The abstract is the first thing anyone reads and the last thing you should write. In about 150–300 words it must capture your entire project — the problem, what you did, what you found, and what it means. Many strong Nigerian projects are let down by a rushed abstract that reads like an introduction. This guide shows you how to write one that does its job.
The Five Elements of an Abstract
- Purpose — the problem and the aim of the study (1–2 sentences).
- Methodology — design, population, sample and instrument, in brief (1–2 sentences).
- Key findings — your main results (2–3 sentences).
- Conclusion — what the findings mean (1 sentence).
- Recommendations — the headline action(s), kept brief (1 sentence).
Step-by-Step
Write It Last
You cannot summarise a project you have not finished. Draft the abstract only after Chapters One to Five are complete, pulling one or two sentences from each. This keeps it accurate and saves you rewriting.
Use the Past Tense and One Paragraph
An abstract describes work already done, so use the past tense ('the study examined…', 'findings revealed…'). It is normally a single unbroken paragraph with no citations, no tables, and no abbreviations that are not defined.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Writing an introduction instead of a summary — background with no findings.
- Omitting the findings, which are the most important part.
- Exceeding the word limit or splitting it into several paragraphs.
- Including citations, tables or undefined abbreviations.
- Copying sentences directly from the body without condensing them.
Practical Checklist
- Does it state the purpose, method, findings, conclusion and recommendation?
- Is it within my department’s word limit?
- Is it one paragraph, in the past tense, with no citations or tables?
- Do the findings I mention match Chapter Four exactly?
- Have I added keywords if my department requires them?
Example Structure (Skeleton You Adapt)
Use this sentence frame as a planning guide and replace each bracket with your own study's details — do not submit it as written.
This study examined [topic and problem]. A [design] design was adopted, using a sample of [n] [respondents] selected by [technique]; data were collected with [instrument] and analysed using [method]. The findings revealed that [main results]. The study concluded that [conclusion]. It is recommended that [headline recommendation].
Writing your abstract means your chapters are nearly done — revisit how to write Chapter Five to make sure your findings and recommendations are tight. Project Lab can help you condense five chapters into a clean, accurate abstract.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many words should an abstract be?
Most Nigerian project abstracts are 150–300 words. Your departmental handbook usually states an exact limit — follow it, because exceeding it is a common, easily avoided deduction.
Should the abstract include keywords?
Many Nigerian departments ask for 3–5 keywords directly beneath the abstract. Choose the terms a reader would search to find your work. Confirm whether yours requires them.