Earning a First Class degree in Nigeria is one of the highest academic achievements a student can aim for. It doesn’t just prove that you have mastered your course material — it also opens doors to scholarships, competitive job opportunities, and even postgraduate admission offers abroad.
Many students think getting a First Class is only for “geniuses,” but that’s far from the truth. With the right habits, strategies, and mindset, anyone can work their way to the top of their class.
In this guide, we’ll break down the five essential things you must do to graduate with a First Class in Nigeria — plus practical steps, real examples, and answers to common questions students ask.
1. Attend Lectures Regularly and Participate Actively
Why Class Attendance Matters
In most Nigerian universities, lectures are not just about reading slides — they are where you get:
- Explanations of complex topics in simple terms.
- Clues about likely exam questions.
- Insights from the lecturer’s personal experience.
Missing lectures repeatedly means you’re missing those insider tips that can give you an edge.
How to Make the Most of Your Lectures
- Sit in front rows to improve concentration and reduce distractions.
- Avoid relying on classmates’ notes entirely — they may miss key points.
- Ask questions when you don’t understand.
Example: A 400-level Engineering student in UNILAG once shared how his lecturer often emphasized certain phrases like “This is very important.” These phrases usually pointed directly to exam topics.
2. Master Time Management
The Problem of Poor Planning
University life in Nigeria is full of time traps:
- Social events
- Sports
- Unplanned visitors
- Procrastination
Without a structured plan, days slip away and exam season becomes a nightmare.
Practical Time Management Tips
- Create a Study Timetable — Allocate specific hours for reading, assignments, and relaxation.
- Use the 2–3 Hour Rule — Study in blocks of 2–3 hours with short breaks.
- Prioritize Tasks — Focus on urgent and important assignments first.
Pro Tip: Keep your timetable flexible to adjust for sudden events like union meetings or power outages.
3. Take Notes and Review Them Immediately
Why Note Review Works
Studies show you retain more information if you review notes within 24 hours. This turns short-term memory into long-term understanding.
Smart Note-Taking Strategies
- Use abbreviations and symbols during lectures for speed.
- After class, rewrite your notes in full sentences.
- Highlight or underline key definitions and formulas.
Example: Medical students often rewrite their lecture notes into “summary books” for quick revision during MB exams.
4. Build Good Relationships With Lecturers and Coursemates
The Power of Academic Networking
- Lecturers can recommend extra reading materials.
- Coursemates can share tips on tricky topics or assignments.
- Senior students can guide you on which topics to focus on for each lecturer.
How to Network Without Appearing Fake
- Be genuinely interested in learning, not just in grades.
- Offer to share resources and help others.
- Be respectful in all interactions, both in class and online.
5. Practice With Past Questions
The Secret Weapon
In many Nigerian universities, past questions repeat — sometimes word-for-word. This isn’t laziness; it’s often because certain concepts are core to the course.
How to Use Past Questions Effectively
- Gather at least 5 years of past papers for each course.
- Attempt them under timed conditions.
- Review your answers and identify weak areas.
Example: A Law student at UNN revealed that past questions helped her score 85% in Constitutional Law because the lecturer reused a 2019 essay question.
Bonus Tips for Securing a First Class
- Stay Healthy
- Eat balanced meals, stay hydrated, and get enough sleep.
- Poor health can undo months of preparation.
- Limit Distractions
- Reduce time spent on social media during critical academic periods.
- Reward yourself after study sessions instead of during them.
- Stay Consistent
A First Class is not built in one semester — it’s a cumulative effort over four to six years.
Common Mistakes That Stop You From Getting a First Class in Nigeria
Even the brightest students sometimes fail to achieve a First Class because of avoidable mistakes. If you want to reach the top of your academic game, you must be aware of these traps and avoid them.
1. Procrastination
Putting off assignments, readings, and exam preparation until the last minute is a sure way to lower your grades.
Solution: Use a daily task list and break work into smaller, manageable chunks.
2. Ignoring Continuous Assessment (CA)
In Nigerian universities, CA can make up 30–40% of your total score. Many students underestimate this.
Solution: Treat every test, assignment, and quiz as important as the final exam.
3. Poor Note-Taking
Some students rely solely on textbooks and neglect lecture notes. This is dangerous because many lecturers set questions directly from class discussions.
Solution: Take detailed notes in your own words and update them immediately after class.
4. Lack of Exam Strategy
Some fail not because they don’t know the material but because they mismanage time in the exam hall.
Solution: Practice timed mock exams and learn how to answer according to marks allocation.
5. Neglecting Health
Late-night cramming, skipping meals, and overconsumption of energy drinks can hurt your brain performance.
Solution: Maintain a balanced lifestyle — sleep well, eat right, and exercise.
Scholarship Opportunities for First Class Graduates in Nigeria
Graduating with a First Class doesn’t just earn you respect — it can unlock incredible local and international opportunities.
1. Federal Government Scholarships
Each year, the Federal Ministry of Education offers overseas and local scholarships to high-performing students, with First Class graduates often prioritized.
2. PTDF and NNPC Scholarships
Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF) and Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) scholarships are highly competitive, but First Class graduates have a significant edge.
3. Commonwealth Scholarships
The Commonwealth Scholarship is one of the best routes for fully funded postgraduate studies abroad. A First Class degree greatly increases your chances.
4. Chevening and Erasmus Mundus Scholarships
These are international programs that seek academic excellence and leadership potential — qualities many First Class graduates demonstrate.
5. University Graduate Assistantships
Some Nigerian universities automatically offer teaching or research assistant roles to their best graduates, with monthly stipends and tuition waivers for postgraduate study.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is it possible to move from a 2.2 to a First Class in Nigeria?
Yes, but it requires consistent A grades from that point onward. The earlier you start, the easier it will be.
2. Does attending a private university make it easier to get a First Class?
Not necessarily. While resources may differ, the same study habits apply.
3. How many hours should I study daily to get a First Class?
Quality matters more than quantity. A focused 2–4 hours daily can outperform an unfocused 8 hours.
Final Thoughts
Getting a First Class in Nigeria is achievable for any determined student. Attend lectures, manage your time wisely, take and review notes, network with your academic community, and master past questions. These five pillars, when applied consistently, can transform your academic journey.