12 Smart Ways To Graduate With Distinction (First Class) In Nigeria
Graduating with distinction here in Nigeria requires a lot of effort, discipline and commitment. And one of the most commonly asked questions by Nigerian students is how to easily make distinction in all courses and even end up graduating with a first-class honors, in spite of all the unaccommodating factors in the education system.
If this is also your question, then this article is for you. So right now, what I want you to do is to stop thinking about the difficulties of achieving your dream and read on.
But wait, why do you need to make distinction in your courses or even graduates with a first-class honours?
According to Professor Olayiwola Fasoranti O. [B.Sc, M.Sc & Doctorate in Sociology and Anthropology], "Education is a major ladder whereby one move from one level to another in a social system." And yes, it's true because in this present world, people really value education and as a matter of fact, almost everyone is striving to own a degree or two because it seems to be one of the major path people tread to better life.
Apparently, I don't need to start telling you how important your grade in the university or polytechnic is, but I just want to let you know how relevant and significant it is to own a degree with distinction.
1. Making distinction in your courses will certainly make you stand out among peers. This will of course, get you some popularity that can ignite your soul to win more.
2. You stand a better chance of getting scholarships and awards when you make distinction in your courses.
3. It's a way to make everyone proud of you especially your parents.
4. It will boost your chances of being qualified when you need to further your education i.e Master's degree and Doctoral degree (Ph.D).
5. It can attract great people and great opportunities to you because they see the light in you.
6. Also, graduating with a first class will certainly increase your chances of getting good jobs, in fact, firms will be willing to employ you at a higher pay than the usual. They can even be flexible with you when it comes to their terms and conditions, all because of your excellence.
7. And last but not the least is that, people will always respect you and even make you their role model because they see success in you.
Irrespective of these benefits and the situation of Nigeria education, I will never advice you to go to any length to achieving first-class honors. Because there's no usefulness in achieving a first-class, without being able to show value for it. Am sorry if am too hard, but that's the truth. Besides, you won't be needing to try any kind of "runs" to gain distinctions, since I'll be giving you some tips to make it easier for you to achieve your dream "in a honest way".
This photo is of 25-year-old Aarinola Olaiya who won herself 12 distinctions from Obafemi Awolowo University
Basically, there is no particular pattern to follow to be successful in life or in academics but there are some guidelines to help you as an undergraduates attain academic success. It is true that, everybody cannot make distinction in school because we have not same educational background neither are we raised same way. But here are a few tips of which I believe will certainly help you to achieve that academic excellence you desire.
1: Work on your mindset
One thing I discover is that, there are a lot students who often belittled themselves and think negatively. You don't have to see first-class as a thing for some set of people. In fact, you have to start seeing it as "your thing", as something that is achievable with more effort and stop being debase by working on your self esteem.
You also have to stop seeing a lectures as an enemy to your success, whether it's based on what you've seen or heard him do of which you perceive to be wrong. This is because, when you like your lecturers you will certainly like, enjoy and understand whatever they teach you and stay committed to it. Besides, it will be easy for you to read them when you pay attention to them, which will let you gain their favor especially, if you're always passionate about studying.
2: Learn to set realistic goals
It is not like student don't have goals they set to achieve, of course graduating with a first-class is one of the goals most student set in their first year. But the issue is, many student do get it wrong by setting unrealistic goals or aiming too high. Am not saying aiming high is wrong. Am just saying you needs to evaluate the goals you're setting by considering your strengths and weaknesses, and strategize on how to achieve them.
Apart from setting an unrealistic goal, another reason why students fail to graduated with first-class, is that, they fail to follow up their plans to achieving the goal(s).
3:Get the all the relevant academic materials
Getting distinctions can never be a coincidence and even if it will be, it'll be by some unintended efforts. Thence, you have to deliberately plan on achieving your goal, and make ready everything you think you'll be needing for a smooth learning. For instance, if you don't have a reading table and chair and you're reading on your bed, then you need to get one. Other important things you need to have include, a smartphone, lamps, writing materials (including jotter and other small stuffs), dictionary, course outlines and materials for each courses including past questions. However, you don't have to buy every book for each course. Just buy the ones you think are necessary and forget about the irrelevant ones.
