Project Certification, Approval and Declaration Pages: Samples for ND, HND and BSc Students

Quick Summary

Certification, approval and declaration pages serve different purposes in a final-year project.

• A certification page usually confirms that the project was carried out under the required academic supervision.
• An approval page usually records formal approval or acceptance by the officials required by your department.
• A declaration page is the student's statement that the work is original and that sources have been properly acknowledged.

Not every Nigerian university, polytechnic or department requires all three pages.

Your department's official project guide should always come first, especially for:

• Page order
• Exact wording
• Signatories
• Academic titles
• Signature spaces
• Qualification names
• Formatting

Never add a signature, name or approval statement that has not genuinely been authorised.

What Is the Difference Between Certification, Approval and Declaration?

The pages may look similar, but they are not necessarily interchangeable.

The exact wording and signatories vary between institutions.

Do not assume that because another student's project has three signature lines, yours should have the same structure.

Do You Need All Three Pages?

Not always.

Some departments use:

• Certification only
• Certification and declaration
• Approval and declaration
• Certification, approval and declaration
• A single combined certification and approval page

Your department may also use a different name, such as:

• Attestation
• Certification
• Approval
• Declaration
• Authentication

Use your institution's official format where one has been provided.

Where Do Certification, Approval and Declaration Pages Go?

These pages usually appear among the preliminary pages before Chapter One.

A possible arrangement is:

1. Title page
2. Certification page
3. Approval page
4. Declaration page
5. Dedication
6. Acknowledgements
7. Abstract
8. Table of contents
9. List of tables
10. List of figures

However, this is only an example.

Your department may place the declaration before certification or may not require a separate approval page at all.

Follow the page order given in your departmental handbook, project guide or supervisor's instructions.

Project Certification Page Sample

Use this as an editable example only where your department requires a certification page.

CERTIFICATION

This is to certify that the project titled:

[FULL PROJECT TITLE]

was carried out by:

[YOUR FULL NAME]
[MATRICULATION NUMBER]

in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the award of [FULL QUALIFICATION NAME] in the Department of [DEPARTMENT NAME], [INSTITUTION NAME].

[TITLE AND NAME OF SUPERVISOR]
Project Supervisor
Date: ________________________

[TITLE AND NAME OF HEAD OF DEPARTMENT]
Head of Department
Date: ________________________

Only include the officials required by your department.

If your department provides its own wording, use that wording instead.

Short Certification Page Sample

Some departments use a shorter version.

CERTIFICATION

This is to certify that this project titled "[FULL PROJECT TITLE]" was carried out by [YOUR FULL NAME], with matriculation number [MATRICULATION NUMBER], under the supervision of the Department of [DEPARTMENT NAME], [INSTITUTION NAME].

[SUPERVISOR'S NAME]
Project Supervisor
Date: ________________________

Use the shorter version only if it matches your department's required format.

Project Approval Page Sample

An approval page may be used to record the formal acceptance of a completed project.

It may be signed after:

• Project defence
• Supervisor corrections
• Departmental review
• Plagiarism or similarity review
• Final submission

The actual stage depends on your department.

APPROVAL

This project titled:

[FULL PROJECT TITLE]

submitted by:

[YOUR FULL NAME]
[MATRICULATION NUMBER]

has been examined and approved as meeting the requirements for the award of [FULL QUALIFICATION NAME] in the Department of [DEPARTMENT NAME], [INSTITUTION NAME].

[TITLE AND NAME OF SUPERVISOR]
Project Supervisor
Date: ________________________

[TITLE AND NAME OF HEAD OF DEPARTMENT]
Head of Department
Date: ________________________

[TITLE AND NAME OF EXAMINER OR PANEL MEMBER, IF REQUIRED]
External Examiner / Panel Member
Date: ________________________

Do not add an external examiner, project coordinator or panel member simply because you saw one in another student's project.

Include only the signatories your department requires.

Student Declaration Page Sample

A declaration page is different from certification and approval because it is primarily the student's own statement.

Use wording that accurately reflects your work and your institution's academic-integrity requirements.

DECLARATION

I, [YOUR FULL NAME], with matriculation number [MATRICULATION NUMBER], hereby declare that this project titled:

[FULL PROJECT TITLE]

is my original work and has not been submitted, either wholly or substantially, for the award of a degree, diploma or certificate in this or any other institution.

All sources of information used in the preparation of this project have been properly acknowledged.

[YOUR FULL NAME]
Signature: ____________________
Date: ________________________

Only sign a declaration that truthfully describes the work you submitted.

Short Declaration Page Sample

Some institutions use a much shorter statement.

DECLARATION

I hereby declare that this project is my original work and was carried out under the supervision of [TITLE AND NAME OF SUPERVISOR].

All sources and materials consulted have been properly acknowledged.

[YOUR FULL NAME]
[MATRICULATION NUMBER]
Signature: ____________________
Date: ________________________

Use your department's official wording where available.

