This is not a general trend in Universities all over the world. However, in some Universities, PhD students are required to publish a minimum of two papers and make a number of presentations before completion.
I agree with Dr Subhash In our University, we follow the guidelines given by University Grants Commission (UGC) For PhD the minimum publication is two research papers in the journals approved by UGC
But most of the supervisors in our University have been observing 2 minimum publications in PG and 3 minimum publications (5 preferable) for PhD students.
For postgraduate course (M.Sc./M.S./M.Tech.), generally the publication is not a compulsory criterion. But in case of Ph.D. programme most universities require two publications.
I think that the students (Masters and Ph.D. programmes) may be encouraged for publishing of thesis work in journals. This will be a good training for independent research and representing the work to the scientific community. But, if it is made compulsory, then the students target may be changed; instead of doing serious research they may try for publish paper somehow. The real work (during Ph.D.) normally generates good publications. More stress should be given on quality publications than the number of publications.
I agree with Dr. Makinde. However, I will be quick to add that PhD scholars must strive to publish every facet of their studies for the utilization in all academic and industrialized institutions. They should be determined to publish quality papers out of their love to share knowledge and not because it is a requirement for their enrolled PhD programmes.
It is not a major requirement in most Nigerian universities at Master's degree level. However, one minimum journal article is advisable. But at PhD level, a minimum of three is mostly required.
Good journal publication is a mark of academic achievement but the number of publications for post graduate students is dependent on the standards of the institution. However, one journal for masters and two to three for PhD is appropriate.
How many journal articles should a post graduate student publish before the completion of His programme?
It varies from university to university ....some universities even dont have requirement of papers...just thesis is enough for graduation but in that case supervisor give pressure for publication......generally more the better .....
Depends on the requirement of the university and the particular school/college/program the student is attending. While the particular rules are important to meet requirements, encouraging postgraduate students to publish their work should be one of the ideals of any graduate school.