This would be a somewhat long story. I hope it inspires someone out there to achieve their dreams of achieving a better academic result, be it a first class or second class upper, ...
Just to understand the mindset I had when going into the university, I graduated from a reputable secondary school in the Middle Belt region of Nigeria, as the 10th best student in WAEC with 4A’s 4B’s and a C (Cheating was a grave sin). I was greatly involved in extracurricular activities during my 6 years there and this took a toll on my academic performance. I knew I had a greater potential with regards to achieving stellar academic feats. So this informed my choice to be more focused on my academic pursuit in the university than extra-curricular activities like sports and volunteering.
My first year (B.Sc.) at my alma mater started without any plans as to my academic prospects (i.e., finishing with a first class), despite being sure I wanted to have a great academic performance. I had just resumed at a school which was my second choice in JAMB, which I did just to fulfill all righteousness. Now reminiscing, I thank God I didn’t go through the rigours of securing admission to a Federal University. I definitely intended to do well with my academics, but I didn’t have a definite plan as to how to achieve this desire.
My first and second-semester results were out and I felt good. I assumed I was the best student. I knew I didn’t put in much work but still “topped” the class on most results. Surprisingly, while discussing with a course mate towards the end of my first year I was informed of a coursemate who was on a 4.8. This kind of “gingered” me towards covering up such a wide gap between our GPAs. To me, it sounded quite absurd, that a course mate being taught the same courses as I and who had attended the same lectures as I did could give us a great head start like this.
My department was one where achieving a first class was a wonder. From a staff source, I was made to understand that in over 40 years of the department’s history, the total number of first-class students were less than 8, one of which was 2 years ahead of me.
I took up the challenge to achieve this feat and close the wide gap between my GPA and that of our best student. I graduated about 4 years later with a CGPA of 4.59 (Thanks to ASUU strike and a suspension of academic activities due to a somewhat violent student protest). This may not sound like a great increase, but it is noteworthy to mention my GPA s in my 2nd, 3rd and 4th years were 4.54, 4.70, and 4.90 respectively (with just 1 B in a “borrowed” course during my final year).
I have gained a lot from these grades (one of the best Nigerian undergraduate scholarships, a full sponsorship to an international conference, a good job, a new perspective on life,...). I still expect more rewards in the years ahead as I plan further (Graduate studies, More Scholarships,...).
I share these practical steps as a tentative guide to those in their early university years aspiring to achieve an improvement in their class of degrees before graduation. Not necessarily just for aspiring first class students.
1. Plan and be determined
Determine the possibility of achieving such a class of degree.
What this means is first learning how to calculate your GPA by yourself. Then determine how feasible your new target is by knowing the nature of grades you need to get for the rest of your years in the university to achieve your goal. One of my motivations was that achieving this would encourage younger generations in my department to see the possibility of getting excellent grades.

2. Aim Higher
It isn’t a new thing to see a grade far different from what you expect on the notice board, I experienced this so many times.
One instance was on a course I read so well for and wrote. I could predict most of my scores before the scores were pasted, so I expected an A, or worse a B. But on this particular case, I got a C. Worse was that this C was a 50/100, meaning I could have even gotten a D if I missed another mark. Therefore, it is necessary to set higher targets to avoid too many disappointments. The fault may not be yours. I never went for a remark.
Another instance was my final year when I had just only a B among my courses for that session with the rest A’s. I was shocked when I saw my result because I didn’t anticipate it would turn out great. I had planned to ace my courses because getting an A in our research project was quite slim. Also, my CGPA for my 3rd year was 4.49 (0.01 shy of a first class and anything could happen). At least an A in other courses would make up for a B in a 6 credit load research project. So I aimed really high, gave my best and God rewarded it more than my greatest expectation. I eventually was one of the five in my set to get an A in our research projects.

3. Set your priorities right
A university is a fun-filled place filled with a lot of time-consuming activities. This fun comes at a price. You’ll have to weigh how much fun you can have that wouldn’t be detrimental to your academic success. Also, religious activities can be time-consuming. I’m not kicking against some of these activities, because I was still involved in religious, volunteering, and even farming activities while schooling. But I had to plan really well to accommodate all of this.

