Effective Ways to Make a first Class Degree in Nigerian Universities

Achieving a First Class degree in a Nigerian university isn’t just a dream it’s a realistic goal that requires a smart approach, consistent effort, and the right mindset. In a system filled with challenges such as overcrowded classrooms, frequent academic strikes, and limited resources, standing out academically might seem daunting. But every year, determined students beat these odds and graduate at the top of their class.

This article is a practical guide for any Nigerian student who truly wants to graduate with First Class honors. It goes beyond general advice and dives into proven habits, personal discipline, strategic planning, and growth oriented thinking. You’ll discover effective study techniques, essential lifestyle choices, and common pitfalls to avoid.

Whether you’re a fresher or already halfway through your degree, the strategies here can help you work smarter and stay focused on your academic goal. If you’ve ever asked, “What does it take to graduate with a First Class degree in Nigeria?” this article has your answer.

What Is a First Class Degree?

A First Class degree is the highest academic honor you can earn in Nigerian universities. It means you’ve performed exceptionally well throughout your course of study, consistently scoring top grades in your exams, assignments, and projects.

Typically, a First Class degree requires a cumulative grade point average (CGPA) of 4.50 and above on a 5.0 scale or around 3.60 and above on a 4.0 scale, depending on the university. Achieving this level means you didn’t just pass your courses, you excelled in them. It reflects your dedication, discipline, and deep understanding of your subject. Graduating with First Class honors isn’t easy; it demands consistent effort, effective study habits, and a focused mindset throughout your university journey.

Why Aim for a First Class Degree?

Going after a First Class degree isn’t just about getting top marks or something fancy to hang on your wall. It’s about setting yourself up for meaningful opportunities that can influence your future in powerful ways. More than just results on paper, the journey toward First Class pushes you to build strong habits, grow your confidence, and prepare for life after school. The benefits go far beyond academics, they touch every part of your personal and professional development. Here are some key reasons why aiming for First Class is worth your effort:

1. Better Career Opportunities: Employers in Nigeria and abroad often prioritize graduates with First Class honors, seeing them as highly capable and committed. It can give you a competitive edge in the job market.

2. Access to Scholarships and Further Studies: If you want to pursue postgraduate education, a First Class degree increases your chances of securing scholarships and admissions into prestigious universities.

3. Respect and Recognition: Graduating with First Class brings personal pride and earns you respect from family, friends, and your academic community.

4. Stronger Foundation: The process of earning a First Class sharpens your critical thinking, problem solving skills, and mastery of your field, which benefits you throughout your career.

5. Personal Fulfillment: The discipline and hard work required to achieve a First Class fosters confidence and a growth mindset, helping you tackle future challenges with resilience.

Effective Ways to Make a First Class Degree in Nigerian Universities

Achieving a First Class isn’t about being a genius,it’s about being intentional, consistent, and smart in your academic journey. Whether you’re just starting university or already halfway through, adopting the right habits and mindset can help you reach that top grade. Here are some of the most effective ways to set yourself on the path to First Class success:

1. Define Your Academic Targets Clearly and Realistically

Success in university begins with knowing exactly what you want to accomplish. Take some time to reflect on your academic aspirations. Do you want to graduate with the highest honors? Improve your grades steadily? Or perhaps conquer a subject you’ve struggled with before? Pinpointing these goals gives your efforts clear direction. Having precise and achievable targets helps keep you focused and motivated throughout your studies. For example, instead of a vague aim like “do well,” try something more specific such as “maintain a semester GPA of 4.5 or higher” or “score at least 70% on every exam.” These concrete targets become benchmarks that help you track your progress, and this is how you can it;

Writing your goals down in a notebook or planner makes them tangible.
Break them into smaller, manageable chunks, weekly study goals or assignment deadlines, to avoid feeling overwhelmed.
Regularly reviewing your goals refreshes your commitment and encourages steady progress.

