Writing a dissertation is one of the most important academic tasks in any Nigerian university, whether you’re an undergraduate or a master’s student. Unfortunately, many students struggle with structuring their work correctly, leading to repeated corrections, poor grades, or even outright rejection.
In this article, we’ll explain how to properly structure your dissertation in Nigeria based on the current 2025 standards across universities like UNILAG, UNN, UNIBEN, UI, ABU, Covenant, UNILORIN, BUK, and others.
What Is a Dissertation?
A dissertation is a long-form academic research project that represents your final year (or master’s degree) research. It is proof of your ability to:
- Identify a research problem
- Review relevant literature
- Design a methodology
- Collect and analyze data
- Draw conclusions and recommend solutions
The quality and structure of your dissertation directly impact your final grade.
Standard Dissertation Structure in Nigerian Universities
Most institutions follow the 5-Chapter Format, whether for BSc/BA or MSc/MA. Here’s the complete layout:
Chapter One: Introduction
Purpose: Introduce the research problem and provide a foundation for the study.
Contents:
- Background of the Study
- Statement of the Problem
- Objectives of the Study (General and Specific)
- Research Questions
- Research Hypotheses (if applicable)
- Significance of the Study
- Scope/Delimitation of the Study
- Limitations of the Study
- Operational Definition of Terms
Pro Tip: Be clear, concise, and avoid jargon. State your problem in a real-world context (e.g., Nigeria’s economy, education, healthcare, etc.).
Chapter Two: Literature Review
Purpose: Show you’ve read and understood previous work related to your topic.
Contents:
- Conceptual Review
- Theoretical Framework (which theory supports your research)
- Empirical Review (previous studies and findings)
- Gaps in the Literature
- Summary of Literature Reviewed
Pro Tip: Don’t just summarize what others said. Group information thematically and show what’s missing in previous research.
Chapter Three: Research Methodology
Purpose: Explain how you conducted your research.
Contents:
- Research Design (survey, experimental, etc.)
- Population of the Study
- Sample Size and Sampling Technique
- Research Instrument (e.g., questionnaire, interview)
- Validity and Reliability of Instrument
- Method of Data Collection
- Method of Data Analysis
- Ethical Considerations (where applicable)
Pro Tip: Use real data and explain why your method is appropriate for solving your research problem.
Chapter Four: Data Presentation, Analysis & Interpretation
Purpose: Present and analyze the data collected.
Contents:
- Presentation of Demographic Data (e.g., age, gender, etc.)
- Analysis of Research Questions (using tables, charts, or software like SPSS)
- Hypothesis Testing (if applicable)
- Interpretation of Results
Pro Tip: Use charts and tables clearly. Explain what each result means in relation to your objectives.
Chapter Five: Summary, Conclusion & Recommendations
Purpose: Bring everything together and provide solutions.
Contents:
- Summary of Findings
- Conclusion
- Recommendations
- Contribution to Knowledge
- Suggestions for Further Studies
Pro Tip: Tie your recommendations directly to your findings. Avoid introducing new information here.
Other Important Dissertation Elements
Before and after the five chapters, include the following:
Preliminary Pages (Front Matter):
- Cover Page
- Certification Page
- Declaration Page
- Dedication
- Acknowledgement
- Abstract (150–250 words)
- Table of Contents
- List of Tables (if used)
- List of Figures/Charts (if used)
- Acronyms and Definitions
End Matter (Back Pages):
- References or Bibliography (APA, MLA, Harvard, etc.)
- Appendices (e.g., questionnaire sample, SPSS output, interview transcripts)
Undergraduate vs. Master’s Dissertation: Key Differences
| Feature | Undergraduate | Masters |
|---|---|---|
| Depth of Research | Moderate | In-depth |
| Use of Theory | Optional in some schools | Mandatory |
| Hypothesis Testing | Sometimes skipped | Almost always required |
| Literature Volume | 15–30 sources | 30–70 sources |
| Chapters | Usually 5 | Usually 5, with extended methodology and findings |
| Word Count | 8,000–15,000 | 20,000–40,000 |
Masters dissertations often include a stronger theoretical base, extensive data analysis, and detailed discussion sections.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Copying and pasting projects without proper editing
- Mixing up chapters (e.g., including findings in the literature review)
- Weak problem statement
- Vague or unrelated research questions
- Poor referencing
- Grammar, spelling, and formatting issues
Tools to Help You Structure Better
- Grammarly – Grammar and style checker
- Zotero / Mendeley – Reference manager
- SPSS / Excel – Data analysis tools
- Google Docs – Collaborative writing
- Plagiarism checkers – Ensure originality
Bonus Tips for Approval
- Stick to your department’s formatting guidelines
- Submit each chapter for supervisor review before proceeding
- Attend seminars or training on academic writing
- Backup your work regularly
- Proofread multiple times before submission
Need Help Structuring Your Dissertation?
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- Literature reviews
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Conclusion
Whether you’re an undergraduate student at UNIBEN or a postgraduate student at ABU Zaria, structuring your dissertation properly is key to getting approved on time.
By following the standard 5-chapter format, presenting your ideas clearly, and backing them with solid research, you’ll greatly increase your chances of success.
Don’t just write. Structure it right.
