Some Nigerian university graduates have revealed their stories of how they received first-class grades in their different degree programs.
According to NAN, the graduates spoke at a three-day leadership training session in Lagos organized by the religious academic group M-First Series.
The program’s goal was to help Muslim first-year students develop their leadership skills and advance their careers.
The training’s grand finale was held in Ikeja on Sunday.
With 323 students applying to enroll in the programme for first-class graduates from Nigerian universities, it featured 30 participants and three resource individuals from various fields.
One of the participants, Ahmad Bello, a Pharmacology graduate from Bauchi State University, stated his higher education was self-funded because he came from a low-income family.
Bello stated that he was committed not only to obtain a first degree, but also to graduate with honors.
“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.
Abdulahi 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 issues in the system made him obtain the degree for 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.”