Another example of this approach could be: “I will complete all assignments three days before deadlines and aim to score 75% or more on my next set of tests.” Such clear objectives push you to act purposefully and hold yourself accountable. Setting realistic goals that reflect your current abilities and resources creates a strong base for academic excellence and makes your dream of graduating with a First Class degree achievable.

2. Understand the Grading System in Your Department

Every Nigerian university, and even each department within a university, often uses its own unique grading system and criteria for awarding degree classifications. Understanding exactly how your department calculates grades and what you need to earn a First Class degree is an essential step toward academic success. Knowing how your scores translate into your Grade Point Average (GPA) and how the GPA relates to your final degree classification helps you tailor your study efforts. It allows you to focus more on the components that have the greatest impact on your overall result.

Without this knowledge, you might spend unnecessary time on parts that contribute less to your final grade, or underestimate how much effort is needed to reach your goal. Consult your department’s academic handbook or guidelines; Most faculties provide documents detailing the grading scale and degree classifications. You can often find these on your university’s website or request a copy from your academic adviser. Know the weighting of different assessments: Your final grade may be made up of various components such as exams, assignments, quizzes, practicals, and projects. For example, exams might count for 70%, while assignments and continuous assessments make up 30%. Understanding this breakdown helps you allocate your time effectively. Find out the minimum cumulative GPA for a First Class: In many Nigerian universities, a First Class degree typically requires a cumulative GPA between 4.50 and 5.00 on a 5-point scale.

However, this can vary by institution, so check the exact cutoff in your department. Suppose your department weights exams as 70% of your final grade and continuous assessments (assignments, quizzes, attendance) as 30%. If you spend most of your study time preparing for exams but neglect your assignments, you risk losing valuable marks that could lower your overall GPA. Conversely, excelling in assignments but underperforming in exams won’t help you reach that coveted First Class status.

By fully understanding these details, you can develop a balanced study approach, allocating more time to exam preparation while ensuring you consistently complete assignments and other coursework to maintain a strong cumulative score.

3. Know Yourself And Discover Your Best Study Techniques

Every student has a unique way of learning. Some grasp ideas quickly by reading and writing notes, while others understand better through listening, discussing, or hands on practice. The key to effective studying is figuring out which approach suits you best. When you study using methods that match your personal learning style, you spend less time struggling and more time absorbing knowledge deeply. This means you retain what you learn longer and apply it confidently in exams or assignments.

To find your best style, try out various study techniques. You might read your textbooks actively, watch educational videos, make colorful flashcards, or join classmates for group discussions. Pay attention to which methods help you understand complex ideas more easily or recall facts without stress. Don’t just follow what’s popular or what your friends do, focus on what feels right for you.

For example, if you’re a night owl who concentrates better in the evening, schedule your hardest study sessions after dinner. Or if you remember things best by talking, try explaining topics aloud to yourself or teaching a friend. If you struggle to remember chemistry formulas by reading, try recording yourself explaining the formula and play it back. Or, make a mind map that visually links different concepts. Over time, you’ll discover a personalized mix of techniques that maximizes your learning while making study time more enjoyable.

4. Prioritize God and Spiritual Well being

In the journey toward academic excellence, especially within the Nigerian context where faith is deeply woven into daily life, prioritizing your spiritual growth can offer strength and clarity beyond what hard work alone can provide. Many top performing students often credit not just discipline and determination, but also divine guidance for their success.

Keeping God at the center of your university experience doesn’t mean abandoning academics for religion, it means inviting a higher sense of purpose into everything you do. When challenges come, missed deadlines, low grades, mental exhaustion, spiritual grounding gives you a sense of peace and stability that can’t be shaken by temporary setbacks. Faith based habits like prayer, scripture reading, attending fellowships, or simply meditating in silence can calm your mind and reduce anxiety. This emotional calmness, in turn, helps you focus better and make wiser decisions when it comes to your studies.

