UNILAG Thesis Format Guide | University of Lagos Dissertation Requirements | Complete Template

Navigating UNILAG Thesis Requirements

Successfully completing your thesis or dissertation at the University of Lagos represents the culmination of years of rigorous academic work. However, many UNILAG students find that producing academically sound research is only half the challenge—meeting the university’s strict formatting requirements proves equally demanding. This comprehensive guide provides everything you need to format your University of Lagos dissertation correctly the first time, avoiding the frustration of multiple revisions and delayed graduation.

The University of Lagos School of Postgraduate Studies maintains specific formatting standards that all thesis and dissertation submissions must meet. These requirements ensure consistency across academic programs, facilitate proper archiving, and maintain UNILAG’s reputation for academic excellence. Whether you’re pursuing an MSc, MPhil, or PhD at Akoka campus, understanding and implementing these formatting guidelines is essential for successful thesis acceptance.

This guide covers official UNILAG thesis format requirements drawn from the School of Postgraduate Studies guidelines, faculty-specific variations across all 12 faculties, detailed formatting specifications for every thesis component, common formatting errors that lead to rejection, and practical templates and checklists ensuring compliance. We’ve structured this guide to serve both as comprehensive reference and quick-lookup resource throughout your thesis writing journey.

Understanding UNILAG Thesis Structure and Components

Mandatory Preliminary Pages

Every University of Lagos dissertation must include specific preliminary pages in exact order. These pages appear before your main text and follow strict formatting guidelines.

Title Page: The title page is the first page of your thesis (counted as page i but number not printed). It must include your thesis title in capital letters, centered and bold, limited to 15-20 words maximum. Below the title, include the statement “BY” in capitals, followed by your full name as registered with UNILAG, then your matriculation number. The next section states your degree and department: “A THESIS SUBMITTED TO THE SCHOOL OF POSTGRADUATE STUDIES, UNIVERSITY OF LAGOS, IN PARTIAL FULFILMENT OF THE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE AWARD OF THE DEGREE OF [MASTER OF SCIENCE/DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY] IN [YOUR DISCIPLINE].” At the bottom, include “FACULTY OF [YOUR FACULTY]” and “UNIVERSITY OF LAGOS, AKOKA, LAGOS STATE” followed by the month and year of submission.

Certification Page: Page ii contains certification statements signed by your supervisor(s), Head of Department, and Dean of Faculty (or their representatives). The page begins “CERTIFICATION” centered and bold. Text reads: “This is to certify that this thesis submitted to the School of Postgraduate Studies, University of Lagos, for the award of the degree of [Master of Science/Doctor of Philosophy] is a record of original research carried out by [Your Name] in the Department of [Department Name].” This is followed by signature lines with dates for Supervisor(s), Head of Department, and Dean/Representative.

Dedication Page (Optional): Page iii (or ii if no certification) may include brief dedication (maximum 5 lines). Center the word “DEDICATION” as heading, then center your dedication text below. Keep dedication professional and concise.

Acknowledgements: This page expresses gratitude to individuals and organizations supporting your research. Begin with “ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS” centered and bold. Write in first person, acknowledging your supervisor(s) first, then faculty members, family, funding organizations, research participants, and technical support staff. Maintain professional tone and reasonable length (1-2 pages maximum).

Table of Contents: List all chapters, sections, and subsections with corresponding page numbers. Format “TABLE OF CONTENTS” centered and bold as heading. Use consistent indentation showing hierarchy: chapters flush left in capitals, main sections indented with title case, subsections further indented. Include lists of tables, figures, and appendices in table of contents. Ensure page numbers align right and accurately reflect actual pagination.

List of Tables: If your thesis contains tables, include separate “LIST OF TABLES” page immediately after table of contents. List each table with number, caption, and page number. Format: “Table 3.1: Distribution of Respondents by Age Group………..45”

List of Figures: Similarly, if including figures (graphs, charts, photographs, diagrams), create “LIST OF FIGURES” page listing each figure with number, caption, and page number.

