Writing academic projects, theses, or term papers in Nigerian institutions involves more than just research and documentation—it also involves following a recognized citation style. Whether you’re a student in the sciences, humanities, education, or law, citing your sources correctly is crucial for maintaining academic integrity, avoiding plagiarism, and scoring high marks.
But with different referencing formats like APA, MLA, and Harvard being used across various Nigerian universities, one big question remains: Which citation style should Nigerian students use?
This guide will walk you through the major differences between APA (American Psychological Association), MLA (Modern Language Association), and the Harvard referencing style. We’ll break down their structures, areas of application, and help you decide which one suits your academic needs best.
Table of Contents
What is a Citation Style?
A citation style is a standardized method for giving credit to the sources you used in your writing. It dictates how references appear both in-text (within your paper) and in the reference list or bibliography at the end. It ensures that your reader can locate your sources and verify your work.
Nigerian universities emphasize citation because it aligns students with global academic standards. Whether you’re writing a final year project, seminar paper, or postgraduate thesis, understanding how to cite correctly is essential.
Overview of APA, MLA, and Harvard Styles
1. APA Style (American Psychological Association)
Used In: Education, Psychology, Social Sciences, Business, Nursing
APA is widely used in Nigerian universities, especially for students in the faculty of education, management sciences, and social sciences. APA emphasizes the year of publication, making it ideal for fields where recent studies are more valued.
In-text Citation Example: (Ajayi, 2021)
Reference List Format:
Ajayi, T. (2021). Understanding educational psychology. Lagos: Greenfield Publishers.
2. MLA Style (Modern Language Association)
Used In: Arts, Literature, Humanities
MLA is common among English, Linguistics, and Theatre Arts departments in Nigeria. It focuses on the author and page number, which is suitable for textual analysis and literature reviews.
In-text Citation Example: (Achebe 45)
Works Cited Format:
Achebe, Chinua. Things Fall Apart. Heinemann, 1958.
3. Harvard Style
Used In: Sciences, Engineering, Law, Business, Social Sciences
The Harvard style is popular across Nigerian polytechnics and some universities. It’s similar to APA in structure but uses a slightly different formatting for in-text citations and references. Harvard is flexible and widely accepted in international journals.
In-text Citation Example: (Ojo, 2022)
Reference List Format:
Ojo, R. (2022). Basics of mechanical engineering. Ibadan: University Press.
Comparative Analysis of APA, MLA, and Harvard
| Criteria | APA | MLA | Harvard |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fields Used | Education, Psychology, Business | Literature, Arts, Humanities | Science, Law, Engineering |
| In-text Citation | (Author, Year) | (Author Page) | (Author, Year) |
| Reference List Name | References | Works Cited | References |
| Emphasis | Date of Publication | Page Number | Author & Year |
| Flexibility | Moderate | Strict | Highly Flexible |
Which Citation Style Should Nigerian Students Use?
There is no one-size-fits-all citation style. Nigerian students should choose based on their department’s requirements, academic discipline, and supervisor’s preference. However, here are some general guidelines:
Use APA if:
- You’re in Education, Management Sciences, or Social Sciences.
- Your supervisor prefers modern formatting with an emphasis on recent studies.
- You’re referencing a lot of journals and online publications.
Use MLA if:
- You’re in English, Linguistics, Philosophy, or History.
- Your paper requires frequent textual analysis or citations from books.
- Your institution recommends MLA (like UNILAG’s English Department).
Use Harvard if:
- You’re writing in Engineering, Law, or Physical Sciences.
- Your school mandates Harvard referencing (many polytechnics prefer this).
- You’re planning to publish your work internationally.
Pro Tip: Always ask your project supervisor or HOD which citation style is preferred in your department before beginning your project.
Common Citation Mistakes Nigerian Students Make
- Mixing citation styles: Some students cite in APA but list their sources in MLA—this causes confusion.
- Improper formatting: Forgetting italics, capital letters, or using incorrect date formats.
- Missing references: Citing a source in-text but forgetting to include it in the references list.
- Over-reliance on Wikipedia: Most academic institutions in Nigeria do not accept Wikipedia as a credible source.
How to Get Citation Support as a Nigerian Student
If referencing still feels confusing, here are resources you can use:
- CiteThisForMe.com – Free citation generator (APA, MLA, Harvard)
- Zotero – A tool for storing and formatting references
- ProjectLine.com.ng – Offers academic writing and referencing support for Nigerian students
You can also speak to your project supervisor or attend department workshops that focus on academic writing and citation standards.
Read Also:
Top 10 Mistakes Students Make in Final-Year Projects (And How to Avoid Them)
Conclusion
Mastering citation styles is a critical part of academic writing in Nigerian universities. Whether your school or department uses APA, MLA, or Harvard, what matters most is consistency, accuracy, and proper formatting. APA works well for education and social sciences, MLA for literature and humanities, and Harvard for technical and scientific disciplines.
Always double-check your department’s requirements, use citation tools when needed, and don’t be afraid to ask for help. With the right guidance, citing sources will become second nature.
Need help formatting your final year project or term paper in APA, MLA, or Harvard? Contact us at ProjectLine for professional support and academic writing services.
