We Don’t Know How to Write Our Projects – Students Fault Research Methodology Classes in Schools

A heated conversation has emerged on social media platforms X (formerly Twitter) and Facebook, as students and graduates debate whether Nigerian universities adequately teach project writing skills.

It began when an X user, Abimbola (@bimbola), confessed to being completely lost about how to begin writing her academic project. “I can’t lie, I don’t know how to write my project. I’m so lost, idk how to start or where to start from,”she wrote.

Her frustration resonated with many students, but also drew criticism. Responding, Sir Dickson (@Wizarab10) argued that universities in Nigeria fail to provide proper guidance on dissertation writing. According to him, institutions abroad invest time in teaching research, referencing, use of libraries, and academic writing formats, unlike their Nigerian counterparts.

However, not everyone agreed. Another user, @uncle_retired, pointed out that Nigerian students are taught research methodology, insisting that Abimbola’s challenge was likely due to missing classes. “There is a course, Research Methodology. Except if you don’t attend classes, na wetin them dey teach be that,” he wrote.

The debate quickly spread, drawing diverse perspectives. On Facebook, some students claimed they had strong research foundations. Cham Pion, a 200-level undergraduate, said his department had introduced research work from 100 level. “Though it’s usually group work, if you really participate, you’ll understand the process. By 200 level, we even did data analysis ourselves using SPSS,” he explained, crediting his lecturers.

Others shared similar experiences. Benjamin Awogbule, a graduate of Ekiti State University, recalled how his Political Science department offered detailed courses like Research Methods in Political Science and Logic and Methods of Political Inquiry. He praised his professors for equipping him with the skills to complete his final-year project independently.

Still, many insisted the teaching of research methodology across Nigerian universities is either shallow or rushed. Wilson Tochukwu Kingsley dismissed claims of effective teaching entirely, describing Nigerian universities as being in “shambles.” Similarly, Chilaka Chizitere argued that even where the course exists, one semester is too short to properly cover research methods.

Another contributor, Momoh Ruqqouyyatt Ohunene, echoed this concern: “Of course, we have research methodology, but how in-depth is the course? You can attend the whole class and still find yourself stuck when it’s time to write your project.”

Others like James Bean added that most schools fail to provide practical teaching, forcing students to self-learn. “Research methodology is not being taught well as it should be. Let’s face the fact—I had to teach myself,” he said.

The viral debate has rekindled conversations about the quality of academic training in Nigerian universities, especially in equipping undergraduates with essential research and writing skills. While some argue that students themselves often neglect classes, many believe institutions must improve teaching methods, offer more practical exposure, and provide ongoing support to prepare students for their final-year projects.