The Secrets Of First Class Students In Nigerian Universities

In the vibrant, chaotic, and sometimes overwhelming world of Nigerian universities, earning a First Class degree is often seen as a near-miraculous achievement. From the overcrowded lecture halls to the endless strikes, inconsistent power supply, and tight academic calendars, one might ask — how do some students still manage to graduate with top honours?

Let’s be honest: the struggle is real. Many students enter university with big dreams, but somewhere along the line, life happens. Some lose steam, some get distracted, and others just give up entirely. But amid all that chaos, there are still those exceptional students who manage to keep their heads up, shoulders straight, and GPAs flying high. So, what exactly is the secret of First Class students in Nigerian universities?

In this blog post, we’ll dive deep into the mindset, habits, routines, and strategies that set First Class students apart. This isn’t just motivational talk — it’s practical wisdom straight from the trenches. Whether you’re a fresher trying to start strong or a returning student looking to level up, these secrets can transform your academic journey if taken seriously.

1. First Class Starts with a First Class Mindset

If you ask any First Class graduate in Nigeria, they’ll likely tell you it all started in their mind. From day one, they made a decision to excel. This is not about bragging or being bookish — it’s about setting a clear goal and being ready to pay the price.

Most First Class students treat their academics like a full-time job. They don’t just wish for good grades; they plan for it. They believe it’s possible — even when everyone around them is settling for average.

Mindset shifts that make the difference:

“I’m not here to just pass; I’m here to excel.”

“Even if the system is tough, I’ll find a way.”

“Discipline is more important than motivation.”

Success in Nigerian universities starts with refusing to let excuses become your lifestyle. Strike or no strike, bad lecturers or not, these students make up their minds to stand out regardless.

2. Time Management: First Class Students Don’t Joke With It

Time is the currency of academic success. First Class students understand this better than most. While others waste hours binge-watching movies, scrolling through TikTok, or attending endless parties, they schedule their lives around their priorities.

This doesn’t mean they don’t have fun. They do — but in moderation. They understand that there is a time to read, a time to rest, and a time to flex. Balance is key, and they master it.

Here’s how they manage their time:

Use of to-do lists, planners, or digital apps like Google Calendar or Notion.

Breaking down tasks into smaller goals and allocating daily time slots for them.

Creating personal study timetables and sticking to them.

Starting early — they don’t wait until exam week to start preparing.

A First Class student once said, “If you manage your time like you manage your money, you’ll never go broke academically.”

3. Consistency Over Intensity

Forget the idea of burning the midnight oil only during exam periods. First Class students are not emergency scholars. They read consistently throughout the semester, not just in the heat of exams.

They understand the power of building knowledge slowly but steadily. They revise class notes the same day they’re taught. They do assignments not just to submit but to understand.

When you see someone scoring 90 in a course, it’s not because they have two heads — it’s because they’ve been on the grind since day one.

4. They Know Their Lecturers

This one is underrated but powerful. In Nigeria, understanding your lecturer can be as important as understanding your textbook.

Every lecturer has a pattern — how they ask questions, what they expect in answers, the topics they prioritize. First Class students study their lecturers the same way they study their books.

They ask past students, attend lectures religiously (even the boring ones), and make sure they know what each lecturer values. Is the lecturer strict on referencing? Do they love diagrams? Are they particular about class attendance? These things matter — and First Class students pay attention.

5. They Use Smart Study Techniques

Reading for 10 hours doesn’t make you a guru if you’re not studying smart. First Class students use proven techniques that help them retain information and understand concepts better.

Some of these techniques include:

Active Recall: Testing themselves with questions instead of just reading.

Spaced Repetition: Reviewing notes multiple times at increasing intervals.

Study Groups: They form or join serious study groups, not gist clubs.

Teaching Others: Explaining a concept to another person is one of the best ways to reinforce your own understanding.

Past Questions Practice: Not just solving them but understanding the pattern.

They don’t just read to cram; they read to understand. That’s why they don’t panic during exams — they’ve internalized the material.

6. They Stay Organized

From keeping detailed notebooks to arranging study materials, First Class students are generally organized people. They keep track of deadlines, know the school calendar, and prepare well in advance for presentations, assignments, and exams.

They don’t wait until the night before to find out the exam venue or course outline. That small edge in organization gives them an advantage that builds up over time.

7. They Cut Out Distractions

Distraction is the thief of academic destiny. Nigerian universities are full of them — social media, relationships, parties, unnecessary drama, even campus politics.

First Class students know when to say no. They learn how to filter what deserves their attention and what doesn’t. You’ll often find them deactivating Instagram during exam season or avoiding toxic friendships that drain their focus.

That doesn’t mean they live like monks. They just understand delayed gratification. They sacrifice short-term pleasure for long-term success.

8. They Ask Questions and Seek Help

Pride is one reason many students don’t do well. They’re afraid to ask questions or admit they don’t understand something. But First Class students don’t play that game. If they don’t get a concept, they ask classmates, lecturers, or even go online to research.

They take advantage of office hours, email their lecturers, or meet them after class. Some even make friends with the best students in their department and humbly learn from them.

They’re not too proud to learn — and that makes them grow.

9. They Take Care of Their Mental and Physical Health

You can’t pour from an empty cup. First Class students understand that academic excellence requires a healthy body and mind. That’s why they:

Sleep well (no, 2 hours a night won’t make you smarter).

Eat nutritious food (not just noodles and garri).

Exercise occasionally to stay alert.

Take breaks to recharge mentally.

Avoid burnout by maintaining balance.

Some even practice meditation or journaling to clear their minds. In today’s stressful academic environment, mental clarity is a secret weapon.

10. They Don’t Chase GPA — They Chase Excellence

This might sound strange, but most First Class students don’t obsess over grades. They obsess over excellence. They focus on understanding the subject, mastering the material, and doing their best — and the grades naturally follow.

They aren’t looking for shortcuts or engaging in malpractice. They genuinely love to learn. And because of that attitude, success follows them like a shadow.

11. They Stay Consistent Over the Years

Getting a First Class is not about one semester of brilliance. It’s about consistency from 100 level to final year. One bad semester can pull your CGPA down hard, so they treat every semester like it’s the final lap.

They also make up for any slip-ups quickly and don’t let failure discourage them. If they fall in one course, they rise stronger in the next.

12. Faith and Focus: The Intangible Edge

For many top-performing students in Nigeria, faith plays a role in their success. Whether Christian or Muslim, they often pray, seek divine help, and stay spiritually grounded.

Also, they surround themselves with focused people. You become like the people you hang around. If your clique is full of unserious people, it will affect you. First Class students often form networks of excellence — people who challenge and inspire them.

Final Thoughts: You Can Do It Too

Here’s the truth: earning a First Class in a Nigerian university is not easy, but it is very possible. The system is tough, yes. But some students still rise above it and thrive.

The question is: are you willing to do what they do?

You don’t need to be the smartest or have the best background. You just need discipline, consistency, a strong work ethic, and the courage to stay focused.

So, whether you’re aiming for a First Class or just want to be better academically, these secrets can change your game.

Start small. Stay hungry. And don’t give up. Your degree is your name on it — make it something to be proud of.