In moments when you’re tempted to give up or when your confidence is low, your spiritual connection reminds you that you’re not alone in the struggle. For instance; Imagine two students preparing for a difficult exam. Both read and revise, but one begins and ends each day with quiet reflection or prayer, seeking strength and peace. This student is more likely to stay centered, even if things don’t go as planned, because their sense of worth and direction isn’t solely tied to grades.

Tips that have helped other students:

You can start your day with a simple word of prayer or a few minutes of meditation.
Reflect on your goals, ask for clarity, and express gratitude for the opportunity to learn.
Carry this calmness into your classes and study sessions, and you’ll find yourself more grounded, focused, and motivated.

Always remember Academic excellence is not just a product of intellectual effort, it also grows in an environment of emotional peace and spiritual focus.

5. Make the Most of the Library

In many Nigerian universities, the library is one of the most underused resources, yet it can be one of the most powerful tools in your academic journey if used wisely. Unlike your hostel or noisy off campus apartment, the library provides a calm, focused environment that’s designed specifically for learning. It’s a space where distractions are minimized and concentration becomes easier. But beyond the silence, the real value lies in the resources it offers.

Most university libraries are stocked with essential textbooks, academic journals, research papers, and even past examination questions that you may not find anywhere else. These materials can help you understand difficult topics more clearly or offer deeper insights beyond what was taught in class.

To get the best out of your library:

Create a consistent routine: Choose specific days or hours in your week dedicated to studying at the library. For instance, spending 2–3 hours in the library after lectures every other day can boost your productivity.
Use past questions and reference texts: Look for old exam papers and subject-specific materials. Practicing with these helps you understand the way questions are structured and what lecturers expect.
Join or start a mini discussion group: The library isn’t just for solo study. Gather 2–3 serious minded coursemates and meet in designated areas to discuss complex topics or prepare for tests together.

For instance, Imagine two students preparing for the same exam, one studies in his hostel room filled with noise from neighbors and endless phone distractions. The other spends focused hours in the library, revising with past questions and referencing recommended texts. Guess who’s more likely to retain what they studied and perform better? So don’t underestimate the library. It’s more than a building, it’s your academic advantage.

6. Minimize Social Media and Other Distractions

Let’s face it, platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and WhatsApp can be fun, but they’re also among the biggest time-wasters for students. One minute you’re checking a message, and the next thing you know, an hour has flown by. These distractions can quietly steal valuable study time and reduce your ability to focus deeply. Success in university requires intentional focus.

When your mind constantly jumps between notifications, chats, and videos, your ability to retain and understand information weakens. You might end up cramming before exams or forgetting important assignments, both of which hurt your academic goals.

How to stay in control:

Use study apps or focus timers like Forest or Focus Keeper to stay off distracting sites during study sessions.
Schedule break periods where you can freely scroll or chat, but only after completing specific tasks.
Keep your phone or devices away while studying, or turn off notifications if you need your phone for research.
Study with a friend who is also focused, peer accountability helps limit temptation.

Turn social media into a reward system. For example, “Once I finish revising this chapter, I’ll give myself 20 minutes to check my feeds.” This way, you stay motivated without letting distractions take control.

7. Attend Lectures and Participate Actively

Skipping lectures might seem tempting, especially when you have access to slides or believe you can catch up later. However, making it a habit to attend classes consistently is one of the smartest decisions for any student aiming for a First Class. Lectures go beyond simply jotting down notes. They offer a chance to hear the lecturer’s unique perspective, understand how concepts are framed within your specific course, and sometimes even learn things not found in your textbooks.

Many lecturers also give subtle hints about what to expect in assessments, be it exam topics, key areas of focus, or how they like answers structured. These little details can make a big difference in your performance. Getting involved during class also strengthens your grasp of the material. Asking questions, participating in discussions, or sharing your views helps you process information more deeply, making it easier to recall and apply when needed.