4. Prayer
Although this is not coming first, it played a significant role in my success.
I don’t pray for hours, but I always believe a short sincere prayer to God, which is also according to His will would be answered positively. Someone once told me, whenever you remember an exam you’ve just written, it's best you pray for fair marking at that point. Our subconscious has a powerful way of communicating with us. I prayed often for my papers, I received favour. I never had a missing script and that's something to be really grateful for. Although, I paid due diligence too, by following the exam rules strictly and writing my matriculation number on all of my answer sheets in case a page was erroneously detached. Missing scripts could be either the fault of the student or staff or some other unfortunate event.
5. Don’t listen to Nay-Sayers
As you try to achieve your goal, you will meet a lot of people who would either encourage or discourage you. Listen to the good advice and ignore the bad. You know the possibility of an increase in your result by calculating what you have and what is feasible as shown in my first point. Some people would tell you, “Who first Class hep?”. But I tell you the truth don’t be deceived because someday you may wish you got that result which you didn’t.
There’s much more I would have written here, but I believe this is enough to inspire and tentatively guide someone to success. I am not so intelligent, I am just a hard worker. As Socrates said, “Man Know Thyself”, understand yourself and don’t follow just anyone's pattern of reading. It may not work for you. We are all different. I mostly read for an hour almost every day, revising my notes and making more notes. Understand your lecturers, learn to predict them, don’t procrastinate your reading. Procrastination would just make your reading harder.
A good character is key to success. It has saved me a lot of times. Sometimes when you see a pompous person excelling, know a fall could be on the way!!! Pride goes before a fall!!
I believe we're not always just assessed based on our academic prowess, but by our character.

A price must be paid! Nothing good comes easy!!
My colleague and I finished with a first class. Unfortunately, my colleague had a few setbacks, but still graduated top of the class (I think with a 4.73 or so). He’s currently on a fully funded international scholarship for graduate studies, and so am I !
I must say this first class hasn’t been an express ticket in life but has shown me with hard work and consistency I can achieve a great thing in this life. Sometimes to whom much is given, much is expected; people expect more from me.
I give freely because I have received freely.
Pardon my typos and the quality of my writing. I am not much of a writer.
If you have further questions, kindly quote me here or mention my moniker.
I would respond as soon as I can.

Wish you all the best!!!

Lalasticlala, olawalebabs, Richiez, Fynestboi



Dr Holmes (SAS)

congratulations. well written

Thanks! God bless you!

Nice one bro..I'm in 200l studying MATHEMATICS..I also wish to graduate with First class but am currently on 4.08cgpa....Do you think It's possible cos I have four semesters left??.
Although I bliv in mind dah It's possible but I still need your advice...Thanks in advance

atiteb4:
congratulations. well written

Thank you atiteb4

MTAIYEM:
Thanks!
God bless you!

Amen MTAIYEM

mayDtolu:
Nice one bro..I'm in 200l studying MATHEMATICS..I also wish to graduate with First class but am currently on 4.08cgpa....Do you think It's possible cos I have four semesters left??.
Although I bliv in mind dah It's possible but I still need your advice...Thanks in advance

You have a good CGPA.
The truth is I may not be able to really tell you how great your chances are.
If you can calculate your GPA, then you're one step ahead.
My advice is to get the credit units for your remaining courses till graduation, then fix in an A to all of you them to see if it's feasible. If it isn't then don't loose heart. Push hard. I've seen cases in recent times that our CGPA could make a difference regardless of you still being in a 2.1, e.g., applying to foreign graduate schools. A 4.3 would be better than someone with a 4.1 in this case.
If you try using all A's and it's feasible, that's great news. Then you'll just have to fire like never before. Read like you believe it's possible.
I promise you it wouldn't be easy, but it's possible.
All A's is possible.
All the best mayDtolu

congrats bro!

Sherlock5577:

You have a good CGPA.
The truth is I may not be able to really tell you how great your chances are.
If you can calculate your GPA, then you're one step ahead.
My advice is to get the credit units for your remaining courses till graduation, then fix in an A to all of you them to see if it's feasible. If it isn't then don't loose heart. Push hard. I've seen cases in recent times that our CGPA could make a difference regardless of you still being in a 2.1, e.g., applying to foreign graduate schools. A 4.3 would be better than someone with a 4.1 in this case.
If you try using all A's and it's feasible, that's great news. Then you'll just have to fire like never before. Read like you believe it's possible.
I promise you it wouldn't be easy, but it's possible.
All A's is possible.
All the best mayDtolu

Thanks Very much bro...I will try my best...

mayDtolu:



Thanks Very much bro...I will try my best...

