DESERTED DISSERTATION!

Have you ever paused to think about how many students graduate from tertiary institutions every year? Now pause a little longer… and consider how many academic research projects are produced at the end of those final years of study. It’s a staggering volume of intellectual effort—thousands upon thousands of dissertations, theses, and reports compiled with diligence and hope.

And here’s the interesting part: I am always curious about the findings and recommendations within these studies. After all, a large percentage of you reading this have contributed to this body of knowledge. You’ve spent sleepless nights collecting data, analyzing trends, and crafting conclusions that—on paper—promise change.

But let’s have an honest conversation.

Over the years, I have supported academicians with data analysis more times than I can count. In many of these projects, the findings are clear, the gaps are evident, and the recommendations are practical. They call for interventions—sometimes urgent ones. Yet, occasionally, when I revisit the same study areas after the research is concluded, I find that little has changed. In some cases, the situation is exactly the same… or even worse.

So, it raises a critical question:
Are these recommendations ever implemented?
Or are academic research projects simply a requirement to tick off before graduation?

Let’s not shy away from it—this is a reality we must confront.

Research is not meant to be a ceremonial exercise. It is not just about binding pages together, defending your work, and earning a degree. At its core, research is about solving problems, improving lives, and contributing to society in meaningful ways. Without that impact, what remains is not a study—it is a document collecting dust on a shelf.

Here is my verdict:
If your research project or thesis does not attempt to solve a real problem, offer actionable solutions, or positively impact a community, then it risks becoming nothing more than a deserted dissertation.

But this is not a condemnation—it’s a call to action.

As students, researchers, and future leaders, you have an opportunity to redefine what academic research means. Choose topics that matter. Engage with real communities. Ask difficult questions. Design solutions that can actually be implemented. And most importantly, follow through—because research should not end at submission; it should begin there.

Yes, graduation is important. Celebrate it. Merry if you must.
But let your research be remembered long after the celebration ends.

Let it matter.

For more insights and support in research, data analysis, and impactful project development, visit: www.lcm.co.ke