How to Write and Submit Assignments Properly as a Nigerian University Student: Assignments are an important part of university education in Nigeria. They help students understand their courses better, develop research skills, and improve their writing abilities. However, many students struggle with how to write and submit assignments properly.
This guide will explain the steps to take to ensure your assignments meet academic standards and are submitted on time without problems.
Table of Contents
What is Class Assignment?
A class assignment is a task or piece of work given by a teacher or lecturer to students as part of their studies. It is usually based on what has been taught in class and is meant to test the student’s understanding of the subject. Assignments can take different forms such as essays, research reports, presentations, problem-solving exercises, or practical projects. They are often done individually but can also be group tasks. Class assignments may be given to be completed during class or at home and are usually submitted on or before a deadline.
Assignments are an important part of the learning process. They allow students to apply what they have learned, explore topics more deeply, and develop their academic skills. Some assignments also carry marks which are added to a student’s continuous assessment or final grade for the course. That is why students are always encouraged to take every assignment seriously.
What is the Importance of Writing and Submitting Assignment Properly?
Writing and submitting assignments properly is very important for every student. It goes beyond just completing a task; it reflects how much you understand what you are learning and how responsible you are as a student. Below are some key reasons why it is important to write and submit assignments the right way:
- Helps You Understand Better
Writing assignments allows you to revise what you have been taught and understand it better. As you do research and answer questions, you are learning more and strengthening your knowledge of the subject. - Improves Your Academic Performance
Most assignments are graded. Submitting well-written and correct assignments can boost your scores in continuous assessments. This can have a positive effect on your overall academic performance. - Builds Your Research and Writing Skills
While working on assignments, you learn how to gather information, organize your thoughts, and present your ideas clearly. These are important skills that will help you throughout your education and career. - Teaches Time Management and Discipline
Assignments usually come with deadlines. Completing them on time teaches you how to manage your time wisely, stay organized, and follow instructions. These habits are useful in and outside school. - Shows Responsibility and Commitment
Submitting assignments properly shows your lecturers that you are serious and committed to your studies. It builds your reputation as a responsible student who takes learning seriously. - Prepares You for Exams and Future Tasks
Doing assignments regularly keeps you in constant touch with your books. This makes it easier to prepare for exams because you have already studied and practiced many topics ahead of time. - Avoids Penalties or Loss of Marks
Late or poorly done assignments may attract penalties or even be rejected. Submitting your work on time and according to instructions helps you avoid such issues and get full credit for your effort.
Steps on How to Write and Submit Assignments Properly
Writing and submitting assignments properly is a key part of academic success. It shows your understanding, discipline, and commitment to learning. Whether you’re working on essays, reports, or research tasks, following the right steps ensures quality work and timely submission. Here’s how to do it the right way:
Understand the Assignment Requirements
Before you begin writing your assignment, it is very important to understand what is expected of you. Read the assignment instructions carefully. Look for details such as the topic, word count, formatting style (like APA or MLA), deadline, and any specific questions you need to answer. If anything is unclear, ask your lecturer or course mate for clarification. Starting your work without understanding the requirements can lead to writing off-topic or incomplete assignments.
Planning Your Assignment
Once you understand the task, plan your work. Break down the assignment into smaller parts such as research, drafting, editing, and finalizing. Set a timetable for completing each part, allowing enough time before the deadline. Avoid leaving your assignment until the last minute because this often leads to rushed, low-quality work. Proper planning helps you organize your thoughts and manage your time efficiently.
Conducting Research
Most university assignments require you to support your ideas with evidence. Use textbooks, journal articles, online academic resources, and your lecture notes to gather relevant information. When researching, focus on credible sources to ensure your assignment is reliable. Take notes and record the sources of information because you will need to cite them in your assignment to avoid plagiarism.
Creating an Outline
An outline is a simple plan that shows how your assignment will be structured. Typically, an assignment includes an introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion. The introduction should present the topic and your main argument or thesis. The body paragraphs provide detailed explanations and evidence. The conclusion summarizes the key points and restates your argument. Creating an outline helps keep your writing clear and organized.
Writing the Assignment
Start by writing a draft using your outline. Write clearly and simply, focusing on making your points easy to understand. Use paragraphs to separate different ideas. Avoid using slang or informal language. Make sure each paragraph has a main idea and supporting details. Remember to include citations when you refer to other people’s ideas or research. This shows academic honesty and strengthens your work.
Referencing and Avoiding Plagiarism
Plagiarism is copying someone else’s work without giving credit. It is a serious academic offense in Nigerian universities. To avoid plagiarism, always cite your sources using the required referencing style. Common styles include APA, MLA, and Harvard. Your assignment should include a reference list or bibliography at the end. If you are unsure about how to reference properly, seek help from your lecturer or university library.
Proofreading and Editing
After writing your first draft, take time to review and improve it. Check for spelling, grammar, and punctuation errors. Ensure that your ideas flow logically from one paragraph to the next. Remove unnecessary words or sentences that do not add value. You can also ask a friend or use online tools to help proofread your work. Editing is crucial to making your assignment clear, professional, and easy to read.
Formatting Your Assignment
Follow the formatting guidelines provided by your lecturer or department. This may include font type and size (usually Times New Roman, 12pt), line spacing (usually double-spaced), margins, and page numbers. Proper formatting makes your assignment look neat and meets academic standards. Check if you need to include a cover page with your name, matriculation number, course code, and submission date.
Submitting Your Assignment on Time
Meeting deadlines is very important in Nigerian universities. Late submission can result in penalties or your work not being accepted at all. Find out how your assignment should be submitted—whether as a printed hard copy or electronically via your university’s online portal or email. If submitting online, confirm that the file is properly uploaded and accessible. Keep a copy of your submitted work as proof in case of any issues.
Handling Group Assignments
Some courses require group assignments. When working in a group, communicate clearly and divide the tasks fairly among members. Agree on deadlines for each part and review the entire work together before submission. Make sure everyone understands the assignment requirements. Group work teaches collaboration skills but can be challenging if members do not cooperate well, so good communication is key.
Seeking Help When Needed
If you are struggling with any part of your assignment, do not hesitate to ask for help. University lecturers, tutors, and academic support centers are there to assist you. You can also join study groups or use online academic resources. Getting help early can improve your assignment quality and reduce stress.
Avoiding Common Assignment Mistakes
Many students make avoidable mistakes such as missing deadlines, poor research, unclear writing, and lack of citations. To avoid these, start early, follow instructions carefully, and review your work before submitting. Paying attention to detail and putting in consistent effort will improve your academic performance.
Benefits of Writing Assignments Properly
Properly written and submitted assignments help you to better understand your course material. They improve your critical thinking, research, and writing skills. Good assignments also enhance your academic record, which is important for your future career or further studies. Being disciplined in your assignment process builds habits that will benefit you beyond university.
Final Note on Writing and Submitting Assignments Properly
Writing and submitting assignments properly as a Nigerian university student requires clear understanding, good planning, careful research, organized writing, correct referencing, thorough editing, and timely submission. Follow the steps outlined here to produce quality assignments that meet academic standards and earn good grades.
Remember, assignments are opportunities to learn and grow academically, so take them seriously and manage your time wisely. With practice and effort, you will become confident in handling assignments and succeed in your university education. See more guides as a student on our HOW-TO guide. You can also see the YouTube video below on Writing and submitting assignments properly.