I know you will!!

Congrats man.. My GP is currently on 3.33, though have not written second semester exams due to the ASUU strike (100level mass communication btw)
I would like your candid advise

Kceefresh19:
Congrats man.. My GP is currently on 3.33, though have not written second semester exams due to the ASUU strike (100level mass communication btw)
I would like your candid advise

Many of us had our worst GPA in 100L, due to some little and avoidable mistakes. I learnt from my mistakes and so it therefore informed my gradual progress.
Thank God you're still in your early years in the University. I am so happy for you because of the possibilities I see. I can't say if you would still be able to make a First Class because some starting GPA's can really impede this possibility. But carefully follow my first point on "Plan and be determined". Make calculations and see what is feasible, then work assiduously towards your goal. If a First Class is possible, then that's beautiful. Even if a First Class isn't feasible, a very high GPA; "Strong"second class upper could still be an advantage someday. I see scholarships with minimum GPA's, and not just classes of degrees.
As I said in the post, understand your lecturers be consistent. Be humble and not be distracted by your progress. The sky would just be a starting point!!
All the best kceefresh19

Sherlock5577:

Many of us had our worst GPA in 100L, due to some little and avoidable mistakes. I learnt from my mistakes and so it therefore informed my gradual progress.
Thank God you're still in your early years in the University. I am so happy for you because of the possibilities I see. I can't say if you would still be able to make a First Class because some starting GPA's can really impede the possibilities. But carefully follow my first point on "Plan and be determined". Make calculations and see what is feasible, then work assiduously towards your goal. If a First Class is possible, then that's beautiful. Even if a First Class isn't feasible, a very high GPA; "Strong"second class upper could still be an advantage someday. I see scholarships with minimum GPA's, and not just classes of degrees.
As I said in the post, understand your lecturers be consistent. Be humble and not be distracted by your progress. The sky would just be a starting point!!
All the best kceefresh19

It is 100% actually much easier for him.. Only if he can get 4.5 above till he graduate...

I had similar issues too in my yr1.. I was on a 3.4..
But just finished yr2 and I'm on 4.0....and I only recorded one 1st class semester.. About 4.6

The problem now is the higher we go,the harder it becomes.. Like the G. P thing doesn't move like before again.. I'm on a 4.0 now at the end of yr2 going for a 5 year course.. And it looks so hard..

Cos when I calculated, the only thing that can make me get a first class is when I get 5.00 till I graduate... Of which it might not be possible, as I am doing a practical course.. And practical results always vary

orikzz:



It is 100% actually much easier for him.. Only if he can get 4.5 above till he graduate...

I had similar issues too in my yr1.. I was on a 3.4..
But just finished yr2 and I'm on 4.0....and I only recorded one 1st class semester.. About 4.6

Yes I agree with you that it is much easier for him than individuals who have gone much farther with their undergrad studies. I'm glad you're making good improvements , and there is room for greater improvement . Thanks for encouraging him!!! We need people like you here, so others can learn from your experiences.

am currently on 4.47(100level first semester) remaining one course I haven't seen plus .. av done d second semester exam also awaiting result.. with this how can I help myself in d second year till graduation

Pls i need help. I just need second class upper.. Had 2.45 in hundred level. My 200level was first semester was bad but no carry over. But i knw my second semester result will be good although ive nt seen it.. My aim is to get above 4.00 from 3 hundred level to 5hundred level.. Is it still possible for me to two one by the time i finish?

Arkjones:
am currently on 4.47(100level first semester) remaining one course I haven't seen plus .. av done d second semester exam also awaiting result.. with this how can I help myself in d second year till graduation

On a 5-point scale?
Guy you could finish with a very strong GPA. Aim for 4.7 and above. You've still got some time jare. As you can see in my post I started on a 4.29/5.
Please don't loose focus. It's easier to maintain something than struggling to meet up with that same thing, especially if you're lagging behind.
Let me even tell you congrats from now.
Please don't make the mistake many have made. I have heard of many stories of people starting with a First and ending up with a second. So anything can happen from now to the time you graduate. Don't relent for anything. Also open your mind towards obtaining scholarships (applications should have begun), attending conferences , networking, and making publications in the future.

