A study of factors affecting research commitment among postgraduate students

Postgraduate research represents a cornerstone of university education, advancing scientific inquiry and professional scholarship. Although earlier studies have identified various challenges affecting postgraduate research, limited attention has been paid to how supervisory quality and technological competence shape students’ commitment to research. This study investigated how perceived supervisor research competence and computer self-efficacy predict research commitment among postgraduate students in public universities in Kogi State, Nigeria. Ninety-six participants enrolled in graduate programs completed self-report questionnaires assessing the three variables. Multiple regression analysis revealed that both predictors significantly influenced research commitment, F (2, 94) = 31.205, p < 0.05, jointly explaining 14.1% of the variance. The findings highlight the importance of enhancing supervisory mentorship and computer proficiency to strengthen postgraduate students’ dedication to research and overall academic productivity