List of Abbreviations/Acronyms: If using multiple abbreviations throughout thesis, include alphabetized list defining each abbreviation on first use. Format as two-column table: abbreviation in left column, full term in right column.

Abstract: The abstract provides concise thesis summary (300-500 words for MSc, 500-750 words for PhD). Begin with “ABSTRACT” centered and bold. Write single-paragraph summary covering research problem, objectives, methodology, key findings, and conclusions. Do not include citations, tables, or figures in abstract. This is the most-read section of your thesis—make it compelling and informative.

Main Body Structure

Following preliminary pages, your thesis body follows standard academic structure:

Chapter 1: Introduction includes background to the study, statement of the problem, aim and objectives, research questions/hypotheses, significance of the study, scope and limitations, and definition of terms. This chapter establishes research context and justification, typically 15-25 pages for MSc, 25-40 pages for PhD.

Chapter 2: Literature Review provides comprehensive review of existing research relevant to your study. Organize thematically rather than chronologically, synthesizing rather than simply summarizing sources. Identify gaps your research addresses. Include theoretical framework if applicable. MSc literature reviews typically span 25-40 pages; PhD reviews may exceed 60 pages given more extensive scope.

Chapter 3: Methodology describes research design, population and sampling, data collection instruments and procedures, data analysis methods, ethical considerations, and validity/reliability measures. Provide sufficient detail allowing research replication. Include copies of instruments (questionnaires, interview guides) in appendices. This chapter typically spans 15-25 pages.

Chapter 4: Results/Findings presents research findings organized logically, typically by research questions or themes. Use tables, figures, and charts to present data clearly. Provide interpretation and analysis. Avoid discussing implications here—that’s for Chapter 5. Length varies significantly based on data volume but typically 25-40 pages.

Chapter 5: Discussion, Conclusion, and Recommendations discusses findings in relation to existing literature, draws conclusions answering research questions, acknowledges study limitations, recommends practical applications and policy implications, and suggests directions for future research. Conclude definitively, demonstrating research significance. Typically 20-35 pages.

References: List all sources cited in thesis alphabetically. UNILAG accepts APA, Harvard, or discipline-specific citation styles. Use one style consistently throughout. Ensure every in-text citation appears in reference list and vice versa.

Appendices: Include supplementary materials: research instruments, detailed statistical outputs, interview transcripts, ethical approval letters, and other supporting documents. Label appendices sequentially (Appendix A, Appendix B, etc.).

UNILAG-Specific Formatting Requirements

Page Layout and Margins

Set precise margins for all pages: 1.5 inches (38mm) left margin to allow binding space, 1 inch (25mm) right margin, 1 inch (25mm) top margin, and 1 inch (25mm) bottom margin. These specifications are non-negotiable and frequently checked during thesis submission.

Font and Spacing

Use Times New Roman font exclusively throughout the thesis. Body text should be 12-point size. Footnotes and table contents may use 10-point size. Maintain 1.5 line spacing for body text. Use single spacing for: block quotations (indented 0.5 inches from both margins), footnotes, table contents, and reference list entries (with double-space between entries).

Pagination

Preliminary pages (title page through abstract) use lowercase Roman numerals (i, ii, iii, iv, etc.) centered at bottom. While title page counts as page i, do not print the number. Begin printing page numbers from certification page (ii).

Main body pages (Chapter 1 onwards) use Arabic numerals (1, 2, 3, etc.) positioned at top right corner. Chapter first pages should have numbers at bottom center. Continue sequential numbering through references and appendices.

Headings and Subheadings

Format chapter headings (CHAPTER ONE, CHAPTER TWO, etc.) in capital letters, bold, centered, 14-point font. Main section headings use title case, bold, left-aligned, 12-point font (e.g., 1.1 Background to the Study). Subsection headings use title case, bold italic, left-aligned, 12-point font (e.g., 1.1.1 Historical Context). Sub-subsections use sentence case, italic, left-aligned, 12-point font.