Kudos!!!

Ray97:
Pls i need help. I just need second class upper.. Had 2.45 in hundred level. My 200level was first semester was bad but no carry over. But i knw my second semester result will be good although ive nt seen it.. My aim is to get above 4.00 from 3 hundred level to 5hundred level.. Is it still possible for me to two one by the time i finish?

At least you've got a couple of years till graduation.
Follow the first point in the post "Plan and be determined", and I believe you'll make great improvement.
First, calculate what you need to get to 4.0 to see if it's feasible and start firing. You'll need to believe you can do it and work as if it's already done. Don't mind that anybody is doing better than you are now. You can do much better than anyone. I've seen great improvements in students. You'll just have to make some sacrifices, and you wouldn't regret making them. Also seek advice from genuine people who are doing well. I believe they should be glad to help.
I hope to hear good news from you in the years to come .

Sherlock5577:

At least you've got a couple of years till graduation.
Follow the first point in the post "Plan and be determined", and I believe you'll make great improvement.
First, calculate what you need to get to 4.0 to see if it's feasible and start firing. You'll need to believe you can do it and work as if it's already done. Don't mind that anybody is doing better than you are now. You can do much better than anyone. I've seen great improvements in students. You'll just have to make some sacrifices, and you wouldn't regret making them. Also seek advice from genuine people who are doing well. I believe they should be glad to help.
I hope to hear good news from you in the years to come .

Thanks alot. A course mate of mine with second class tutors me. And i've also developed the habit of using at least 2hrs in the school library and also reading at night and somtimes early in the morning. I must admit its nuh been easy but i belheve it not be in vain. I dnt wanna disappoint my parents. They've tried for me.

Ray97:
Thanks alot. A course mate of mine with second class tutors me. And i've also developed the habit of using at least 2hrs in the school library and also reading at night and somtimes early in the morning. I must admit its nuh been easy but i belheve it not be in vain. I dnt wanna disappoint my parents. They've tried for me.

At least you've also got some form of motivation from a colleague and parents.
I would like to hear from you again, when you're done with undergrad studies.
Feel free to ask for guidance!!

Sherlock5577:

On a 5-point scale?
Guy you could finish with a very strong GPA. Aim for 4.7 and above. You've still got some time jare. As you can see in my post I started on a 4.29/5.
Please don't loose focus. It's easier to maintain something than struggling to meet up with that same thing, especially if you're lagging behind.
Let me even tell you congrats from now.
Please don't make the mistake many have made. I have heard of many stories of people starting with a First and ending up with a second. So anything can happen from now to the time you graduate. Don't relent for anything. Also open your mind towards obtaining scholarships (applications should have begun), attending conferences , networking, and making publications in the future.

Kudos!!!

Sherlock5577:

On a 5-point scale?
Guy you could finish with a very strong GPA. Aim for 4.7 and above. You've still got some time jare. As you can see in my post I started on a 4.29/5.
Please don't loose focus. It's easier to maintain something than struggling to meet up with that same thing, especially if you're lagging behind.
Let me even tell you congrats from now.
Please don't make the mistake many have made. I have heard of many stories of people starting with a First and ending up with a second. So anything can happen from now to the time you graduate. Don't relent for anything. Also open your mind towards obtaining scholarships (applications should have begun), attending conferences , networking, and making publications in the future.

Kudos!!!

Sherlock5577:

On a 5-point scale?
Guy you could finish with a very strong GPA. Aim for 4.7 and above. You've still got some time jare. As you can see in my post I started on a 4.29/5.
Please don't loose focus. It's easier to maintain something than struggling to meet up with that same thing, especially if you're lagging behind.
Let me even tell you congrats from now.
Please don't make the mistake many have made. I have heard of many stories of people starting with a First and ending up with a second. So anything can happen from now to the time you graduate. Don't relent for anything. Also open your mind towards obtaining scholarships (applications should have begun), attending conferences , networking, and making publications in the future.

