals should actively contribute to the well-being of the communities they serve. Through service-oriented initiatives, we encourage students to apply their financial expertise to address societal needs.

AIMS/OBJECTIVES OF THE PROPOSED PROGRAMME

The aim of the Postgraduate Programme in Accounting at Summit University, Offa, is to cultivate a cohort of highly skilled and ethically conscious financial professionals, poised with advanced knowledge, critical thinking abilities, and innovative practices. This program seeks to empower graduates to navigate the intricacies of the ever-evolving global financial landscape, making meaningful contributions to academia, industry, and society.

Objectives:

• Advanced Financial Expertise:
  • To provide students with a comprehensive and advanced understanding of theoretical frameworks, research methodologies, and key concepts in Accounting and Finance.
  • To foster critical thinking skills that enable students to analyze and evaluate contemporary financial issues from multiple perspectives.
• Ethical Financial Leadership:
  • To instill a strong sense of ethical responsibility in financial practices, ensuring that graduates uphold the highest standards of integrity, transparency, and social responsibility.
  • To prepare students to navigate ethical dilemmas inherent in the financial field and make informed decisions that contribute positively to organizational and societal well-being.
• Innovation and Technological Fluency in Finance:
  • To equip students with the knowledge and skills to leverage emerging technologies, including data analytics and financial software, for effective financial management.
  • To cultivate a mindset of innovation, encouraging graduates to contribute to the development and application of cutting-edge technologies in Accounting and Finance.
• Global Financial Perspective and Cross-Border Competence:
  • To expose students to diverse global financial contexts, trends, and international financial markets.
  • To develop cross-border financial competencies that enable graduates to navigate and contribute effectively to the global financial landscape.
• Research Excellence in Accounting and Finance:
  • To cultivate research proficiency among students, enabling them to conduct independent and rigorous research that contributes to the advancement of Accounting and Finance scholarship.
  • To facilitate opportunities for students to disseminate their research findings through academic publications, conferences, and other scholarly forums.
• Collaborative Learning and Professional Networking in Finance:
  • To foster a collaborative learning environment where students engage in interdisciplinary discussions, share insights, and collaborate on practical financial projects.
  • To facilitate opportunities for students to build professional networks through interactions with industry experts, alumni, and peers, enhancing their career prospects and industry integration.
• Practical Application and Industry Integration in Accounting and Finance:
  • To provide students with hands-on experience through internships, industry projects, and real-world applications of Accounting and Finance theories and skills.
  • To ensure that graduates are well-prepared for the professional world, possessing practical skills that align with industry demands.

RATIONALE/JUSTIFICATION FOR ESTABLISHING THE PROGRAMME

The establishment of the Postgraduate Programme in Accounting at Summit University, Offa, is grounded in the recognition of the pivotal role that financial professionals play in shaping the economic landscape and fostering sustainable development. The rationale for introducing this programme is rooted in several key considerations:

• Industry Demand and Skill Gap:
  • There is a growing demand for highly skilled accounting and finance professionals in various sectors, including corporate, public, and non-profit organizations.
  • Identifiable skill gaps in the current workforce highlight the need for a postgraduate program that produces professionals equipped with advanced knowledge and practical skills in accounting and finance.
• Evolving Financial Landscape:
  • The financial landscape is continuously evolving, marked by technological advancements, globalization, and complex regulatory frameworks.
  • To address the challenges posed by these dynamics, there is a need for a program that provides a comprehensive understanding of contemporary financial issues and fosters adaptability to change.
• Ethical Financial Leadership:
  • Recent financial scandals underscore the importance of ethical conduct in the financial sector.
  • The program aims to produce graduates who are not only proficient in financial theories and practices but are also committed to upholding the highest ethical standards in their professional endeavors.
• Technological Integration in Finance:
  • The integration of technology, such as artificial intelligence and data analytics, is transforming the financial industry.
  • The program aims to equip students with the necessary skills to leverage technology for efficient financial management and decision-making.
• Globalization and Cross-Border Finance:
  • The increasing interconnectedness of global financial markets necessitates professionals with a global perspective and cross-border financial competencies.
  • The program seeks to expose students to diverse international financial contexts, trends, and markets, preparing them for roles that require a global outlook.
• Research Contribution to Financial Scholarship:
  • The establishment of the program aligns with the university's commitment to research excellence.
  • By cultivating research proficiency among students, the program aims to contribute to the advancement of accounting and finance scholarship, fostering an environment of intellectual inquiry and knowledge creation.
• Collaborative Learning and Networking:
  • The program acknowledges the value of collaborative learning and networking in professional development.
  • By fostering a collaborative environment and facilitating interactions with industry experts, alumni, and peers, the program aims to enhance students' learning experience and broaden their professional networks.
• Contribution to Regional and National Development:
  • Producing graduates with advanced financial expertise contributes to the development of a skilled workforce that can drive economic growth at both regional and national levels.
  • The program aligns with broader societal goals of fostering financial stability, accountability, and responsible financial leadership.