Maintain consistent numbering: Chapter number, section number, subsection number (e.g., 3.2.1). Never start new chapters mid-page—always begin chapters on fresh pages.

Tables and Figures

Number tables and figures sequentially within chapters using chapter-based numbering: Table 3.1, Table 3.2 (for Chapter 3 tables) or Figure 4.1, Figure 4.2 (for Chapter 4 figures). Place table numbers and titles above tables; place figure numbers and captions below figures.

Tables and figures should appear as close as possible to first text reference. If too large for text flow, place at end of chapter or in appendices with appropriate cross-references. Ensure all tables and figures are clearly readable when printed. Use consistent formatting style for similar elements throughout thesis.

Quotations

For direct quotations under 40 words, integrate into text within quotation marks with appropriate citation: As Achebe (1958, p. 45) noted, “The world is like a Mask dancing.”

For quotations 40 words or longer, format as block quotations: indent entire quotation 0.5 inches from left margin, single-space, omit quotation marks, and place citation after final punctuation. Block quotations should be used sparingly and only when author’s exact words are essential.

Citations and References

While UNILAG accepts multiple citation styles, maintain absolute consistency throughout your thesis. APA 7th edition is most common across faculties. Ensure every in-text citation has corresponding reference entry. Common citation errors include inconsistent date formats, incomplete author information, missing page numbers for direct quotes, and mismatched in-text citations and reference entries.

Faculty-Specific Requirements and Variations

Faculty of Arts

Arts theses often emphasize textual analysis and extensive quotations. Literature and language theses may include creative writing components in appendices. Philosophy and history theses typically include more extensive footnotes. The Faculty accepts Chicago/Turabian citation style alongside APA. Minimum word count: 25,000-35,000 for MSc, 60,000-80,000 for PhD.

Faculty of Science

Science theses emphasize methodology rigor and detailed results presentation. Include comprehensive descriptions of experimental procedures. Present statistical analyses with appropriate tests and significance levels. Extensive use of tables, graphs, and figures is expected. APA or discipline-specific citation styles (e.g., CSE for biological sciences) are acceptable. Minimum word count: 20,000-30,000 for MSc, 50,000-70,000 for PhD.

Faculty of Social Sciences

Social science theses require strong theoretical frameworks and robust methodologies. Survey instruments must appear in appendices. Ethical approval documentation is mandatory for primary research involving human subjects. APA style is standard. Statistical analyses should be clearly presented with appropriate tables. Minimum word count: 25,000-35,000 for MSc, 60,000-80,000 for PhD.

Faculty of Engineering

Engineering theses emphasize technical specifications and practical applications. Include detailed design drawings, calculations, and technical diagrams in appendices or integrated into text. Software code should be included in appendices for computational projects. IEEE citation style is acceptable alongside APA. Minimum word count: 25,000-30,000 for MSc, 55,000-75,000 for PhD.

Faculty of Education

Education theses must demonstrate practical implications for educational practice. Include lesson plans, curriculum materials, or educational interventions in appendices. Ethical considerations receive particular scrutiny given frequent research with minors. APA style is mandatory. Minimum word count: 25,000-35,000 for MSc, 60,000-80,000 for PhD.

Faculty of Law

Law theses follow unique citation conventions using legal referencing systems (OSCOLA or legal Bluebook). Include extensive footnotes with case law and statutes. Table of cases and table of legislation appear after main table of contents. Minimum word count: 30,000-40,000 for LLM, 70,000-90,000 for PhD.

Faculty of Environmental Sciences

Environmental science theses often integrate multiple disciplines. Include detailed maps, GIS outputs, and environmental data sets. Methodology sections should thoroughly describe sampling procedures and site locations. APA or discipline-specific styles accepted. Minimum word count: 25,000-32,000 for MSc, 55,000-75,000 for PhD.

Faculty of Business Administration

Business theses emphasize practical applications and organizational implications. Include company data, financial analyses, and case study materials. Ethical approval required for organizational research. Harvard or APA citation styles are standard. Minimum word count: 25,000-35,000 for MBA, 60,000-80,000 for PhD.

Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences

Medical sciences theses require rigorous research ethics approval. Include detailed laboratory protocols and safety procedures. Present clinical data with appropriate statistical analyses and patient confidentiality protections. Vancouver citation style acceptable alongside APA. Minimum word count: 25,000-35,000 for MSc, 60,000-80,000 for PhD.

Faculty of Clinical Sciences

Clinical theses emphasize patient outcomes and clinical applications. Ethics approval and patient consent documentation are mandatory. Include detailed clinical protocols and measurement tools. Vancouver or AMA citation styles accepted. Minimum word count: 30,000-40,000 for clinical master’s, 65,000-85,000 for MD/PhD.

Faculty of Pharmacy

Pharmacy theses combine laboratory research with clinical applications. Include drug formulation details, stability studies, and pharmacological testing protocols. Ethics approval required for human or animal studies. Vancouver or APA styles accepted. Minimum word count: 25,000-33,000 for MSc, 60,000-75,000 for PhD.

Faculty of Dentistry

Dentistry theses emphasize clinical procedures and patient outcomes. Include detailed clinical protocols, imaging studies, and treatment outcomes. Ethics approval and informed consent are mandatory. Vancouver style is standard. Minimum word count: 28,000-35,000 for clinical master’s, 60,000-80,000 for PhD.

Common UNILAG Thesis Formatting Errors and How to Avoid Them

Error 1: Incorrect Margins and Binding Space

Many students use standard 1-inch margins throughout, forgetting UNILAG’s 1.5-inch left margin requirement for binding. This error requires complete thesis reprinting. Solution: Set margins correctly in your word processor from the start. Use “Page Layout > Margins > Custom Margins” in Microsoft Word to set exact measurements.

Error 2: Inconsistent Font Usage

Switching between fonts (Times New Roman, Arial, Calibri) or using incorrect font sizes creates unprofessional appearance. Solution: Set default font to Times New Roman 12pt for entire document. Use “Format Painter” to apply consistent formatting to all headings.

Error 3: Pagination Errors

Common pagination mistakes include using Arabic numerals for preliminary pages, forgetting to suppress page number on title page, inconsistent page number positions, and broken pagination sequence. Solution: Use section breaks to separate preliminary pages from body text, allowing different numbering formats. In Microsoft Word: “Insert > Page Number > Format Page Numbers” to switch between Roman and Arabic numerals.

Error 4: Table of Contents Not Updating

Manually typed tables of contents don’t update when page numbers change, creating mismatches. Solution: Use Word’s automatic table of contents feature. Apply heading styles (Heading 1 for chapters, Heading 2 for sections) throughout document, then insert automatic table of contents that updates with one click.

Error 5: Inconsistent Citation Style

Mixing APA in-text citations with Harvard reference formatting signals carelessness. Solution: Choose citation style early and apply consistently. Consider using reference management software (Mendeley, Zotero, EndNote) ensuring consistency.

Error 6: Missing or Incomplete Ethics Approval

Research involving human participants, organizations, or animals requires UNILAG Research Ethics Committee approval, but many students forget to include approval letters in appendices. Solution: Obtain ethics approval before data collection. Include approval letter as first appendix. If retrospective approval was granted, explain this in methodology.

Error 7: Poor Figure and Table Quality

Low-resolution images, illegible charts, and poorly formatted tables frustrate examiners. Solution: Use high-resolution images (minimum 300 DPI). Ensure all text in figures remains readable when printed. Use consistent table formatting throughout thesis.

Error 8: Exceeding or Undershooting Word Count

Both significantly exceeding and falling short of faculty word count requirements create problems. Solution: Monitor word count throughout writing. Include only essential content. Use appendices for supplementary material.

UNILAG Thesis Submission Process and Requirements

Initial Soft Binding Submission

Before final submission, submit three soft-bound copies for examination. Soft binding uses plastic spiral or thermal binding allowing easy page turning. Submit copies to School of Postgraduate Studies with completed submission forms and proof of publication (or acceptance letter) where required.

