Ouagadougou: The director of the Doctoral School of Thomas Sankara University (UTS), Professor T. Didier Zoungrana, has announced that the institution is committed to producing high-quality theses that will have a significant impact on the socio-economic development of Burkina Faso. The goal is to ensure that doctoral research is completed within a strict three-year timeframe.
According to Burkina Information Agency, Professor Zoungrana emphasized the importance of research having a tangible impact on the country’s development. He expressed the university’s dedication to supporting doctoral students in generating work that not only meets high academic standards but also contributes to societal progress. This announcement was made during a meeting with doctoral students at the university, which also served to introduce the new management team of the doctoral school.
The new management team, which assumed office in January 2025 following their election in July 2024, has prioritized revitalizing the university’s laboratories and supporting doctoral students over their three-year term. Professor Zoungrana articulated a vision where the research produced would enhance Burkina Faso’s global reputation.
The meeting was the first of its kind and provided an opportunity for the Doctoral School to present its vision and operational framework to the students. It included discussions on the regulatory texts governing the doctoral program, and it allowed doctoral students to express their concerns and expectations.
According to the doctoral student representative, Firmin St¨ve Ramd©, the session was particularly beneficial as it clarified the university’s operational mechanisms and registration procedures. Jonathan S©ni, a first-year doctoral student in public law, also echoed this sentiment, stating that the meeting was crucial for understanding the procedural and regulatory aspects of the doctoral program.
The initiative received positive feedback from the students, who appreciated the opportunity to gain insights into the operations of the doctoral school and the guidance provided by faculty members. The session concluded with expressions of gratitude from the students, who pledged to apply the advice and guidance received during the meeting.
The event was attended by key university officials, including the Vice-President in charge of research and international cooperation, Professor Florent Song-Naba, the research director, and the heads of various laboratories.