How to make a first class in a Nigerian university
What a first class takes on the 5.0 scale, how to plan your GPA each semester, and the study habits first class students share.
What a first class means
On the 5.0 scale a first class is a CGPA of 4.50 or more. That means mostly A grades (70 and above), with very few B grades. Because your CGPA averages every course by its units, a weak first year is hard to undo later, so start strong.
1. Know your numbers every semester
Before each semester, work out the GPA you need to reach or stay above 4.50. Courses with more units move your CGPA more, so give a 4 unit course more time than a 1 unit course. A CGPA calculator does this in a minute.
2. Treat continuous assessment as free marks
Tests, assignments and attendance often make up 30 or 40 marks of a course. Students who aim for full CA marks need much less in the exam to get an A. Never skip a test or submit an assignment late.
3. Study a little every day
First class students rarely cram. Go over each lecture within a day or two, test yourself on it, and come back to it a few days later. Short daily sessions add up to far more than weekend marathons.
4. Practise with past questions early
Lecturers repeat topics and question styles. Start past questions weeks before the exam, not the night before, and go back over every topic you get wrong.
5. Ask early, not at exam time
When a topic does not make sense, ask your lecturer, a coursemate or a tutor that week. Small gaps become big ones by exam time.
6. Protect your health
Sleep, eat properly and take breaks. Tired students make careless mistakes in exams, and a first class is won over four or five years, not one night.