Kudos!!!

thanks bro. the scholarship stuff was wat myself and my brother was discussing few days ago but I don't av idea about scholarship and how it can be applied plus I don't stay in Lagos.. I would appreciate it if u can let me no some of d available ones.. about publication av written some articles as a linguist which I hope I would publish on d long run

A very nice piece. I am in my second year. The first year was 3.85/4. Now, they just employed a lecturer who is, to put it mildly, someone who has no business with academics. Every class of his is war. He can ask a whole row(of about 50 people) to walk out of his class for flimsy reasons while he gives impromptu tests to the reminants. Now, this is really a burden to me because it is affecting us....how can one finish well with such a soul?

Arkjones:
[color=#770077][/color]
thanks bro. the scholarship stuff was wat myself and my brother was discussing few days ago but I don't av idea about scholarship and how it can be applied plus I don't stay in Lagos.. I would appreciate it if u can let me no some of d available ones.. about publication av written some articles as a linguist which I hope I would publish on d long run

I actually don't know much scholarships for linguists. I did a science major, but I'll advice that you check online for scholarships in Nigeria, check scholarstica, dragnet too, and the likes. You'll probably find some for your field.
As per the articles that's a good start.

Sherlock5577:
This would be a somewhat long story. I hope it inspires someone out there to achieve their dreams of achieving a better academic result, be it a first class or second class upper, ...
Just to understand the mindset I had when going into the university, I graduated from a reputable secondary school in the Middle Belt region of Nigeria, as the 10th best student in WAEC with 4A’s 4B’s and a C (Cheating was a grave sin). I was greatly involved in extracurricular activities during my 6 years there and this took a toll on my academic performance. I knew I had a greater potential with regards to achieving stellar academic feats. So this informed my choice to be more focused on my academic pursuit in the university than extra-curricular activities like sports and volunteering.
My first year (B.Sc.) at my alma mater started without any plans as to my academic prospects (i.e., finishing with a first class), despite being sure I wanted to have a great academic performance. I had just resumed at a school which was my second choice in JAMB, which I did just to fulfill all righteousness. Now reminiscing, I thank God I didn’t go through the rigours of securing admission to a Federal University. I definitely intended to do well with my academics, but I didn’t have a definite plan as to how to achieve this desire.
My first and second-semester results were out and I felt good. I assumed I was the best student. I knew I didn’t put in much work but still “topped” the class on most results. Surprisingly, while discussing with a course mate towards the end of my first year I was informed of a coursemate who was on a 4.8. This kind of “gingered” me towards covering up such a wide gap between our GPAs. To me, it sounded quite absurd, that a course mate being taught the same courses as I and who had attended the same lectures as I did could give us a great head start like this.
My department was one where achieving a first class was a wonder. From a staff source, I was made to understand that in over 40 years of the department’s history, the total number of first-class students were less than 8, one of which was 2 years ahead of me.
I took up the challenge to achieve this feat and close the wide gap between my GPA and that of our best student. I graduated about 4 years later with a CGPA of 4.59 (Thanks to ASUU strike and a suspension of academic activities due to a somewhat violent student protest). This may not sound like a great increase, but it is noteworthy to mention my GPA s in my 2nd, 3rd and 4th years were 4.54, 4.70, and 4.90 respectively (with just 1 B in a “borrowed” course during my final year).
I have gained a lot from these grades (one of the best Nigerian undergraduate scholarships, a full sponsorship to an international conference, a good job, a new perspective on life,...). I still expect more rewards in the years ahead as I plan further (Graduate studies, More Scholarships,...).
I share these practical steps as a tentative guide to those in their early university years aspiring to achieve an improvement in their class of degrees before graduation. Not necessarily just for aspiring first class students.
1. Plan and be determined
Determine the possibility of achieving such a class of degree.
What this means is first learning how to calculate your GPA by yourself. Then determine how feasible your new target is by knowing the nature of grades you need to get for the rest of your years in the university to achieve your goal. One of my motivations was that achieving this would encourage younger generations in my department to see the possibility of getting excellent grades.

