Nigerian graduates share ‘secrets’ to achieving first-class CGPA

Some graduates from Nigerian universities have shared experiences on how they scored a first-class rating in their respective degree programmes.

NAN reports that the graduates spoke at a three-day leadership training programme organised by First Class Muslim Foundation in Lagos.

The programme, titled M-First Series, was aimed at fostering leadership skills and facilitating career growth among Muslim first-class students.

The training’s grand finale was held in Ikeja on Sunday.

It featured 30 participants and three resource persons from different fields.

A total of 23 students applied to participate in the programme for first-class graduates from Nigerian universities.

Ahmad Bello, one of the participants who is a Pharmacology graduate from Bauchi State University, said his tertiary education was self-sponsored, having come from a background faced with economic challenges.

Bello said he was determined to not only acquire a first degree but to graduate with an excellent performance.

“I worked hard to sponsor myself through thick and thin. I took tutorials and also worked at the slightest opportunity that I had. It was not exactly easy, but I ensured that I came out with the best grades,” he said.

Abdullahi Alaka, a graduate of Economics from the University of Lagos (UNILAG), said he had challenges of paying fees, which almost forced him to drop along the line.

He said he had to approach some individuals and corporate organisations who supported him.

“That I am a graduate today and a first-class candidate product is still a shock to me. I almost wanted to pull out of school, but, I thank God that I was able to make it,” he said.

On her part, Mariam Jinad, a graduate of the Department of Marine Sciences from the UNILAG, said her first-class degree was not planned but was inspired by her performance at the 200 level, after which she decided to keep improving.

“I was an average student way back in secondary school, but I have always had a mindset that I would excel in my field of learning, and I also put in my best,” she said.

“That I am a product of first-class today is a thing of joy. Although not planned, the determination to keep on improving my performance and persistence made it possible.”

Similarly, Islamiyyah Abdullateef, a graduate of Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, said flaws in the system made her obtain her degree certificate after six years, instead of four.

“I entered the university with the 2017 set, but because it is Obafemi Awolowo University, we did not resume in 2018. We then finished in June 2023, which is almost six years to study a four-year course,” he said.

“When I entered, I wasn’t focused on the first class, I just wanted to do my best. But over time, the results were fantastic and it continued.

“I was always reading and putting in my best at every point in time, but over time, it became tougher when I decided to run my professional exam (ICAN) with my degree.

“There was a financial constraint and other issues, it wasn’t easy but I am thankful to God, it ended well and I’m today grouped among the first-class products.”

Sulaimon Ogunmuyiwa, a doctor who is the foundation’s board of trustees chairman, said the annual leadership training is designed to create inroads for first-class graduates in the world of great people.

“It is so that their prestigious qualifications are not wasted. Our goal is to make them better and high-flying personalities,” Ogunmuyiwa added.