Tips for meaningful participation:

Choose a seat that helps you stay engaged, sitting closer to the front often works best.
Take organized notes. Don’t try to write everything; focus on main ideas and explanations.
Speak up when something confuses you, asking questions shows you’re engaged.
Join class discussions or group activities when possible.

Imagine a student who shows up for every class and pays close attention. If a lecturer keeps returning to a topic or emphasizes a particular concept, that’s a strong clue it may appear in the exams. Students who skip class might miss such signals, making revision more stressful and less focused. See every lecture as a stepping stone to your academic success. Show up, stay focused, and give each session your full attention, you’ll be glad you did.

8. Develop Effective Time Management Skills

University life comes with multiple demands, classes, assignments, tests, group projects, and perhaps even part time work or leadership responsibilities. To excel academically and still have time for yourself, effective time management is not optional, it’s essential.

Without proper time management, you may find yourself constantly rushing to meet deadlines, skipping revision sessions, or submitting subpar assignments. It often leads to stress, burnout, and disappointing grades, even when you’ve studied hard.

How to manage your time better

Create a weekly or monthly schedule: Use a physical planner, a diary, or digital tools like Google Calendar or Notion. Plan out your week in advance, blocking time for classes, study sessions, meals, rest, and personal activities.
Prioritize tasks: Not every task is urgent or equally important. Rank them based on deadlines and difficulty. Focus on completing high-priority or challenging tasks first.
Break large tasks into small parts: Big assignments or exam prep can feel overwhelming. Divide them into smaller, doable tasks. This makes them less intimidating and easier to track.

If you have a 3,000 word research paper due in four weeks, don’t wait until the last minute. You can plan like this:

Week 1: Choose a topic and gather materials
Week 2: Complete research and outline the paper
Week 3: Write the first full draft
Week 4: Edit, proofread, and submit

Review your schedule at the end of each day. Did you follow it? If not, adjust it for the next day. Flexibility is part of good time management.

9. Practice Regular Revision and Use Past Questions Effectively

Having knowledge is important, but knowing how to apply that knowledge during exams is what truly sets top performing students apart. That’s where consistent revision and past question practice come in. Many students study well but still underperform in exams. The reason? They’re not used to the structure, style, and timing of real exam conditions. Practicing with past questions bridges that gap. It trains your brain to think fast, stay calm, and answer confidently under pressure.

How to do it right

Incorporate weekly revision sessions into your study timetable. Don’t wait until a week before exams to start revising.
Use official past question booklets or trusted platforms (like Pass.ng, Myschool.ng, etc.) for JAMB, WAEC, and departmental exams.
Simulate real exam conditions: Set a timer and attempt full papers without looking at your notes.
Analyze your answers critically: Mark your work, identify areas of weakness, and seek clarification from lecturers, tutors, or friends.

Example: A student preparing for JAMB who practices 20–30 questions daily from past papers is more likely to identify common question patterns and improve their response time, giving them a major advantage on the actual exam day.

Note: Keep a revision notebook where you jot down frequently asked questions, repeated topics, and your mistakes. This will become a valuable resource during final revision.

10. Don’t Ignore Your Health because It Can Affects Your Grades More Than You Think

We often focus so much on studying that we forget a simple truth: your body and mind are your biggest study tools. If they’re tired, stressed, or neglected, it becomes harder to concentrate, remember things, or even stay motivated. You can have the best timetable and read the right materials, but if you’re constantly feeling drained or anxious, your academic performance will suffer. So, what should you do?

Get enough sleep: Try to sleep at least 6–8 hours every night. Your brain needs that rest to recharge and properly store what you’ve studied.
Eat like a student who wants to succeed: It’s tempting to skip meals or eat junk when you’re busy, but your brain functions better when you eat balanced, healthy food.
Stretch and move around: Even walking around your room for 10 minutes or doing a few stretches can make you feel refreshed. Exercise helps reduce stress and boosts your focus.
Take breaks seriously: Studying non-stop can burn you out. After every 45 minutes of study, take a short break, walk around, drink water, or simply close your eyes and breathe.
Listen to your body. If you feel overwhelmed, don’t hesitate to rest or talk to someone you trust, Whether it’s a friend, parent, or mentor, speaking up when things feel heavy can ease the mental pressure.

