Writing an abstract is one of the most important parts of a Nigerian final year project. It is usually placed at the front of your project report, and it is the first thing your supervisor, external examiner, or defense panel reads. A well written abstract can create a strong first impression and determine how your entire project is judged.

This guide explains exactly how to write a standard abstract used in Nigerian universities and polytechnics. You will learn the correct structure, recommended word count, common mistakes to avoid, and get access to ready to use templates and sample abstracts.

💡 Quick Summary:

The abstract of a final year project in Nigeria is written as a mini paper that contains the introduction, methods, results, and recommendations in a single paragraph. It summarizes the background, aim, methodology, key findings, conclusion, and major recommendation of the study in about 150 to 300 words.

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What Is an Abstract in a Final Year Project?

An abstract is a short and complete summary of your entire project report. It gives a quick overview of your study by highlighting the background, aim, methodology, key findings, and conclusion. In Nigeria, an abstract is written as one paragraph, single spaced, and usually between 150 and 300 words.

It is the last thing you write, but one of the first pages in the project report.

Why an Abstract Is Important in Nigerian Schools

Supervisors, examiners, and defense panels use the abstract to determine:

• what your research is about
• what gap your study addressed
• what methods you used
• whether your results are meaningful
• whether the work is original and academically strong

Because many examiners read the abstract before anything else, your abstract acts as the doorway to your entire project.

Standard Structure of an Abstract for Nigerian Final Year Projects

A professional abstract in Nigeria follows four parts arranged in a single paragraph:

1. Background or Introduction
   Short explanation of the problem your study addresses and why the research matters.
2. Methodology
   Brief summary of how you conducted your study. Include research design, sample, instruments, and analysis method.
3. Results or Findings
   The most important outcomes of your work. Focus on the top one or two findings.
4. Conclusion and Recommendation
   What your results mean and what action or improvement you recommend.

Step by Step Guide: How to Write an Abstract for Your Final Year Project

1. Write the Full Project First

Do not write the abstract before completing your chapters. The abstract must reflect the exact content of chapters one to five.

2. Review Your Department Guidelines

Most Nigerian schools require:

• 150 to 300 words
• Single spacing
• Times New Roman, font size 12
• One continuous paragraph
• No citations, tables, figures, or references in the abstract

3. Extract the Core Points from Each Chapter

From each part of your project, pick:

• Chapter One: The research problem and objective
• Chapter Three: Design, sample, instruments, and analysis technique
• Chapter Four: The key results
• Chapter Five: The conclusion and strategic recommendation

Use one or two sentences for each.

4. Combine Into One Logical Paragraph

Link the sentences smoothly so your abstract reads like a continuous summary rather than scattered points.

Use past tense because the study has already been completed.

5. Make It Clear and Concise

Avoid:

• long sentences
• jargon
• abbreviations that have not been defined
• claims not supported by your study

6. Edit and Proofread Carefully

Ensure:

• no grammar errors
• the summary matches actual project content
• the findings recorded in the abstract also appear in your results chapter

Template: Standard Abstract Format for Nigerian Students

You may use this template as a reference when writing yours:

This study examined [state the problem and motivation]. The objective of the research was to [state the aim or specific objective]. The study adopted a [research design] involving [sample size, population, or data sources]. Data were collected using [instrument or method] and analyzed with [analysis technique]. The results showed that [major findings]. Based on these findings, the study concludes that [conclusion] and recommends that [main recommendation].

Sample Abstract for a Nigerian Final Year Project

Here is an original sample that you can model yours after:

This study investigated the influence of social media marketing on customer purchase decisions in selected retail stores in Lagos. The research sought to determine how social media engagement, content quality, and promotional campaigns affect consumer behavior. A survey research design was adopted and data were collected through structured questionnaires distributed to 120 customers selected using simple random sampling. The responses were analyzed using descriptive statistics and regression analysis. The results showed that social media engagement produced a significant positive effect on purchase decisions, while content quality contributed moderately to consumer interest. Promotional campaigns recorded the strongest influence among the variables examined. The study concludes that social media activities play a vital role in shaping buying decisions and recommends that retail store managers invest more in creative promotional content and sustained customer interaction on social platforms.

Common Mistakes Students Make When Writing Abstracts

Avoid these errors because they can lower your project score:

• Writing the abstract before completing the project
• Including citations or references
• Using more than one paragraph
• Adding unnecessary details about theory
• Introducing new results not found in chapter four
• Writing over 300 words

FAQs

How many words should my abstract be?

Most Nigerian institutions require 150 to 300 words written in one paragraph.

Should I include citations in the abstract?

No. Never cite references in an abstract.

Can I mention recommendations?

Yes. A final sentence giving your major recommendation is required.

Do polytechnic and university abstracts follow the same format?

Yes. ND, HND, and BSc projects all follow the same structure with slight departmental variations.

Should I write in present or past tense?

Use past tense because the work has already been completed.

Final Thoughts

Writing a strong abstract for your final year project in Nigeria is simple when you understand the correct structure. Focus on summarizing your background, aim, methodology, findings, conclusion, and recommendation in one clear and concise paragraph. Once your abstract is well written, it improves your chances of making a strong impression during project submission or defense.