Would you love to know what the achievement of a first-class degree has done for him?
And what can you do to help your siblings or loved ones get a first-class degree at university?
This feat landed him a straight doctorate in a top U.S. university with an all-expenses-paid scholarship. Imagine this. Isn’t this dazzling?
In his words
On a personal note, certain factors worked out for me.
First, I served as the college captain in my high school, Government Secondary School, Afikpo.
Also, having heard about and studied the profiles of many college captains of my Alma Mater, I was always challenged.
More so, by their outstanding intellectual and career achievements.
So, I had and still have this “burden of responsibility” to live up to the standards set by my predecessors.
That is, if I must be found worthy to have deserved the crown of the college captainship when we all meet, someday.
Meanwhile, my school will officially welcome me to the Government Secondary School Old Boys Association (GSSAOBA) next year.
Because it takes a decade after high school for the school to adopt anyone to the national and international forum.
Again, despite the reason above, I knew, and people have always believed that I’m above average academically.
However, I never considered myself a first-class candidate; people always reserve this grade for the unusual genius.
I value mentorship because it’s a key element in getting a first-class degree at a university.
However, I have always valued mentorship (up till now, I have a couple of mentors I tap from).
When I got to FUTO, I quickly identified with ex-students of my secondary school and others who were highly focused.
Though most weren’t first class, they shared their lessons and regrets.
I always turned to my department seniors to find out what was ahead of me each semester.
And for general advice as well.
So, I was pre-informed.
Though I did get materials ahead of school resumption, I didn’t read FUTO-based materials on holidays.
I read other books to establish a broad background before narrowing it down to recommended FUTO materials.
And I think it helped.
However, in the first semester of my first year, I didn’t make a first-class GPA.
But I had the highest in my class.
And because I had a 4-point score, I told myself that a first-class was achievable.
Then, I immediately changed my focus from staying on 4-point to first-class.
More so, owing to my performance in the first year and in the culture of my department, I became the class/course rep.
That leadership role saw me focusing on myself and taking others into the picture.
So, I no longer learned for myself but learned to teach others.
To do this, I studied harder and learned time management skills.
This helped me.
Of course, I never wanted anyone to strip me of my leadership because of my downward academic performance!
He had discipline
Additionally, I wasn’t in for frivolous and trivial activities on campus.
Mostly, I only participated in professional students’ activities.
Although occasionally, I contributed to shaping the politics of my department and faculty where necessary.
In summary, I had
(1) A burden of responsibility
(2) Believed in mentorship
(3) Sought and reorganized information
(4). Defined and redefined my priorities, knowing that God’s grace was a given.
Thank you for taking me down memory lane.
The 2nd first-class Physics and Industrial Physics Graduate
“During my secondary school days, my love for Physics, Maths, and Further Maths was something my teachers were so proud of.
Studying physics was easier for me because of my passion and foundation.
Unizik (Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Nigeria) was stressful.
However, I understood the pattern, and with God’s grace, I emerged as the ‘Best Graduating Student’ in my set.
In addition, I was awarded a Physics Prize by the Vice-Chancellor.
It wouldn’t have been my effort alone, but God helped me.
Any specifics on your routines or discipline that you can pinpoint that must have contributed to this?
In terms of routines, I don’t miss a lecture, and I do lots of studying.
I can spend seven hours at a stretch studying without getting tired.
The calculation and proof part of my course contributed to my success well.
This is because they entailed formulas that made it easy for me.
One thing I did was understand the lecturer and their pattern, and then I was good to go!
I don’t bug myself with irrelevant coursework.
I don’t wait till the exam timetable is out before reading.
Once the semester commences with lectures, my reading commences.
I make sure I don’t miss quizzes and assignments because it tells me the direction of the lecturer.
I don’t fail to use my past questions when studying because that is the main map.
I seek help from older students in my department for any coursework I don’t understand.
Or from older students in related courses.”
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The 3rd First-Class Graduate I Investigated
For the first-class story, I think it’s because I liked economics.
I learn fast, especially if I listen and ask questions, which I did most of the time.
Then, I took personal studies and asked for help from others when I needed it.
Was I always to my books? No!
I had extracurricular activities as well. I was in the choir in school.
I also held a position and responsibility that could be demanding sometimes.
In addition, I held a position (in fact, twice) in my departmental association. I was grateful to God that they didn’t affect my studies.
In general, I thank God.
A First-Class Grade Can Change Things For You, including your job, network, relationship, and advancement when you start one.
Do You Agree?
Have you learned anything to advise your siblings on how to get a first-class degree at university?
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