2. Aim Higher
It isn’t a new thing to see a grade far different from what you expect on the notice board, I experienced this so many times.
One instance was on a course I read so well for and wrote. I could predict most of my scores before the scores were pasted, so I expected an A, or worse a B. But on this particular case, I got a C. Worse was that this C was a 50/100, meaning I could have even gotten a D if I missed another mark. Therefore, it is necessary to set higher targets to avoid too many disappointments. The fault may not be yours. I never went for a remark.
Another instance was my final year when I had just a B in all my courses for that session with the rest A’s. I was shocked when I saw my result because I didn’t anticipate it would turn out great. I had planned to ace my courses because getting an A in our research project was quite slim. Also, my CGPA for my 3rd year was 4.49 (0.01 shy of a first class and anything could happen). At least an A in other courses would make up for a B in a 6 credit load research project. So I aimed really high, gave my best and God rewarded it more than my greatest expectation. I eventually was one of the five in my set to get an A in our research projects.

3. Set your priorities right
A university is a fun-filled place filled with a lot of time-consuming activities. This fun comes at a price. You’ll have to weigh how much fun you can have that wouldn’t be detrimental to your academic success. Also, religious activities can be time-consuming. I’m not kicking against some of these activities, because I was still involved in religious, volunteering, and even farming activities while schooling. But I had to plan really well to accommodate all of this.

4. Prayer
Although this is not coming first, I think it played a significant role in my success.
I don’t pray for hours, but I always believe a short sincere prayer to God and according to His will would be answered. Someone once told me, whenever you remember an exam you’ve just written, it's best you pray for fair marking at that point. Our subconscious has a powerful way of communicating with us. I prayed often for my papers, I received favour. I never had a missing script and that's something to be really grateful for. Although, I paid due diligence too, by following the exam rules strictly and writing my matriculation number on all of my answer sheets in case a page was erroneously detached. Missing scripts could be either the fault of the student or staff or some other unfortunate event.
5. Don’t listen to Nay-Sayers
As you try to achieve your goal, you will meet a lot of people who would either encourage or discourage you. Listen to the good advice and ignore the bad. You know the possibility of an increase in your result by calculating what you have and what is feasible as shown in my first point. Some people would tell you, “Who first Class hep?”. But I tell you the truth don’t be deceived because someday you may wish you got that result which you didn’t.
There’s much more I would have written here, but I believe this is enough to inspire and tentatively guide someone to success. I am not so intelligent, I am just a hard worker. As Socrates said, “Man Know Thyself”, understand yourself and don’t follow just anyone's pattern of reading. It may not work for you. We are all different. I mostly read for an hour almost every day, revising my notes and making more notes. Understand your lecturers, learn to predict them, don’t procrastinate your reading. Procrastination would just make your reading harder.
A good character is key to success. It has saved me a lot of times. Sometimes when you see a pompous person excelling, know a fall could be on the way!!! Pride goes before a fall!!
I believe we're not always just assessed based on our academic prowess, but by our character.

A price must be paid! Nothing good comes easy!!
My colleague and I finished with a first class. Unfortunately, my colleague had a few setbacks, but still graduated top of the class (I think with a 4.73 or so). He’s currently on a fully funded international scholarship for graduate studies. I am also hopeful!
I must say this first class hasn’t been an express ticket in life but has shown me with hard work and consistency I can achieve a great thing in this life. Sometimes to whom much is given, much is expected; people expect more from me.
I give freely because I have received freely.
Pardon my typos and the quality of my writing. I am not much of a writer.
If you have further questions, kindly quote me here or mention my moniker.
I would respond as soon as I can.

Wish you all the best!!!

You nailed it bro. Congratulations

Kudos to everyone here. Certainly not your everyday thread. Thumb up.

Julivas:


You nailed it bro. Congratulations

Thanks boss.

Daretee:
Kudos to everyone here. Certainly not your everyday thread. Thumb up.

Thanks Daretee !

chai.. why I no go skull?
abeg Wetin be this cgpa? Shey na new cigar?

MyndDieDieDiex2:
chai.. why I no go skull?

abeg Wetin be this cgpa? Shey na new cigar?

Lol. No be cigar oh
It's not so different from what you know.
GPA - Grade Point Average. This is for each semester.
CGPA - Cumulative Grade Point Average. This is a combination of GPAs from more than one semester.
It's CGPA that is calculated as your final grade point average.