Certification Page for ND Students

For an ND project, the qualification wording may be:

in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the award of the National Diploma in [Programme Name].

For example:

in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the award of the National Diploma in Computer Science.

A sample might read:

CERTIFICATION

This is to certify that the project titled "[FULL PROJECT TITLE]" was carried out by [YOUR FULL NAME], with matriculation number [MATRICULATION NUMBER], in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the award of the National Diploma in [PROGRAMME NAME], Department of [DEPARTMENT NAME], [INSTITUTION NAME].

[SUPERVISOR'S NAME]
Project Supervisor
Date: ________________________

Use the exact qualification title used by your polytechnic.

Certification Page for HND Students

For an HND project, the wording may be:

in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the award of the Higher National Diploma in [Programme Name].

For example:

CERTIFICATION

This is to certify that the project titled "[FULL PROJECT TITLE]" was carried out by [YOUR FULL NAME], with matriculation number [MATRICULATION NUMBER], in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the award of the Higher National Diploma in [PROGRAMME NAME], Department of [DEPARTMENT NAME], [INSTITUTION NAME].

[SUPERVISOR'S NAME]
Project Supervisor
Date: ________________________

[HOD'S NAME]
Head of Department
Date: ________________________

Again, match the signatories to your department's official format.

Certification Page for BSc Students

For a BSc project, the wording may be:

in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the award of the Bachelor of Science in [Programme Name].

For example:

CERTIFICATION

This is to certify that the project titled "[FULL PROJECT TITLE]" was carried out by [YOUR FULL NAME], with matriculation number [MATRICULATION NUMBER], in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the award of the Bachelor of Science in [PROGRAMME NAME], Department of [DEPARTMENT NAME], [INSTITUTION NAME].

[SUPERVISOR'S NAME]
Project Supervisor
Date: ________________________

[HOD'S NAME]
Head of Department
Date: ________________________

If your qualification is B.Eng., B.Tech., B.A., B.Ed. or another degree, replace the qualification name accordingly.

What Changes Between ND, HND and BSc Projects?

The basic purpose of these preliminary pages is similar across programmes.

The main differences usually involve:

• Qualification name
• Department name
• Institution name
• Required signatories
• Project terminology
• Approval process
• Page order
• Official wording

Examples:

Do not abbreviate or expand your degree title based on guesswork.

Copy the official qualification name used by your institution.

What Details Should Appear on These Pages?

Depending on your department's format, you may need:

• Full project title
• Student's full name
• Matriculation or registration number
• Department
• Faculty or school
• Institution
• Qualification
• Supervisor's name
• Head of Department's name
• Project coordinator's name
• Examiner's name
• Signature lines
• Dates

Do not include unnecessary personal information.

Check the Project Title Carefully

One common mistake is using different versions of the project title on different pages.

For example:

Title page:

Impact of Social Media on Academic Performance Among Undergraduate Students

Certification page:

Effects of Social Media on Students' Academic Performance

Even though they sound similar, they are not the same title.

Your approved project title should normally appear consistently on:

• Title page
• Certification page
• Approval page
• Declaration page
• Abstract
• Project submission documents

If your supervisor changed the project title, update every relevant section.

Check Academic Titles and Names

Do not guess whether your supervisor should be written as:

• Mr.
• Mrs.
• Dr.
• Engr.
• Prof.

Use the title the person officially uses for academic purposes.

Also check the spelling carefully.

For example:

Dr. Ahmed Musa

should not become:

Dr. Ahmad Musa

unless that is the correct spelling.

These preliminary pages are formal parts of your project.

When Should Your Supervisor Sign the Project?

There is no universal stage.

Depending on your department, a supervisor may sign:

• After reviewing the final draft
• After corrections
• After the project defence
• After a similarity check
• During final departmental submission

Do not assume that the page should be signed simply because you have finished typing the project.

Ask your supervisor or project coordinator when signatures should be collected.

Can You Insert a Scanned Supervisor Signature?

Do not insert or reproduce another person's signature yourself.

If your institution officially accepts electronic signatures, the authorised person should provide or approve the appropriate signing method.

Do not:

• Copy a signature from another document
• Crop a signature from an old project
• Trace a signature
• Generate a signature
• Paste someone's signature without permission

Leave the signature area blank until the authorised person signs or provides an approved electronic signature.

Do Not Create a Fake Approval Page

An approval page should represent an approval that actually occurred.

Do not:

• Add the name of an examiner who never reviewed the project
• Add a supervisor's signature yourself
• State that the project was approved before approval occurred
• Invent dates
• Copy signatures from another student's project
• Create a fake departmental stamp

If your final submission requires official approval, follow the process provided by your department.

Declaration and AI-Assisted Work

If you used AI tools while preparing parts of your project, your declaration should still be truthful.

Whether AI use needs to be disclosed depends on your institution, department and supervisor's requirements.

Do not sign a declaration claiming that every part of the work was completed without assistance if that statement is not accurate and your institution requires such assistance to be disclosed.

