Using real data in your project case study is one of the most effective ways to make your research credible, relevant, and impactful. In Nigerian universities, both undergraduate and postgraduate students are often encouraged (or even required) to use real-life data instead of relying solely on hypothetical figures or textbook examples.
But many students struggle with how to find, analyze, and present real data effectively. This guide will walk you through how to source real data, how to analyze it, and how to present it in a way that impresses your supervisor and examiners.
1. Why Use Real Data in a Case Study?
Real data makes your work:
- More believable – Your findings are backed by actual events and numbers.
- More valuable – Other students, researchers, or businesses can use your results.
- More engaging – Readers can relate to real companies, industries, or communities.
- More academically sound – Your supervisor can verify your sources.
Example:
Instead of writing “A company increased sales by 30%,” you could say:
“Dangote Cement PLC recorded a 29.4% increase in revenue in Q2 2023, according to the Nigerian Stock Exchange quarterly report.”
2. Where to Find Real Data in Nigeria
Finding real data is often the biggest challenge, but there are multiple free and paid sources you can use:
A. Government Agencies
- National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) – nigerianstat.gov.ng
For economic, demographic, and industry-specific reports. - Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) – cbn.gov.ng
For monetary policy, financial statistics, and sectoral data.
B. Company Reports
- Annual reports of Nigerian companies (often available on their websites).
- Nigerian Stock Exchange (NGX) filings.
C. Industry Publications
- Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) – telecom data.
- National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) – for food and pharmaceutical statistics.
D. Primary Data Collection
If secondary data isn’t enough, gather your own data via:
- Questionnaires
- Interviews
- Observations
3. Steps to Using Real Data in Your Case Study
Step 1 – Define Your Case
Select a specific company, organization, or location.
Example: “Case study on GTBank’s digital banking adoption in Lagos State.”
Step 2 – Collect Relevant Data
Choose data that directly supports your research objectives.
Example: If your project is about customer satisfaction, gather real survey responses or existing reports on customer ratings.
Step 3 – Verify Your Sources
Only use credible data to avoid misleading results.
Example: NBS unemployment rate report is more reliable than an unverified blog post.
Step 4 – Organize Your Data
Arrange your figures, dates, and events in tables or charts.
Example: Present sales growth from 2019–2024 in a line graph.
Step 5 – Analyze the Data
Look for trends, patterns, or anomalies.
Example: “Between 2020 and 2022, GTBank’s online transactions increased by 45%, while physical branch visits declined by 18%.”
Step 6 – Interpret the Results
Explain what the data means in relation to your research questions.
Example: “The upward trend in digital transactions indicates a shift in consumer preference towards mobile banking.”
Step 7 – Link to Literature
Support your findings by comparing them to existing studies.
Example: “This finding aligns with Adewale (2021), who noted that Nigerian millennials prefer app-based banking.”
4. Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using outdated data – Always use the most recent available figures.
- Copying without context – Don’t just paste numbers; explain their meaning.
- Ignoring source citation – Always reference where your data came from.
- Using too much irrelevant data – Only include information that supports your objectives.
5. Example of Real Data Integration
Topic: The Impact of Social Media Advertising on Small Businesses in Abuja – A Case Study of 5 SMEs.
Data Integration:
- Facebook Ads reach data from Meta Business Suite.
- Sales records from SMEs before and after running ads.
- Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) internet penetration report for Abuja.
Presentation:
| Year | Ad Spend (₦) | Monthly Sales (₦) | Internet Users in Abuja |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 50,000 | 350,000 | 4.8 million |
| 2022 | 120,000 | 750,000 | 5.2 million |
Interpretation:
“The increase in sales correlates with higher ad spend and growing internet penetration, suggesting that online advertising is becoming more effective in Abuja’s SME sector.”
6. Final Tips for Using Real Data
- Always cross-check figures from multiple sources.
- Use visuals like charts, infographics, and tables for clarity.
- Provide context for every statistic you include.
- Store your raw data as an appendix for verification.
Conclusion:
Using real data in your project case study not only boosts your credibility but also helps you stand out during the defence. With Nigerian universities becoming more research-driven, mastering data sourcing and integration is an essential skill. Whether it’s government statistics, company reports, or surveys you conducted yourself, real data will turn your case study into a powerful piece of academic work.