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

1. Post Graduate Diploma (PGD) Programme (PGD Accounting)

The admission requirements into the Post Graduate Diploma (PGD) programme in Accounting will be as follows:

All candidates must have five credit passes including English, Mathematics and three other relevant science subjects at ‘O’ Level and

• First degree with a minimum of Third-Class grade in Accounting, Banking and Finance, Economics, Insurance, Business, Entrepreneurship, Industrial Relations, Management, Marketing, Human Resource Management and any related discipline from a recognized university.
• Or First degree with a minimum of Second class lower in any related discipline from a recognized university.
• Or HND with at least a minimum grade of Lower Credit in Accounting, Banking and Finance, Economics, Insurance, Business, Entrepreneurship, Industrial Relations, Management, Marketing, Human Resource Management and any related discipline from a recognized institution.

2. Master of Science Programme (MSc in Accounting)

The criteria for admission into the Masters Programme (M.Sc.) in Accounting or Finance will be as follows:

All candidates must have five credit passes including English, Mathematics and three other relevant science subjects at ‘O’ Level and:

• Candidates with Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Banking and Finance, Economics, Insurance, Business, Entrepreneurship, Industrial Relations, Management, Marketing, Human Resource Management and any related discipline from an approved university must obtain a minimum of second-class lower division for an academic programme.
• Candidates with university PGD in Accounting, Banking and Finance, Economics, Insurance, Business, Entrepreneurship, Industrial Relations, Management, Marketing, Human Resource Management and any related discipline with CGPA of 3.0/5.0 in related may be considered for admission into academic Master’s degree programmes.

3. Master of Philosophy Programme (MPhil Accounting)

All candidates must have five credit passes including English, Mathematics and three other relevant science subjects at ‘O’ Level and:

• Candidates must have Academic Master’s degree in relevant areas with a CGPA of 2.5/5.0 and thesis score not lower than 50%.

4. Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) Programme (PhD in Accounting)

All candidates for Ph.D. admission in Accounting must satisfy the following conditions:

All candidates must have five credit passes including English, Mathematics and three other relevant science subjects at ‘O’ Level and:

• Candidates must have Academic Master’s degree in Accounting, Banking and Finance, Economics, Insurance, Business, Entrepreneurship, Industrial Relations, Management, Marketing, Human Resource Management and any related discipline with a CGPA of 3.0/5.0 and thesis score not lower than 60% or Candidates with M.Phil. degree in relevant area not scoring less than 60% in the MPhil

GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS

PGD PROGRAMME

• Expected Duration of Programme
  • A full-time Academic PGD’s Programme should run for a minimum of 2 semesters and a maximum of 4 semesters.
  • Part-time Academic PGD’s programme should run for a minimum of 4 semesters and a maximum of 8 semesters.
  • For extension beyond the specified maximum period a special permission of Senate shall be required.

M.Sc. PROGRAMME

• Expected Duration of Programme
  • A full time Academic Master’s Programme should run for a minimum of 3 semesters and a maximum of 6 semesters.
  • Part-time Academic Master’s programme should run for a minimum of 6 semesters and a maximum of 8 semesters.
  • For extension beyond the specified maximum period a special permission of Senate shall be required.

M. Phil. PROGRAMME

• Expected Duration of Programme
  • A full time Academic Master’s Programme should run for a minimum of 4 semesters and a maximum of 8 semesters.
  • Part-time Academic Master’s programme should run for a minimum of 8 semesters and a maximum of 16 semesters.
  • For extension beyond the specified maximum period a special permission of Senate shall be required.

PhD Programme

• Duration of Programme
  • A full time Doctoral programme shall run for a minimum of 6 semesters and a maximum of 8 semesters. However, a candidate holding a relevant M.Phil. degree can be allowed to graduate in 4 Semesters (minimum) and a maximum of 8 semesters.
  • Part-time Doctoral programmes shall run for a minimum of 8 semesters and a maximum of 10 semesters.
  • For extension beyond the specified maximum period a special permission of Senate shall be required.