Your thesis undergoes internal and external examination. Examiners provide corrections ranging from minor typographical edits to major revisions requiring additional research. Response time varies: 3-6 months is typical.

Incorporating Examiner Corrections

After receiving examination reports, carefully implement all required corrections. Create detailed response document addressing each examiner comment, indicating where changes appear in revised thesis. This demonstrates thoroughness and responsiveness to feedback.

Common corrections include expanding literature review sections, strengthening methodology justification, providing additional data analysis, clarifying ambiguous statements, correcting formatting inconsistencies, and adding missing references. Budget 2-4 weeks for implementing corrections thoroughly.

Final Hard Binding Submission

Following successful corrections, submit hard-bound copies meeting these specifications:

Binding: Use library-quality hard binding with thesis title, your name, degree type, and year embossed in gold lettering on spine and front cover. UNILAG recommends specific approved binders near campus who understand university requirements.

Color: Most faculties require dark blue or black hard covers. Some faculties have specific color requirements—verify with your department. Clinical Sciences often uses burgundy; Law uses dark green.

Number of Copies: Submit minimum four hard-bound copies: one for University Library, one for Faculty Library, one for Department, one for supervisor. Some faculties or departments require additional copies.

CD-ROM: Include CD containing thesis PDF, raw data files (anonymized), and SPSS/statistical analysis files. Label CD clearly with your name, thesis title, and submission date.

Anti-Plagiarism Screening

UNILAG requires all theses undergo Turnitin plagiarism screening before final acceptance. Acceptable similarity index is typically below 20% overall, with no single source exceeding 3%. Properly cited quotations and references are acceptable but extensive similarity to other works raises concerns.

Submit thesis to your department’s Turnitin portal. Review similarity report carefully. High similarity in methodology sections is common and acceptable if properly cited. High similarity in results or discussion sections is problematic. Address any concerns before final submission.

Publication Requirements

Some UNILAG faculties and programs require evidence of publication or acceptance for publication in peer-reviewed journals before final thesis submission. Requirements vary:

• Many science programs require at least one publication
• Social science programs often require evidence of submission
• Professional programs (MBA, Clinical) may exempt publication requirement
• PhD programs universally require publications

Verify specific requirements with your department. Include publication acceptance letters or reprints in thesis appendices.

UNILAG Thesis Formatting Template

Microsoft Word Template Setup

Step 1: Document Setup

• Open new Word document
• Go to Page Layout > Margins > Custom Margins
• Set Top: 1″, Bottom: 1″, Left: 1.5″, Right: 1″
• Set Default font: Times New Roman, 12pt
• Set Line spacing: 1.5

Step 2: Create Section Breaks

• Preliminary pages need Roman numerals; body needs Arabic
• Insert section break after abstract: Page Layout > Breaks > Next Page
• This allows different page numbering in each section

Step 3: Set Up Page Numbering

• Section 1 (Preliminary): Insert > Page Number > Bottom of Page > Plain Number 2
• Format page numbers to use Roman numerals (i, ii, iii)
• Check “Different First Page” to suppress number on title page
• Section 2 (Body): Insert > Page Number > Top of Page > Plain Number 3
• Format to use Arabic numerals starting from 1

Step 4: Apply Heading Styles

• Select chapter headings and apply Heading 1 style
• Modify Heading 1: 14pt, Bold, Centered, All Caps
• Select section headings and apply Heading 2 style
• Modify Heading 2: 12pt, Bold, Left-aligned, Title Case
• Continue for Heading 3 and 4 as needed

Step 5: Insert Automatic Table of Contents

• Position cursor where table of contents belongs
• References > Table of Contents > Custom Table of Contents
• Set tab leader to dots, show page numbers
• Update table of contents before final printing: right-click > Update Field

Title Page Template

[Center everything on page]

