Writing a research paper in a Nigerian university can feel overwhelming, especially if you’re in your final year or preparing for postgraduate work. Between strict supervisors, formatting guidelines, and avoiding plagiarism, it’s easy to feel lost.
In this 2025 step-by-step guide, you’ll learn how to write a solid, high-scoring research paper that meets the expectations of Nigerian tertiary institutions, whether you’re at UNILAG, ABU Zaria, UNIBEN, FUTA, UI, UNN, or any other higher institution.
What is a Research Paper?
A research paper is a structured academic document that presents an original investigation or analysis of a topic. In Nigerian universities, it’s often referred to as a “project,” “thesis,” or “dissertation” depending on the level (Undergraduate, Postgraduate, or PhD).
Types of Research Papers in Nigeria
- Undergraduate Projects (BSc, HND, ND)
- Postgraduate Theses (PGD, MSc, MBA, MEd)
- PhD Dissertations
- Seminar Papers / Conference Papers
- Journal Articles (for publication)
Step-by-Step: How to Write a Research Paper in Nigeria
1. Choose a Researchable Topic
Your topic must be:
- Relevant to your course
- Narrow and focused
- Feasible given your time, data access, and tools
- Approved by your supervisor or department
Example: Instead of “Effects of Social Media,” go for “Impact of Instagram Marketing on SMEs in Lagos State (A Case Study of XYZ Company)”
Pro Tip: Use our free Research Topic Generator to get ideas instantly.
2. Write Your Chapter One (Introduction)
This chapter introduces your research and includes:
- Background of the Study
- Statement of the Problem
- Objectives of the Study
- Research Questions / Hypotheses
- Significance of the Study
- Scope/Delimitation
- Operational Definition of Terms
Ensure your “Statement of the Problem” is concise and based on real-world issues.
3. Conduct a Literature Review (Chapter Two)
This section reviews existing research and identifies gaps your work will fill.
- Use both local and international sources
- Reference past journals, books, and online academic articles
- Group your review by themes, not just author-by-author
Tip: Avoid copy-pasting. Paraphrase and always cite properly using APA or your department’s style.
4. Research Methodology (Chapter Three)
This outlines how your research will be conducted. Key parts include:
- Research Design (e.g., survey, experimental, descriptive)
- Population and Sample Size
- Sampling Technique
- Data Collection Methods (questionnaire, interviews, etc.)
- Validity and Reliability
- Method of Data Analysis (SPSS, Excel, charts, tables, etc.)
Use tools like Google Forms for questionnaire distribution.
5. Data Presentation & Analysis (Chapter Four)
Here, you:
- Present collected data in charts, tables, and figures
- Analyze using statistical tools (SPSS, Excel, etc.)
- Interpret what the results mean in relation to your objectives
Important: Avoid dumping tables without interpretation. Always explain what each result means.
6. Summary, Conclusion & Recommendations (Chapter Five)
This chapter wraps up your research:
- Summary – Recap major findings
- Conclusion – Based on your results, what does this research mean?
- Recommendations – Suggest what should be done differently or future areas of study
This is what external examiners and supervisors often look at first. Make it count.
Bonus: How to Avoid Plagiarism
- Use plagiarism checkers like Turnitin, Grammarly, or our in-house tool
- Paraphrase, don’t copy
- Cite all sources properly
- Include a reference list
Standard Research Paper Format in Nigerian Universities
Most Nigerian universities follow this common structure:
| Chapter | Title |
|---|---|
| Chapter One | Introduction |
| Chapter Two | Literature Review |
| Chapter Three | Research Methodology |
| Chapter Four | Data Presentation & Analysis |
| Chapter Five | Summary, Conclusion & Recommendations |
| Final Pages | References, Appendices, Questionnaire |
Pro Tips to Score High on Your Project
- Start early to avoid last-minute rush
- Get a project supervisor that is accessible
- Attend department workshops or seminars
- Seek help from academic writers or editors if stuck
- Practice your defense with friends or a coach
Tools That Can Help
- Grammarly – Grammar correction
- Zotero / Mendeley – Citation managers
- Turnitin / Copyscape – Plagiarism checkers
- Google Scholar – Free academic source hub
- SPSS / Excel – Data analysis tools
Need Help Writing Your Research Paper?
At ProPapers.com.ng, we offer:
- Full research project writing (Undergrad to PhD)
- Chapter-by-chapter assistance
- Plagiarism removal
- Topic selection support
- Data analysis with SPSS/Excel
- Editing and formatting to university standards
📲 Contact us via WhatsApp for instant support ➡ Click here to message us
📧 Email: [email protected]
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I pay for only Chapter 1 to 3?
Yes, we offer chapter-by-chapter delivery.
Q: What’s your average delivery time?
3–7 days depending on length and complexity.
Q: Will it pass plagiarism checks?
Absolutely. We guarantee 100% plagiarism-free work.
Final Thoughts
Writing a research paper for a Nigerian university can be challenging—but with the right strategy and support, you can do it with confidence. Whether you’re working on your final year project, a master’s thesis, or a PhD dissertation, follow the steps above and seek expert help when needed.
Ready to get started? Let ProPapers handle the stress while you focus on your academics.
