This article is designed to set things straight and to encourage students who are aspiring to make a first-class or its equivalent in Nigerian Universities or any University in the world. It is common in Nigeria to hear some discouraging words like “making first class doesn’t guarantee good jobs.” This misleading statement is a lie from the pit of hell, and it is targeted to discourage students who want to pursue academic excellence.
First and foremost, to make a first-class or its equivalent means having 4.5 and above over 5.0 CGPA or 6.0/7.0 CGPA depending on the grading system of the University you attend. Your ability to make this grade means you are cerebrally astounding, smart, ability to understand what each of your lecturers wants, ability to read and understand, high level of analytical thinking, etc.
Before I give reasons why you must make first class, it is worth noting that a CGPA of 4.5 and above can’t be made by someone who has refused to engage his/her brain for academic success. It takes smart work and diligence to make this grade. It is worth every of your time and hard work to make this grade.
The benefits I am about to mention will give you the reasons why making a distinction is worth your effort.
- You have access to scholarships both locally and internationally: There are some international scholarships you can’t apply for if you don’t make 4.5 and above. And for you to be qualified, you must make first-class honors. Some Universities will even allow you to do a Ph.D. without an M.Sc. if you make 4.5 and above. The majority of fully funded scholarship in the US favours those who graduate with this grade. There was a time when I tried to apply for a scholarship in Singapore, but the requirement was a first-class honors degree. I attempted the application even though I made second class upper honors and with M.Sc., but my application was rejected because I didn’t meet the requirements. To confirm whether my submission is true, try to search for scholarships in the UK for international students, and you will see the requirements.
- You have access to good jobs: some jobs in Nigeria are meant for students who made first-class honors or second-class honors. Companies like NLNG, SHELL, EXON Mobil, KPMG, PWC, etc. are fond of recruiting A-students. These companies are known for their meritocracy and transparency in recruiting the best brains.
- Your chances in life are numerous: I hold people who made distinctions in high esteem, and I believe many people do. So don’t think it is worthless to pursue being among the top 1 percentile. I can tell you from my experience that it is worth the effort.
Lastly, I will encourage you to keep the dream alive and not let anyone discourage you in your pursuit of being excellent academically. Try to make it, and you will never regret you did.