TITLE OF YOUR THESIS IN CAPITAL LETTERS:
SUBTITLE IF APPLICABLE

BY

FIRSTNAME MIDDLENAME SURNAME
MATRICULATION NUMBER: 123456789

A THESIS SUBMITTED TO THE SCHOOL OF POSTGRADUATE STUDIES,
UNIVERSITY OF LAGOS, IN PARTIAL FULFILMENT OF THE
REQUIREMENTS FOR THE AWARD OF THE DEGREE OF
MASTER OF SCIENCE/DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY
IN [YOUR DISCIPLINE]

FACULTY OF [YOUR FACULTY NAME]
UNIVERSITY OF LAGOS
AKOKA, LAGOS STATE

MONTH, YEAR

Certification Page Template

[Center heading]
CERTIFICATION

This is to certify that this thesis submitted to the School of Postgraduate Studies, University of Lagos, for the award of the degree of [Master of Science/Doctor of Philosophy] is a record of original research carried out by [YOUR FULL NAME] in the Department of [DEPARTMENT NAME], Faculty of [FACULTY NAME].

[Left-aligned signature blocks]

_________________________                    Date: _____________
Professor/Dr. [SUPERVISOR NAME]
Supervisor

_________________________                    Date: _____________
Professor/Dr. [HEAD NAME]
Head, Department of [DEPARTMENT NAME]

_________________________                    Date: _____________
Professor/Dr. [DEAN NAME]
Dean, Faculty of [FACULTY NAME] /
Dean's Representative

Abstract Page Template

[Center heading]
ABSTRACT

[Single paragraph, 300-500 words for MSc, 500-750 for PhD. No indentation.]

This study examined [research problem/objectives]. The research adopted [methodology] with [sample details]. Data were collected using [instruments] and analyzed using [analytical methods]. Findings revealed that [key findings]. The study concluded that [main conclusions] and recommended that [key recommendations]. The research contributes to [theoretical/practical contributions].

[At bottom of page, left-aligned]
Keywords: [5-7 keywords separated by commas]

Comprehensive UNILAG Thesis Submission Checklist

Pre-Submission Review Checklist

Preliminary Pages (in order):

• [ ] Title page correctly formatted with all required elements
• [ ] Certification page with signature lines
• [ ] Dedication page (if included)
• [ ] Acknowledgements (1-2 pages maximum)
• [ ] Table of Contents with accurate page numbers
• [ ] List of Tables (if thesis contains tables)
• [ ] List of Figures (if thesis contains figures)
• [ ] List of Abbreviations (if applicable)
• [ ] Abstract (within word limit)
• [ ] All preliminary pages use Roman numerals (except title page)

Formatting Specifications:

• [ ] Margins: 1.5″ left, 1″ right/top/bottom throughout
• [ ] Font: Times New Roman 12pt consistently
• [ ] Line spacing: 1.5 for body text, single for quotes/references
• [ ] Page numbers: Roman for prelims, Arabic for body
• [ ] Chapter headings: Centered, bold, caps, 14pt, on new pages
• [ ] Section headings: Left-aligned, bold, title case, 12pt
• [ ] Consistent heading hierarchy throughout

Main Body:

• [ ] Chapter 1: Introduction complete
• [ ] Chapter 2: Literature Review comprehensive
• [ ] Chapter 3: Methodology detailed and replicable
• [ ] Chapter 4: Results clearly presented
• [ ] Chapter 5: Discussion, conclusions, recommendations
• [ ] All chapters follow consistent structure
• [ ] Word count meets faculty requirements

Tables and Figures:

• [ ] All tables numbered sequentially by chapter
• [ ] Table titles above tables
• [ ] All figures numbered sequentially by chapter
• [ ] Figure captions below figures
• [ ] All tables/figures referenced in text
• [ ] High-quality, readable when printed
• [ ] Listed in Table of Contents

References:

• [ ] Consistent citation style throughout (APA/Harvard/other)
• [ ] Every in-text citation in reference list
• [ ] Every reference list entry cited in text
• [ ] Reference list alphabetically ordered
• [ ] Hanging indent format used
• [ ] DOIs included where available
• [ ] All references properly formatted

