SOLD BY: How to Write an Effective Acknowledgement Section
🟩 1. What Is an Acknowledgement Section?
The Acknowledgement section is a short part of your project where you express gratitude to individuals and institutions that contributed to the success of your research or academic work. It reflects your professionalism, humility, and appreciation for support received during your study.
🟩 2. Purpose of the Acknowledgement
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To thank academic supervisors, lecturers, and mentors who guided you.
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To appreciate institutions or organizations that provided materials, data, or funding.
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To recognize friends, family, or colleagues who offered encouragement or assistance.
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To show ethical and professional courtesy to everyone who contributed directly or indirectly to your work.
🟩 3. General Structure of a Good Acknowledgement
Your acknowledgement can be divided into three parts:
🔹 A. Opening Paragraph (Formal Thanks to Academic Support)
Start by thanking your project supervisor(s), lecturers, and academic advisors.
Example:
I am deeply grateful to my supervisor, Dr. (Name), for his/her continuous guidance, constructive criticism, and invaluable suggestions throughout the course of this research. His/her support and encouragement have been a great source of motivation.
🔹 B. Middle Paragraph (Institutional and Organizational Acknowledgements)
Acknowledge your department, institution, and any organizations or individuals who provided data or technical support.
Example:
My appreciation also goes to the Head of Department, (Name), and all lecturers in the Department of (Your Department Name), Federal Polytechnic Nasarawa, for their academic support and mentorship.
I am equally indebted to the management and staff of (Organization/Institution Name) for granting me access to necessary information and materials used in this study.
🔹 C. Final Paragraph (Personal Acknowledgements)
End with appreciation to family, friends, and anyone who offered emotional, moral, or financial support.
Example:
I sincerely thank my parents, Mr. and Mrs. (Name), for their prayers, financial assistance, and encouragement. My heartfelt gratitude also goes to my friends and colleagues, (Names), for their companionship and constructive suggestions during the course of this work.
🟩 4. Writing Style Tips
✅ Be sincere and concise — avoid exaggerations.
✅ Use formal but warm language — don’t be too casual.
✅ Avoid long lists of names — focus on major contributors.
✅ Maintain a logical order — usually: academic → institutional → personal.
✅ Do not include God if your school prohibits religious references; otherwise, you may start with “First and foremost, I thank Almighty God…” if permitted.
🟩 5. Sample Acknowledgement (Academic Project)
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
First and foremost, I wish to express my profound gratitude to Almighty God for His grace, wisdom, and strength throughout the period of this research.
I owe my deepest appreciation to my supervisor, Dr. (Name), for his invaluable guidance, patience, and constructive feedback which significantly enhanced the quality of this project.
I am also grateful to the Head of Department, (Name), and all lecturers in the Department of (Department Name), Federal Polytechnic Nasarawa, for their academic support and advice.
My sincere thanks go to the management and staff of (Organization/Institution) for their cooperation and assistance during data collection.
Finally, I express my heartfelt appreciation to my parents, Mr. and Mrs. (Name), my siblings, and friends for their constant encouragement, prayers, and moral support throughout this study.
(Your Full Name)
🟩 6. Sample Acknowledgement (Short Version for Term Paper or Seminar)
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
I wish to sincerely thank my supervisor, Mrs. (Name), for her guidance and constructive criticism throughout this work. My appreciation also goes to my classmates and friends who provided helpful suggestions. Above all, I thank Almighty God for His strength and wisdom.
(Your Name)
🟩 7. Common Mistakes to Avoid
❌ Writing overly long or emotional acknowledgements.
❌ Using slang or informal words (e.g., “shout-out,” “big thanks”).
❌ Forgetting key contributors like your supervisor or institution.
❌ Copying someone else’s acknowledgement — it should sound genuine.
❌ Including controversial or private details.