1. Introduction: The Panic Every Final Year Student Knows
It was the second week of the first semester of 400 level. Tochukwu had been given his project topic by his supervisor at the Department of Business Administration, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka. He was excited. He had picked a topic he was genuinely interested in: “The Impact of Inflation on the Performance of Small and Medium Enterprises in Anambra State.”
He sat down at his laptop. He opened a blank document. He typed the title at the top of the page. He stared at the screen for twenty minutes.
He knew what Chapter One was supposed to contain. His project handbook said it clearly — Background of Study, Statement of the Problem, Objectives of the Study, Research Questions, Significance of the Study, Scope and Limitations, Definition of Terms.
But when he tried to write the Background of Study, his mind went completely blank.
Where do I start? Do I define inflation? Do I talk about SMEs first? How long should this be? What exactly am I supposed to say here?
If you are a final year student in any Nigerian university, you know this feeling intimately. The Background of Study is the section that confuses more students than any other part of Chapter One — and yet it is one of the most important sections in your entire research project.
This guide will end that confusion. By the time you finish reading, you will know exactly what the Background of Study is, why it matters, what to include, how to write it step by step, and what it looks like in practice across different courses.
2. What Is the Background of Study?
The Background of Study is the section of your research project that provides the context for your research. It tells the reader — and your supervisor — the story behind your topic. It explains the situation that exists, the events or conditions that led to that situation, and why that situation has become important enough to investigate academically.
Think of it this way. Imagine you are telling a friend about a problem in your community. You would not jump straight into saying “the problem is this and I want to fix it.” You would first explain what the community looks like, what has been happening there, how things used to be, and what changed. That background story is what helps your friend understand why the problem matters.
That is exactly what the Background of Study does for your research project.
In more formal academic terms, the Background of Study:
- Presents the general setting of your research topic
- Shows the historical development or evolution of the subject
- Identifies the current situation that makes your research necessary
- Establishes the gap in knowledge or practice that your research will address
- Provides the justification for why this topic deserves academic investigation
A well-written Background of Study does not solve the problem you are researching. It simply creates a clear, logical picture of the world in which that problem exists — so that by the time your reader reaches your Statement of the Problem, they already understand why the problem matters.
3. Why Is the Background of Study So Important?
Many Nigerian students treat the Background of Study as a formality — something to write quickly so they can get to the “real” chapters of their project. This is a costly mistake.
Your supervisor reads your Background of Study to determine three things immediately:
First, whether you actually understand your topic. A student who cannot write a coherent background has not done enough reading on the subject. Supervisors identify this within the first few paragraphs.
Second, whether your research is necessary. If the background you write does not establish a genuine gap, problem, or area of concern, your supervisor will question the relevance of your entire project.
Third, whether you can think and write academically. The Background of Study is one of the earliest demonstrations of your ability to process information from multiple sources and synthesise it into a coherent argument. It sets the tone for everything that follows.
Beyond your supervisor, the Background of Study also helps you. Writing it forces you to deeply understand your topic before you design your methodology. Students who write strong backgrounds make better researchers because they have already studied the landscape of their subject before deciding how to investigate it.
As one professor of research methods at the University of Lagos once told his students: “If you cannot write the background, you have not read enough. Go back to the library.” That advice has never gone out of date.
4. Background of Study vs Introduction: What Is the Difference?
This is one of the most common points of confusion for Nigerian students — and understandably so, because in everyday writing, background and introduction sound like the same thing.
In academic research, they are different.
The Introduction is a brief opening statement that presents your research topic to the reader. It is usually one to three paragraphs long. It names the topic, gives a very brief sense of what the research is about, and leads the reader smoothly into the Background of Study. Some supervisors and project formats combine the introduction and background into one section — but many Nigerian universities, particularly in the sciences, social sciences, and humanities, treat them separately.
The Background of Study is much more detailed and substantive. It is not just an introduction — it is a miniature literature discussion that contextualises your topic within existing knowledge, real-world conditions, and the specific circumstances that make your research necessary.
The easiest way to remember the difference:
- The Introduction tells the reader what you are researching
- The Background of Study tells the reader why the situation that led to your research exists and how it developed
In many Nigerian universities, the Background of Study is expected to be between one and three pages long, depending on the institution and department. Some technical programmes require longer backgrounds while some humanities programmes accept slightly shorter ones. Always confirm the specific requirement with your supervisor.