Appendices:

• [ ] Labeled sequentially (Appendix A, B, C, etc.)
• [ ] Research instruments included
• [ ] Ethics approval letter included
• [ ] Each appendix referenced in main text
• [ ] Supplementary materials properly organized

Technical Requirements:

• [ ] Turnitin similarity report below 20%
• [ ] No single source exceeds 3% similarity
• [ ] Grammar and spelling checked thoroughly
• [ ] Consistent terminology throughout
• [ ] All abbreviations defined on first use
• [ ] Cross-references accurate

Submission Requirements:

• [ ] Three soft-bound copies for examination
• [ ] Completed submission forms
• [ ] Publication evidence (if required)
• [ ] Supervisor approval obtained
• [ ] HOD endorsement secured
• [ ] School of Postgraduate Studies fees paid

For Final Hard Binding:

• [ ] Four hard-bound copies minimum
• [ ] Correct color cover (verify with department)
• [ ] Gold embossing: title, name, degree, year
• [ ] CD-ROM with thesis PDF and data files
• [ ] CD properly labeled
• [ ] All corrections implemented
• [ ] Response to examiners document prepared

Faculty-Specific Checklist Items

Add these items based on your faculty:

Science/Engineering/Medical Sciences:

• [ ] Laboratory protocols detailed
• [ ] Safety procedures described
• [ ] Equipment specifications included
• [ ] Statistical analyses appropriate
• [ ] Ethics approval for animal studies (if applicable)

Social Sciences/Arts/Education:

• [ ] Ethics approval for human research
• [ ] Informed consent forms in appendices
• [ ] Interview/survey instruments included
• [ ] Participant confidentiality maintained
• [ ] Theoretical framework clearly articulated

Law:

• [ ] Table of cases included
• [ ] Table of legislation included
• [ ] Legal citation format correct
• [ ] Footnotes properly formatted
• [ ] Statutes and regulations cited correctly

Business Administration:

• [ ] Organizational consent obtained
• [ ] Financial data anonymized appropriately
• [ ] Business case materials included
• [ ] Practical implications clearly stated
• [ ] Managerial recommendations specific

Tips for Successful UNILAG Thesis Completion

Start Formatting Early

Don’t wait until writing completion to address formatting. Set up your document template correctly from day one. Apply heading styles consistently as you write. This prevents massive reformatting efforts later and ensures your thesis looks professional throughout development.

Regular Supervisor Consultations

Share drafts with your supervisor regularly, not just for content review but also for formatting verification. Supervisors familiar with UNILAG requirements can catch formatting errors early when correction is simple rather than after complete thesis is written.

Use University Resources

UNILAG School of Postgraduate Studies conducts regular thesis writing workshops covering formatting requirements. Attend these workshops, usually held each semester. Library staff can also assist with citation formatting and reference management software.

Join Departmental Thesis Support Groups

Many departments maintain informal support groups where current and recently graduated postgraduate students share experiences, templates, and advice. These peer networks provide invaluable practical guidance and moral support during challenging thesis completion periods.

Hire Professional Editing Services

Consider professional thesis editing services for final polishing. Professional editors familiar with UNILAG requirements can identify formatting inconsistencies, grammatical errors, and citation problems you’ve missed after countless manuscript reviews. This investment often prevents costly revision delays.

Maintain Multiple Backups

Save thesis files in multiple locations: computer hard drive, external drive, cloud storage (Google Drive, Dropbox, OneDrive), and emailed copies to yourself. Thesis loss due to technical failure causes devastating delays. Backup obsessively.

Allow Adequate Time

Don’t underestimate formatting time requirements. Allocate minimum 2-3 weeks for final formatting, corrections, and submission preparation even after writing is complete. Rush jobs result in errors requiring resubmission. Quality formatting demonstrates respect for your research and examiners’ time.