Taking care of yourself is just as important as hitting the books.

11. Surround Yourself with the Right People

No matter how focused you are, trying to go through university alone can be exhausting. Having a circle of positive, goal-oriented people around you makes the journey smoother and even more rewarding. University life comes with academic pressure, emotional stress, and moments of self doubt. Having people to lean on, friends who understand, lecturers who can guide, or family members who cheer you on, can really lift your spirit and keep you on track when things get tough.

How to build a helpful support system:

Join or form a study group. Learning in a group helps you see topics from different angles. When you struggle with a concept, someone else might be able to explain it in a way that clicks. You can also test each other with questions and keep each other accountable.
Talk to people ahead of you. Senior students can give you useful tips on how to handle tough courses, which materials to focus on, or how to relate better with certain lecturers. Their experience can save you from trial and error.
Stay connected to family and mentors. Sometimes, just having someone ask, “How are your studies going?” is enough to remind you of your goals. Whether they understand your course or not, their support can be emotionally grounding.

Quick tip: Be mindful of who you spend most of your time with. Surround yourself with people who lift you up, not those who constantly pull you away from your priorities.

12. Embrace a Growth Mindset And Use Mistakes as a Learning Tool

Students who graduate with First Class degrees often have one thing in common, they don’t see failure as the end, but as part of the learning journey. Instead of assuming intelligence is fixed, they believe improvement is always possible with effort, reflection, and the right attitude. In the Nigerian academic environment, it’s not unusual to get disappointing grades or receive critical feedback. What sets high achieving students apart is how they respond. Rather than letting setbacks crush their motivation, they treat them as opportunities to discover what they need to work on and how to do better next time.

Practical ways to develop this mindset:

Reflect after challenges: Whenever your result isn’t what you expected, take time to understand what you didn’t do well.
Ask for help: Reach out to your lecturer, tutor, or even a classmate who understands the topic, and find out what you can improve.
Experiment with your methods: If your current reading pattern or approach to assignments isn’t giving good results, try a different strategy.
Track your growth: Whether it’s understanding a tough concept or improving your test scores, take note of any progress, no matter how small.
Stay encouraged: Don’t compare your journey with others. Focus on becoming better than you were yesterday.

Mistakes aren’t the enemy, they’re stepping stones that can help you understand yourself better and prepare you for greater success ahead.

13. Use Technology Smartly to Boost Your Studies

These days, technology can be a great friend if you use it the right way. For Nigerian students, where textbooks might be hard to find or lectures can sometimes be rushed, online tools and resources can really fill in the gaps and make learning easier. Technology opens doors to tons of learning materials and helps you study beyond what’s just in your classroom. You can watch videos, take online courses, find research articles, and even practice exam questions, all at your own pace.

How to make the most of it;

Check out educational websites and apps like Khan Academy or Coursera. They explain tough topics in simple ways that can make a big difference.
Use YouTube to find tutorials on specific subjects. There are many channels tailored to Nigerian students and local exams.
Access free academic articles through places like Google Scholar to help with your assignments and research.
Practice past questions on sites like Pass.ng or Myschool.ng to get familiar with exam styles and improve your confidence.
Keep your notes organized with apps like OneNote or Evernote, so you can easily review anytime, anywhere.

But be careful; Technology can also be distracting. It’s easy to get caught up on social media or videos unrelated to your studies. So, set clear limits for when and how you use your devices to stay on track.

Tips for staying focused:

Set specific study times for using technology.
Use apps or phone settings that limit distractions.
Take breaks away from screens to refresh your mind.
Using technology wisely means it works for you, not the other way around. When balanced well, it can be a powerful tool to help you reach that First Class goal.