5. Background of Study vs Statement of the Problem: Do Not Mix Them Up
If Background of Study versus Introduction is the first common confusion, then Background of Study versus Statement of the Problem is the second — and arguably the more dangerous one, because mixing them up can cause your supervisor to return your entire Chapter One.
Here is the distinction clearly stated:
The Background of Study presents the general context and situation around your topic. It discusses what exists, what has been happening, and the broader environment in which your research topic sits. It is largely descriptive and contextual.
The Statement of the Problem identifies the specific problem within that context that your research is investigating. It is more focused, more pointed, and directly sets up your research questions and objectives.
Think of it like this:
The Background of Study says: “Nigeria’s education system has faced significant challenges over the past three decades. Funding has declined, infrastructure has deteriorated, teacher training has been inconsistent, and student performance in external examinations has fluctuated widely…”
The Statement of the Problem says: “Despite various government interventions, secondary school students in rural Ebonyi State continue to record significantly lower WAEC scores than their urban counterparts. This gap has persisted for over ten years and the specific factors driving it in the rural Ebonyi context have not been adequately investigated…”
The Background sets the stage. The Statement of the Problem identifies what is wrong on that stage and why your research needs to investigate it.
A useful rule of thumb: if you find yourself writing about a specific problem or gap in your Background of Study, save that sentence for the Statement of the Problem. The background should lead the reader to the problem — not name it directly.
6. What Must Be Included in a Good Background of Study?
Now that you understand what the Background of Study is and what it is not, here is exactly what a strong, well-structured Background of Study must contain. Think of these as the building blocks you arrange in a logical order.
A. Global or General Context
Begin by situating your topic in a broad, global or national context. What is the general situation regarding your topic worldwide or in Nigeria as a whole? What trends, developments, or challenges exist at the macro level?
B. Historical Development
How did the current situation come to be? Was there a point in time when things were different? What events, policies, decisions, or conditions led to the current state of affairs? A brief historical trace gives your research depth and credibility.
C. The Nigerian or Local Context
After establishing the general picture, narrow your focus to Nigeria — or to the specific state, region, or community your research addresses. What is the specific Nigerian reality regarding your topic? How does the Nigerian situation compare to global trends?
D. What Previous Research Has Found
Reference what other researchers, scholars, and institutions have discovered about your topic. You do not need to do a full literature review here — that comes in Chapter Two — but you should acknowledge that existing research exists and briefly note what it has found or where it falls short.
E. The Gap Your Research Addresses
By the end of your background, the reader should be able to see clearly that despite everything that has been written and done, something specific remains unexplored, understudied, or unresolved. This gap is what your research will fill. You do not have to state it bluntly in the background — your Statement of the Problem will do that — but the gap should be visible to any careful reader.
7. Step-By-Step Guide: How to Write the Background of Study
Now let us get practical. Here is a step-by-step process for writing your Background of Study from scratch.
Step 1: Read Extensively on Your Topic First
You cannot write a background without reading. Before you type a single sentence, spend time reading:
- Textbooks related to your topic
- Journal articles (Google Scholar, ResearchGate, and JSTOR are excellent free sources)
- Government reports and policy documents where relevant
- Newspapers and credible online sources for current data
- Previous final year projects on related topics from your institution’s library
The more you read, the richer your background will be. Aim to read at least ten credible sources before you begin writing.
Step 2: Identify the Three Levels of Your Topic
Every research topic can be discussed at three levels:
- Broad level (global or national context)
- Intermediate level (Nigerian or regional context)
- Specific level (your precise research focus)
Map out what you know or have read at each level. This mapping becomes the structure of your background.
Step 3: Write From General to Specific
Start your background at the broad level and move progressively toward your specific focus. This is called the funnel approach — you begin wide and narrow down. Never start with your specific problem and then move outward. The background should feel like a logical journey that leads the reader naturally to the point where your research begins.
Step 4: Use Data and Statistics Where Available
Concrete figures make your background more credible and compelling. Instead of writing “inflation has been a major problem in Nigeria,” write “According to the National Bureau of Statistics, Nigeria’s inflation rate rose to 34.8% in December 2024, the highest in nearly three decades, significantly eroding the purchasing power of Nigerian households and businesses alike.”