Frequently Asked Questions About UNILAG Thesis Format

What is the maximum page length for UNILAG theses?

UNILAG doesn’t specify maximum page length but rather word count requirements varying by faculty and degree level. MSc theses typically range 25,000-35,000 words (approximately 80-120 pages). PhD dissertations range 60,000-80,000 words (approximately 200-280 pages). Focus on word count rather than pages, as formatting affects pagination.

Can I use single spacing to reduce page count?

No. UNILAG requires 1.5 line spacing for body text. Attempting to reduce page count through single spacing violates formatting requirements and will be rejected. If concerned about length, edit content rather than adjusting spacing.

Which citation style should I use?

This depends on your faculty and discipline. APA 7th edition is most widely accepted. Harvard style is common in Business and some Social Sciences. Law uses OSCOLA or legal citation systems. Medical sciences accept Vancouver style. Verify requirements with your supervisor and department. Whichever style you choose, maintain absolute consistency throughout.

Do I need to print preliminary pages on special paper?

No. All thesis pages, including preliminary pages, use standard A4 white paper (80gsm minimum). The only special paper consideration is ensuring quality suitable for long-term library archiving. Use good quality printer paper, not draft paper.

What if my thesis includes Nigerian language content?

You can include Nigerian language content (Yoruba, Igbo, Hausa, etc.) when relevant to your research. Provide English translations immediately following original language text, either in-text or in footnotes. If extensive vernacular content appears, include glossary in appendices.

How do I handle appendices exceeding 100 pages?

Very large appendices can be bound separately as Volume 2. Consult your supervisor and department about this option. If separating, ensure Volume 1 contains all essential content allowing thesis comprehension without constant Volume 2 reference. Typically reserve Volume 2 for supplementary materials like complete data sets, extensive transcripts, or numerous supporting documents.

What if I can’t meet publication requirements before submission?

Some faculties allow submission with evidence of manuscript submission to peer-reviewed journals. Provide submission confirmation email and manuscript in appendices. However, final degree award may be withheld until publication acceptance is received. Discuss timing concerns with your supervisor early.

Can I use colored text or graphics in my thesis?

While colored figures and graphs are acceptable and often enhance data presentation, avoid colored body text. Stick to black text throughout. For graphs and figures, ensure they remain interpretable when printed in grayscale, as some examiners may print black-and-white copies.

What happens if my thesis is rejected for formatting errors?

Minor formatting errors typically result in conditional acceptance requiring corrections before final submission. Major formatting violations may require resubmission, delaying graduation. In extreme cases of persistent non-compliance, thesis may be referred back for complete reformatting. This is why careful attention to UNILAG requirements from the start is crucial.

Where can I find approved binders near UNILAG?

Several bookshops and binding services near Akoka campus specialize in UNILAG thesis binding and understand university requirements. Ask your department or fellow postgraduate students for recommendations. Typical binding cost ranges ₦3,000-₦5,000 per copy depending on thickness and cover embossing complexity.

Your Path to Successful UNILAG Thesis Submission

Completing a thesis meeting University of Lagos’s rigorous standards represents significant achievement demonstrating both scholarly competence and attention to professional detail. While UNILAG thesis format requirements may seem daunting initially, systematic approach to formatting alongside quality research ensures successful submission and timely graduation.

This comprehensive guide has provided detailed information about UNILAG-specific formatting requirements, faculty variations across all 12 faculties, common errors and avoidance strategies, practical templates and formatting instructions, complete submission checklists, and expert tips from successful UNILAG graduates. Use these resources throughout your thesis journey, consulting regularly as you write and format your work.

Remember that proper formatting isn’t merely bureaucratic requirement—it demonstrates respect for academic standards, facilitates your research communication, and contributes to UNILAG’s reputation for scholarly excellence. Invest time formatting correctly the first time, and you’ll avoid frustrating revision cycles delaying your graduation.

For additional support with thesis writing, formatting, or submission preparation, consider consulting professional academic services specializing in UNILAG requirements Like Writers.ng.