In case you are wondering, I graduated with a first class in Mathematics from a highly-rated public university, so I think I know what I'm about to say.

A fundamental problem in Nigeria is "class"! We classify everything so badly that we forget that everyone, either first class, pass, no-degree class etc, has got something to offer. Perhaps this also contributes to the divisions in different organisations or communities in Nigeria.

I know the hatred I suffered while trying to simply prove to myself that "I can achieve all things through Christ who strengthens me" while in school. FYI, He still strengthens me till today! Why don't we just let the first class or 3rd class or whatever class be! It is high time we as individuals learned to respect everybody, a 3rd class or pass or even someone who never made it to school. This is 2014 for heaven's sake, let's stop this academic discrimination!!!

There are multiple factors that contribute to a student's achievements. Almost no one expects a talented scholar to achieve much while under financial, emotional or spiritual stress. But if against all odds that individual still achieves 1st class, that is good for her, but that does not make her better than an individual who, even though she had everything going well with her, did not achieve first class. Perhaps this second individual has a different priority, a different goal, a different passion in life that is just not academic!

We may want to respect everybody and choose to celebrate people who add values to other people's lives, and stop glorifying people based on what they achieve for themselves!

Nice post. Still, respect is earned not given. GEJ graduated with a third class and look at where he is now.

many successful pple did not go to Uni still they r respected

whats ur point?

So we should disrespect those who are not in GEJ's position? I mean those who for good reasons refuse to be president of a country? Which do you prefer: a useless president or a useful citizen?

myads890: Nice post. Still, respect is earned not given. GEJ graduated with a third class and look at where he is now.

actYourDreams: So we should disrespect those who are not in GEJ's position? I mean those who for good reasons refuse to be president of a country? Which do you prefer: a useless president or a useful citizen?

read the topic again. That's your answer.

actYourDreams: So we should disrespect those who are not in GEJ's position? I mean those who for good reasons refuse to be president of a country? Which do you prefer: a useless president or a useful citizen?

You seem to misunderstand me, I only used GEJ as an example because the topic mentioned the issue of certificates. A useful citizen will be respected because he has earned it. Respect is earned. Simple.

However nothing applies in this country and that's why criminals are highly regarded.