Data tells your supervisor you have done real research, not just composed general statements.
Step 5: Cite Your Sources Properly
Every claim you make that is not common knowledge must be supported by a citation. Your institution likely uses APA, MLA, or Chicago referencing style — confirm with your supervisor and be consistent throughout.
Step 6: End With a Forward-Pointing Statement
The final paragraph of your Background of Study should smoothly transition the reader toward the Statement of the Problem. It should signal that despite all the context you have just provided, something specific remains unaddressed — and that is what your research will investigate.
A typical closing sentence might read: “It is against this backdrop that this study seeks to investigate the specific impact of inflation on the operational performance of small and medium enterprises in Anambra State, with particular attention to firms in the manufacturing and trading sectors.”
8. Background of Study Examples for Nigerian Students (Different Courses)
This is the section most students jump to — and rightly so. Seeing examples is one of the fastest ways to understand exactly what a good Background of Study looks like. Below are sample backgrounds written in the style expected of Nigerian university final year projects across four different disciplines.
Example 1: Business Administration
Topic: The Impact of Inflation on the Performance of Small and Medium Enterprises in Anambra State
Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) constitute the backbone of Nigeria’s economy, accounting for approximately 96% of businesses and contributing about 48% of national GDP according to the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN). In states like Anambra, known for its vibrant trading and manufacturing activities, SMEs are particularly central to economic life and employment generation.
However, the Nigerian macroeconomic environment in recent years has presented significant challenges to business operations at every level. The country has experienced persistent inflation, currency depreciation, and rising operational costs that have disproportionately affected small businesses with limited financial buffers. According to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), Nigeria’s year-on-year inflation rate climbed consistently between 2022 and 2025, reaching record highs that eroded household purchasing power and increased input costs for businesses across all sectors.
For SMEs in Anambra State — where many businesses operate in the trading, food processing, and light manufacturing sectors — rising inflation translates directly into higher raw material costs, reduced consumer spending, and shrinking profit margins. Despite the acknowledged importance of SMEs to Nigeria’s economic development, relatively few academic studies have examined how sustained inflationary pressure specifically affects operational performance, inventory management, and long-term survival of SMEs in the Southeast geopolitical zone.
It is against this backdrop that this study investigates the specific relationship between Nigeria’s inflationary trend and the performance indicators of selected SMEs in Anambra State, with a view to providing evidence-based insights for business owners, policymakers, and development finance institutions.
Example 2: Education
Topic: Effects of Social Media Use on the Academic Performance of Secondary School Students in Lagos State
The emergence and rapid adoption of social media platforms in the twenty-first century has fundamentally altered the way young people communicate, access information, and spend their leisure time. Globally, platforms such as TikTok, Instagram, WhatsApp, Twitter (now X), and YouTube have attracted hundreds of millions of young users, many of whom are of secondary school age. A 2023 report by DataReportal estimated that over 4.9 billion people worldwide actively use social media, with teenagers constituting one of the fastest-growing demographic segments.
In Nigeria, social media penetration has grown dramatically, driven by increasing smartphone accessibility and the expansion of mobile data networks. Lagos State, as Nigeria’s most populous and commercially active state, has one of the highest concentrations of social media users in the country. Secondary school students in Lagos have been identified in multiple surveys as heavy users of social media platforms, with many students spending between three and seven hours daily on various platforms.
The educational implications of this trend have attracted growing attention from researchers, teachers, and parents. While some researchers argue that social media, when used appropriately, can enhance collaborative learning, broaden students’ exposure to global knowledge, and support creative development, a considerable body of evidence points to negative consequences including reduced study time, shorter attention spans, sleep disruption, and declining academic engagement.
Within the Nigerian educational context, where secondary school students already contend with inadequate infrastructure, large class sizes, and examination pressure from WAEC and NECO, the added distraction of social media use raises legitimate concerns about academic outcomes. Yet few studies have examined these effects specifically within the Lagos secondary school environment, where the combination of urban social pressures and widespread smartphone ownership creates a distinct context that deserves dedicated investigation.
