Executive Summary
Provide an umbrella statement that gives a summary of the key information in the entire proposal. This should include the description of the structure, purpose and the cost of the project.
Introduction
Provide an introduction to the work, its focus and the issue of national concern or development to which it is targeted.
Briefly introduce the researchers. Attach their curriculum vitae as appendices please.
Problem Statement/Statement of Relevance
Define the problem in clear terms, describing the situation that calls for the study. This should include some literature review.
Project Goals and Objectives
Please provide brief statements on the purpose of the study and the expected outcomes. Also, clearly state the hypotheses to be tested if need be.
Methodology
Describe the nature of the research, stating clearly the materials, methods, the instruments, the sampling procedures and the method of analysis. Chosen methods must be defended if they are novel and unorthodox.
Budget
Provide a budget which should include a detailed estimate of the expected cost of the proposed research work. This however, should exclude details of the manpower involved, the cost of equipment to be used, allowances, research assistants and secretarial supporting staff as funds available are limited. It is assumed that researchers will take advantage of the human resources and equipment on the ground for the purpose. Details of the cost of consumables could however be included.
Provide a paragraph or two reiterating the research goals and objectives and to under score the importance and relevance of the expected outcome to society.
The National Universities Commissions guideline on preparation and submission of research proposals has been reproduced here as an indication of its importance to the research methodology of the University of Calabar. To follow the steps as specified is to produce a proposal for a fundable research.
With the establishment of the Centre for Research Coordination and Documentation, it is expected that there would be proper monitoring of approved proposals and a liaison between the university and researchers provided by the Centre would boost research work and encourage funding and result oriented research work in the University of Calabar.