Undergraduate Microbiology Research at the University of Benin, Nigeria: Experiences, Challenges, and Strategic Opportunities

Undergraduate research is a core component of Microbiology training and a crucial pathway for enhancing scientific capacity. Despite its recognised value, students in resource-limited settings often complete research projects under substantial infrastructural and institutional constraints. This study assessed the research experiences of final-year Microbiology undergraduates at a University in Southern Nigeria, using the case study to examine the opportunities and challenges inherent in the Nigerian higher education system. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 107 of 130 final-year students using a piloted, self-administered electronic questionnaire. Key variables captured included project characteristics, supervision patterns, laboratory access, skill acquisition, confidence in research, challenges encountered, and recommendations for improvement. Quantitative data were analysed descriptively, while qualitative responses were interpreted thematically. Most students reported substantial gains in laboratory skills (91.6%), improved confidence in research design (89.7%), and generally positive supervisory experiences, with more than 94% rating supervision as good or excellent. However, recurrent systemic limitations shaped the research process. Students frequently cited erratic electricity, inadequate laboratory equipment, and high personal costs for reagents, transportation, and private laboratory analyses. Time pressure, delays in project approval, and conflicts between coursework and laboratory schedules further constrained project execution. Qualitative findings revealed a call for structured research training prior to project commencement, as well as growing enthusiasm for microbiology-driven entrepreneurship. The study highlights a paradox that while undergraduate research effectively builds skills and confidence, its full potential is undermined by infrastructure deficits and limited institutional support. Therefore, addressing these gaps requires strategic investment in laboratory capacity, improved supervisory structures, and the incorporation of entrepreneurship and innovation pathways into the curriculum, thereby engendering a new generation of graduates capable of meeting current societal demands.