Example 3: Public Health
Topic: Knowledge and Attitude of Pregnant Women Towards Antenatal Care in Rural Communities of Kogi State
Antenatal care (ANC) refers to the medical supervision and health education provided to pregnant women before childbirth, with the primary aim of monitoring maternal and fetal wellbeing, detecting complications early, and preparing mothers for safe delivery. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends a minimum of eight antenatal contact visits for every pregnant woman, starting from the first trimester of pregnancy.
Despite global progress in maternal health over the past three decades, sub-Saharan Africa continues to bear a disproportionately high burden of maternal and infant mortality. Nigeria ranks among the countries with the highest maternal mortality rates in the world. According to the Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS) 2023, Nigeria’s maternal mortality ratio stood at approximately 512 deaths per 100,000 live births — a figure that reflects deep structural challenges in healthcare access and utilisation, particularly in rural areas.
In Kogi State, located at the confluence of Nigeria’s two major rivers, communities in rural local government areas face compound barriers to healthcare access, including long distances to health facilities, inadequate transportation infrastructure, poverty, and cultural beliefs that influence health-seeking behaviour during pregnancy. Studies from comparable settings in Nigeria have shown that knowledge about the importance and content of antenatal care remains limited in rural communities, and that attitudes shaped by cultural norms, religious beliefs, and previous birth experiences significantly influence whether pregnant women attend antenatal clinics and how frequently they do so.
While several studies have examined ANC utilisation in southern Nigerian states, the specific knowledge levels and attitudinal factors affecting antenatal care attendance among pregnant women in rural Kogi State communities have received limited academic attention. Understanding these factors is essential for designing targeted health communication interventions that can meaningfully improve maternal health outcomes in the state.
Example 4: Law
Topic: An Examination of the Legal Framework for Combating Electoral Fraud in Nigeria
Free and fair elections are the cornerstone of democratic governance. The legitimacy of any government in a constitutional democracy derives directly from the integrity of the electoral process through which it comes to power. For Nigeria, the largest democracy in Africa by population, credible elections represent not just a legal obligation under the 1999 Constitution (as amended) but a fundamental prerequisite for the stability and development aspirations of a nation of over 220 million people.
Since Nigeria’s return to democratic rule in 1999, every electoral cycle has been accompanied by allegations of malpractice ranging from voter intimidation and ballot box snatching to manipulation of results at collation centres and the deployment of state resources for partisan electoral purposes. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), established under Section 153 of the 1999 Constitution, has the constitutional mandate to organise, undertake, and supervise elections — including the responsibility to ensure that the legal framework for combating electoral fraud is effectively implemented.
Nigeria has enacted several pieces of legislation aimed at strengthening electoral integrity, most notably the Electoral Act 2022, which introduced significant reforms including the mandatory use of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS), electronic transmission of results, and enhanced penalties for electoral offenders. These reforms represented the most significant legislative intervention in Nigeria’s electoral process in many years and were widely praised by civil society organisations and international observers.
However, the persistence of electoral fraud allegations during the 2023 general elections, despite the existence of these reforms, raises fundamental questions about the effectiveness of Nigeria’s current legal framework for combating electoral malpractice. Whether the provisions of the Electoral Act 2022 are sufficiently comprehensive, adequately enforced, and correctly interpreted by the courts remains a matter of significant legal and political importance that has not been exhaustively examined in academic literature.
9. Common Mistakes Nigerian Students Make in the Background of Study
Learning what to do is only half the work. Understanding what not to do is equally important. Here are the most common mistakes that cause supervisors to return projects at the Background of Study stage:
Starting with a dictionary definition Many students open their background with “According to the Oxford English Dictionary, [topic] is defined as…” This is one of the weakest possible openings. Definitions belong in the Definition of Terms section, not the background. Start with context and substance, not dictionary entries.
Writing too generally without any focus Some backgrounds are so broad that they could apply to any research topic on the subject. Your background must be tailored to your specific research focus. A background on inflation and SMEs in Anambra State should not read like a background on Nigeria’s economy in general.
Confusing the background with the literature review The Background of Study provides context. Chapter Two (Literature Review) conducts a systematic review of existing academic research. Do not dump all your literature review content into your background — it will make Chapter Two redundant and confuse your supervisor.
Using no data or statistics A background built entirely on general statements is weak. Concrete figures, dates, and data make your background credible. Use them.
