We all know the stress of schooling in Nigerian universities. We even argue about which university stresses its students the most. Many of us think we would have graduated with first class results if not for all the unnecessary stress our system of education brings upon students.

Regardless of all the stress, we still see a few students excelling academically and in other areas. Here is how most of them do it:

1. They accept that stress is part of life
While others waste time and energy worrying and complaining ‘wicked lecturers’ or how they have decided that no student will ever graduate with a first class, smart students accept the situation and find ways to improve their condition and survive.

2. They see the good in the bad
It is true that our educational system is not the best in the world however, smart students refuse to let the hardship to turn them into bitter or helpless students rather they choose to use stressful circumstances to become stronger and better.

3. They choose to cope in ways that won’t cause more harm
In a bid to cope, some students resort to unhealthy habits and lifestyle like cultism and alcoholism. On the other hand, smart students use healthy activities, like going religious meetings to cope with the enormous stress.

Source: http://graduatewell.com/article/see-why-smart-students-excel-regardless-of-the-stress-in-nigerian-universities

Well said OP.