If your department permits responsible AI support, follow its disclosure requirements.

You can also read Can You Use AI for Your Final Year Project in Nigeria? for guidance on responsible AI use.

Formatting the Certification, Approval and Declaration Pages

Your department's formatting guide should come first.

Where no specific format is provided, keep the pages simple and professional.

Heading

Use a clear label such as:

CERTIFICATION

APPROVAL

DECLARATION

Your institution may require the label to be:

• Centred
• Bold
• Uppercase

Font

Use the same approved font used throughout your project.

Do not introduce a decorative font just for preliminary pages.

Spacing

Leave enough space between:

• The statement
• Names
• Signature lines
• Dates

Do not compress everything onto the page if signatures are required.

Alignment

Signature lines are often arranged either:

• Vertically
• Side by side

Follow an existing official template if your department provides one.

Should These Pages Have Page Numbers?

Preliminary pages are often numbered differently from the main chapters.

Some departments use Roman numerals such as:

i, ii, iii, iv

while Chapter One begins with:

1, 2, 3...

However, requirements vary.

Some institutions also count the title page without displaying its page number.

Details to Check Before Printing

Before submitting or printing your project, confirm that:

• Your full name is correct.
• Your matriculation number is correct.
• Your approved project title is written exactly.
• Your department name is correct.
• Your institution name is correct.
• Your qualification name is correct.
• Your supervisor's name is correctly spelled.
• Academic titles are correct.
• Only required signatories are included.
• Signature spaces are large enough.
• The correct pages are included.
• The pages are in the correct order.
• Dates have not been invented.
• No unauthorised signature has been inserted.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Copying Another University's Format

A project from another institution can show you what these pages may look like, but it should not replace your department's official format.

Signatories and wording vary.

Using the Wrong Qualification

Do not write:

Bachelor of Science

if your official degree is:

Bachelor of Technology

or:

Bachelor of Engineering.

Use the exact title of your qualification.

Using an Old Project Title

Update the preliminary pages whenever the approved project title changes.

Adding Unnecessary Officials

Do not add an external examiner, dean, coordinator or HOD unless your department requires that person's signature.

Signing for Someone Else

Never sign on behalf of your supervisor, HOD or examiner.

Inventing Approval Dates

Leave the date blank until the actual signing or approval occurs where required.

Treating Certification and Declaration as the Same Page

They usually serve different purposes.

Certification is typically issued by an authorised academic official, while the declaration is normally made by the student.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What Is a Project Certification Page?

A project certification page usually confirms that the project was carried out under the required academic supervision and satisfies the certification requirements specified by the department.

What Is a Project Approval Page?

An approval page records formal approval or acceptance of the completed project by the officials required by the department.

What Is a Project Declaration Page?

A declaration page is normally the student's statement that the work is original and that sources have been appropriately acknowledged.

Is Certification the Same as Approval?

Not necessarily.

Certification usually relates to confirmation that the work was completed under the required supervision, while approval usually records formal acceptance of the completed project.

Some institutions may combine these functions into one page.

Do I Need Both Certification and Approval Pages?

Not always.

Your institution may require one, both or a combined page.

Follow your department's official format.

Do All Final-Year Projects Need a Declaration Page?

No universal rule applies to every institution.

Many departments require one, but you should check your own project guide.

Who Signs the Certification Page?

Depending on your institution, it may be signed by:

• Project supervisor
• Head of Department
• Project coordinator
• Another authorised academic officer

Use only the signatories specified by your department.

Who Signs the Declaration Page?

The student normally signs the declaration because it is the student's statement about the work being submitted.

Can I Sign the Declaration Page Before Submission?

You can sign it when your department's submission process requires it, provided the declaration is accurate.

Do not sign a statement that does not truthfully describe your work.

Can I Use Another Student's Certification Page?

You can look at one as a formatting reference, but do not copy it blindly.

Your qualification, institution, project title, signatories and departmental requirements may differ.

Should I Include an External Examiner on My Approval Page?

Only if your department requires it.

Do not add an external examiner simply because another student's project contains one.

Can I Type My Supervisor's Name Before They Sign?

Yes, where your department's format requires the supervisor's printed name.

Typing someone's name is not the same as signing on their behalf.

Leave the signature area for the authorised person.

Can Certification and Approval Be on the Same Page?

Yes, some departments use a combined certification or approval page.

Use the format provided by your institution.

Final Checklist

Before finalising these pages, confirm that:

• You know which preliminary pages your department requires.
• You are using the correct page order.
• Your project title matches the approved title.
• Your name and matriculation number are correct.
• Your qualification is written correctly.
• All officials' names and titles are accurate.
• You have included only required signatories.
• No unauthorised signatures have been inserted.
• The wording accurately describes your project.
• The formatting follows your departmental guide.

These pages may look simple, but they are formal parts of your final-year project.

Use your department's official template wherever one exists, and use samples like these only when you need help understanding the structure.