Failing to show the gap If your background does not lead the reader naturally to see why your research is necessary, it has not done its job. Every sentence in your background should contribute, directly or indirectly, to justifying your research.
Copying from other projects This is plagiarism and it is a serious academic offence. Your supervisor has often seen many projects on similar topics. Write your background in your own words, synthesising what you have read rather than reproducing it.
Making it too short A background of two paragraphs tells your supervisor you have not done enough reading. A thorough background demonstrates serious engagement with your subject.
10. Tips to Make Your Background of Study Stand Out
Going beyond the minimum requirements is what separates a good project from an excellent one. Here are practical tips that will make your background memorable:
Use recent data. Statistics from 2020 are less compelling than statistics from 2024 or 2025. Where possible, use the most recent data available on your topic. Recent figures show your supervisor that your research is timely.
Write with a logical flow. Each paragraph should connect naturally to the next. Read your background aloud after writing it — if you stumble or lose the thread, your reader will too.
Be specific about geography and context. “Rural communities in Nigeria” is less compelling than “rural communities in Imo State’s Orlu zone.” Specificity shows that you understand the context of your research deeply.
Reference credible Nigerian sources. National Bureau of Statistics reports, Central Bank of Nigeria publications, World Bank Nigeria data, INEC reports, NUC publications — these sources carry authority and show your supervisor that you went beyond general internet searches.
Avoid emotional or personal language. The Background of Study is academic writing. Phrases like “this problem breaks my heart” or “I have always been passionate about this topic” have no place here. State facts, cite evidence, and build your argument logically.
Let someone else read it. Ask a classmate, a friend in a higher level, or your supervisor during a consultation session to read your background and tell you if the context makes sense. Fresh eyes catch gaps and inconsistencies that you may have missed.
11. Frequently Asked Questions
How long should the Background of Study be? Most Nigerian universities expect a Background of Study of between one and three pages for undergraduate projects, typed in 12-point Times New Roman or Arial, double-spaced. Some departments in medical and engineering programmes expect longer backgrounds. Confirm with your supervisor.
Can I use the first person in my Background of Study? Most Nigerian university project writing conventions require third-person academic writing. Avoid “I” and “we” — use “this study,” “the researcher,” or “this research” instead.
How many sources should I cite in my Background of Study? There is no fixed number, but a strong background typically draws from five to fifteen credible sources. Quality matters more than quantity — three well-chosen, properly cited sources are better than ten weak ones.
Can I use information from Wikipedia? Wikipedia is not an acceptable academic source for a university research project. Use it only as a starting point to identify topics and find references — then track down the original sources and cite those instead.
Is the Background of Study the same in all disciplines? The structure is similar across disciplines, but the content and emphasis differ. A background in Medical Laboratory Science will lean heavily on clinical and epidemiological data. A background in Law will reference constitutional provisions and judicial decisions. A background in Education will draw from learning theories and policy documents. Always write your background in the language and evidence style of your specific discipline.
My supervisor returned my background and said it lacks context. What does that mean? It typically means your background reads like a general statement about your topic without adequately explaining the real-world situation that makes your research necessary. Go back, add historical development, recent data, and a clearer picture of why the current situation is problematic or worth studying.
12. Conclusion: Write With Confidence
Tochukwu — the 400-level Business Administration student from Awka who stared at a blank page at the beginning of this guide — eventually wrote one of the strongest project backgrounds in his department that semester. His supervisor praised it during the first consultation. His secret was simple: he read extensively first, understood what the background was actually supposed to do, and wrote from general to specific with data to back every major claim.
You can do exactly the same.
The Background of Study is not a mysterious or impossible section. It is a structured, logical presentation of the context that makes your research necessary. Once you understand its purpose — to show your reader the world in which your research problem exists — writing it becomes significantly less intimidating.
Follow the steps in this guide. Use the examples as models, not templates to copy. Read enough before you write. Cite everything properly. And remember that your supervisor is not looking for perfection on the first draft — they are looking for evidence that you understand your topic and have thought seriously about why your research matters.
As Nigerian academics often remind their students: “A research project is not written in one day, but it must begin on one day.”
Today is that day. Open your document, apply what you have learned here, and begin.
Is your Background of Study giving you problems? Drop your specific question in the comment section below — tell us your topic and where you are stuck, and we will help you work through it.