Did you know that your thesis or final-year project could become more than just a graduation requirement? With the right approach, you can convert your academic research into a publishable journal article and open new doors in your academic and professional career.
Whether you’re a Nigerian undergraduate, Master’s student, or PhD candidate, publishing your work adds value to your CV, increases your credibility, and helps solve real-world problems. In this step-by-step guide, you’ll learn exactly how to turn your thesis into a journal article, including practical tips, common pitfalls to avoid, and Nigerian-specific advice.
Why Should You Publish Your Thesis?
Before diving into the how, let’s understand the why:
Boost Your Academic Profile
A published paper sets you apart if you’re applying for:
- Scholarships or graduate school
- Academic jobs
- International opportunities
Share Your Research with the World
Your thesis likely contains insights, data, or solutions that can benefit a wider audience of policymakers, businesses, or other researchers.
Turn Work Into Impact
Rather than letting your hard work gather dust in the library, publishing gives your research a new life.
Step-by-Step Guide: Turning Your Thesis into a Journal Article
1. Understand the Difference Between a Thesis and a Journal Article
| Feature | Thesis | Journal Article |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 50–100+ pages | 4,000–8,000 words |
| Audience | Supervisors/examiners | Global academic community |
| Purpose | Academic requirement | Knowledge dissemination |
| Depth | Exhaustive analysis | Focused insight |
You’ll need to compress, focus, and reframe your thesis to fit a journal article format.
2. Identify the Best Section to Convert
Most academic journals don’t accept an entire thesis. Instead, pick one or two chapters, such as your methodology and findings and build an article around a single research question.
Example:
If your thesis covered “Digital Banking Adoption in Nigeria”, your article could focus only on “Factors Influencing Digital Banking Use Among Students in South-East Nigeria”.
3. Choose the Right Journal
Don’t submit blindly. Look for journals that:
- Publish work in your field (education, science, business, etc.)
- Accept Nigerian or African-based research
- Are peer-reviewed and recognized by your school
Examples of Nigerian Journals:
- African Research Review (AFRREV)
- Nigerian Journal of Clinical Practice
- Nigerian Journal of Economic and Social Studies (NJESS)
- Journal of Sustainable Development in Africa (JSDA)
Tip: Check your department or supervisor for recommended outlets.
4. Rewrite and Restructure Your Content
Here’s a typical structure for a journal article:
Title
Make it clear, concise, and keyword-optimized
E.g., “Exploring the Impact of E-Learning Tools on Academic Performance in Nigerian Universities”
Abstract
Write a 150–250 word summary covering your objective, method, result, and implication.
Introduction
Briefly introduce the research problem, context (Nigeria-specific), and objective.
Literature Review
Summarize only the most relevant theories and studies (2–3 pages max).
Methodology
Explain how you collected and analyzed your data. Focus on what’s most important to replicate your study.
Results & Discussion
Present your findings clearly (tables/charts), and discuss what they mean. Link back to your hypothesis or question.
Conclusion
Restate the major insights, limitations, and suggestions for future research.
References
Use a standard style (APA, MLA, or as required by the journal). Only include cited works.
5. Edit Ruthlessly
Your thesis was written for examiners, your article is for readers. So:
- Cut repetition and unrelated sections
- Use clear, academic language
- Remove school-specific details (like university name unless relevant)
- Tighten paragraphs and transitions
Tools that can help:
- Grammarly (for editing)
- Hemingway Editor (for clarity)
- Zotero or Mendeley (for citations)
6. Get Supervisor or Peer Feedback
Before submitting, ask someone (supervisor, classmate, mentor) to review your draft. Nigerian lecturers are familiar with the journal process and can offer corrections or suggestions.
7. Check Submission Guidelines and Submit
Every journal has specific formatting and submission rules. Follow them carefully:
- Word count limits
- Font and spacing requirements
- Reference style (APA, Chicago, etc.)
- Submission through email or an online portal
Pro tip: Include a professional cover letter explaining your article and confirming it hasn’t been submitted elsewhere.
8. Be Ready for Peer Review and Revisions
Most journals take 4–12 weeks to respond. If accepted with corrections, be open to feedback.
Don’t take rejection personally, revise and try again or submit to another journal.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Submitting the full thesis instead of a focused article
- Failing to remove student-related elements (acknowledgments, dedication, chapter headings)
- Not citing recent literature (aim for sources from 2018–2025)
- Ignoring formatting and word count rules
- Using informal or overly complex English
Sample Topics from Nigerian Theses That Can Be Published
- “Effect of Agricultural Policies on Food Security in Northern Nigeria”
- “Mobile Money Usage and Financial Inclusion in Rural Areas”
- “Impact of E-learning During ASUU Strikes on Student Performance”
- “Political Engagement and Social Media Use Among Nigerian Youth”
Bonus: Where to Find Journals to Publish in Nigeria
Here are platforms where you can find Nigerian and international journals:
- www.ajol.info (African Journals Online)
- Nigerian Library Association Journals
- SciencePG
- Your university’s library or research office
Need Help Turning Your Thesis Into a Journal Article?
At ProPapers.com.ng, we help Nigerian students:
- Rewrite their thesis into articles
- Edit and format for journal standards
- Choose suitable journals
- Submit and manage correspondence with editors
📱 Chat on WhatsApp to get started: Click here to chat with us
📧 Email: [email protected]