14. Begin Your Exam Preparation Early

Procrastinating until the last minute to prepare for exams can cause unnecessary stress and often leads to poor performance. Starting your revision well in advance gives you a much better chance to absorb and understand the material. When you space out your study sessions over weeks or even months, your brain has more time to process the information deeply. This also lowers exam-day stress since you’re not rushing through large chunks of content at once.

How to get started:

Design a study schedule that breaks down your subjects into manageable parts, spreading them over several days or weeks. This keeps you organized and makes studying less overwhelming.
Focus first on topics you find challenging. Tackling tough subjects early means you have more time to clarify doubts and reinforce your understanding.
Use active revision techniques like creating flashcards, summarizing notes in your own words, and regularly quizzing yourself to strengthen memory retention.

By giving yourself plenty of time and sticking to a clear plan, you’ll feel more confident and ready when exam day arrives.

15. Stay Consistent and Disciplined

Achieving a first class degree isn’t about studying hard once in a while, it’s about the small, positive habits you build every day. Consistency is what turns effort into real progress. When you study regularly, the information stays fresh in your mind, making it easier to understand and recall. This steady approach also prevents last-minute cramming, which can be stressful and less effective.

How to build consistency:

Commit to your study schedule even on days when you don’t feel like it. Remember, discipline often beats motivation because motivation can be unpredictable.
Fight off procrastination by breaking your study tasks into smaller, manageable chunks. This makes starting less intimidating.
Reward yourself for sticking to your plan, whether it’s a short break, a favorite snack, or celebrating milestones like completing a difficult topic. These small wins keep your morale high and make the journey enjoyable.

Consistency creates a strong foundation for academic excellence, so make it your best friend throughout your university life.

16. Believe in Yourself and Keep the Bigger Picture in Mind

Finally, believe that you are capable of achieving a First Class degree. Visualize the benefits, better career opportunities, respect, and personal fulfillment. Confidence fuels determination and attracts positive outcomes.

Common Mistakes That Can Stop You from Earning a First Class Degree

Even with the best intentions, some habits and decisions can hold you back from achieving that top honor. Here are a few common mistakes to watch out for:

1. Procrastination: Leaving assignments and revision to the last minute creates unnecessary stress and lowers quality of work. Consistency beats cramming.

2. Ignoring Lectures and Tutorials: Skipping classes means missing important explanations and updates. Active participation helps deepen understanding.

3. Poor Time Management: Without planning your study and rest time, you risk burnout or wasted hours. A balanced schedule keeps you productive.

4. Overreliance on Memorization: Understanding concepts is key. Rote learning might help pass tests but won’t build the critical thinking needed for First Class work.

5. Neglecting Health: Sleep, nutrition, and mental wellbeing affect your concentration and memory. Don’t sacrifice your health for study.

6. Getting Distracted by Social Media: Social platforms can consume hours if unchecked. Use them wisely and avoid distractions during study time.

7. Not Seeking Help: If you’re struggling, don’t hesitate to ask lecturers, peers, or use academic resources. Ignoring difficulties only makes them worse.

8. Avoiding these mistakes can keep your academic journey smooth and focused on your goal of First Class honors.

Conclusion

Earning a First Class degree in a Nigerian university is more than just getting high scores, it’s a journey of focus, personal growth, and intentional living. It means mastering how to manage your time, understanding your learning style, staying consistent even when motivation fades, and making the most of the resources around you, from the library to peer groups to your faith. You don’t have to be the smartest person in the room to come out on top, you just need to be the most prepared, the most focused, and the most resilient.

Every First Class graduate you’ve heard about started with a decision, to take their academic future seriously and commit to a plan. Now that you’ve learned the proven strategies, the mindset shifts, and the mistakes to avoid, the rest is up to you. Believe in your potential, apply these tips daily, and stay anchored to your goal. With discipline, hard work, and God’s help, you can walk across that graduation stage not just with a degree, but with First Class honors.

Effective Ways to Make a first Class Degree in Nigerian Universities