Photo is of Aarinola Olaiya and parent
4: Always read ahead of class
As a student, one sure way to present yourself as a genius is by reading a head of the class. How? You will agree with me that every course has an outline. And in most cases, lecturers will make this available to you, probably in the their first lecture. Thence, it is an opportunity for you to read in advance the topics to be discussed in class. In this way, you'll always have a better understanding of what is taught in class.
5: Always attend lectures
You may disagree with me, but honestly, attendance really matters a lot when it comes to making distinctions. And one tricky thing about this is that, it's not about getting additional marks for marking the attendance. Rather, it's about being present during lectures and being on a safer side in cases of missing script or when lecturers are awarding marks.
Besides, getting to class early will always allow you to take full advantage of the class and exploit her to the fullest. For instance, you'll be able to sit where you'll be free from distractions, able to pinpoint whatever the lecturer is saying (including instructions and lecture bonuses), and stand a better chance of asking reasonable questions. Also, it's important that you always dress well to class by considering the weather, school/lecturer's ethics and moral, as these will contribute to your success in school.
6: Write and rewrite your own note
One of the expensive advice I received from Prof. Fasoranti is that, writing your own note and rewriting them in your own words is the best way to get the most out of every class. And of course I was overwhelmed by the result having put it into practice.
In essence, the very act of sitting in class to write your own note while listening to your lecturer speak, will help you to easily remember things taught in class. Aside that, rewriting your own note in your own words will always help you to understand the note even more and will help you on the long run.
7: Make reading your hobby
To get distinctions in a university or polytechnic here in Nigeria often requires frequent reading, for at least three hours a day. And for this reason, you have to make reading an habit and your hobby– a thing you really enjoy doing. But I won't advice you to read on three hours straight because it can be exhausting. So you should always try to have some breaks. Although there is nothing wrong with reading for three hours straight if you can read non-bored for that length.
However, you should try and study yourself to know when you do assimilate the most and why i.e. at night before or after sleep (due to her silence and the fact of having a clear mind). And please, don't pile up your note. Always review them before and after every class or after the day's work depending on your schedule but don't allow it run into weeks else, it becomes more tasking.
8: Find help when you need it
Getting some relevant help from friends and seniors is one way to enhance your potential to make distinction in school. So seek help from the right hands whenever you need to understand something pertaining to your courses or campus life. No one is an island of knowledge and you can't always do it all by yourself. Also, never neglect your family and surround yourself with positively minded people because people you mingle with can influence you on the long run. Nevertheless, have your principles and stick with them tightly and rightly.
Your ego is not your amigo, so seek help whenever you need it. – Dan Lok
Photo is of Aarinola Olaiya and parent
9: Always prepare for test and exams
According to the popular adage that says "failing to plan is planning to fail"; failing to prepare for tests, even impromptu tests, may mean preparing for failure. So always prepare for every class like there would be a test. Reading for test only when it's a few days to test won't give you the best result.
Besides, preparing for tests and exam so as to graduate with distinction should always start from every first day of the academic year. Although, making distinction is not all about preparing to pass tests and exam. You should also try to learn the ethics of test and examination in your school and follow them Keenly.
10: Manage your stress
Apparently, academic works does requires shedding a bead of sweat which can be stressful. So it is necessary that you learn how to manage your stress and make your activities more productive. If you learn to manage your stress, you'll be able to motivate yourself to read, avoid distractions, do away with irrelevance activities, and stay away from troubles.
11: Get enough sleep
Getting enough sleep is very important to your health and academic performance because it makes you more concentrated and productive with lower risk of breaking down due to malaria or stress. A regular sleep of at least 8hours is enough to power you for your daily academic work, boost your brain and makes your immune system strong while academic environment play pranks on you. Anyways, you don't have to sleep for 8 hours straight. You can have some sleep during the day if you have the chance.
Noting is worth having sleepless nights, not your friend, your phone or even social activities.
Very interesting.... Thank u
ReplyDeleteYou're welcome. I implore you to try those tips and share them with your friends. Seeing you become more of an excellent kind in your academics.
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