Educational system adopted in Nigerian universities has not but proclaim division of classes based on brilliancy to certify learning and character in a particular course of study. Government and private companies use certain grade benchmark in request for behooving graduate applicants for job placements. Unemployment rate in recent times disclose that jobless graduates are however, constitute excessively also graduates with resplendent certificates; first and second class honours. Merit is lost!

In 2015, the National University Commission (NUC) stressed on reviewing Benchmark Minimum Academic Standard (BMAS) documents in 2007 which relay the abolishment of the pass degree and minimum of 1.5 grade point for graduation requirement. Without regarding the technicality implications, most Federal Universities sprung into action of constitutionalizing the grading ammendment. Of course it was done to acknowledge the quality and effectiveness of Nigerian education grades.

In lieu of this, pass degree was renounced from the system making third class the least grade one can obtain. Some universities use points - 5 4 3 2 and 0 as A B C D and F respectively. All in all to remove the E (signifies pass) from grades. However, Nigerian institutions has blindly made the rest of the grades a war to fight with the cloudy belief of building strong academic students in theory rather than in practical and application.

Much interest has been thrown in first class and second class upper division as an instrument that will assess the outstanding students. Getting either is bloodcurdling. While it is seen academic excellence to have those, the penultimate grade (second class lower) attest academic average. Do you ever ponder why less regard has been giving to it? And plain speaking, they are those who worth the upper division but couldn't adapt to the learning system (cram and drop). Well, Darwin theory of adaptation played on them.

Analyzing two of the leading Nigerian universities: University of Ilorin and Federal University of Technology Minna. In 2015; 10,215 students graduated in both schools - 103 first class - 2,165 second class upper division - 4,192 second class lower division - 1,570 third class (based on first degree). Are you not wowed? First and second class honours took above 60% of the graduands. First and second class 'upper division' took above 25%. Statistically, average rating would show the relentless effort Nigerian students has put in learning in their course of study.

Why then does the system not hire job applicants on merit same way they got the admission based on merit? Political affiliations has been and will continue to hinder the movement of Nigeria to being a developed country. Understanding unemployment rate has been the genesis of motivation for exemplary students to work harder. How sardonic is little of the available opportunities are occupied by politicians' children. Even in fields that require expertise, credibility and confidence. You find a geographer in the banking field. An accountant running a survey company. A job application that enlist a minimum of second class upper division would be seen hiring only a lucky one, the rest are politically fit in with shameful qualifications.

In early education, we sing 'we are the leaders of tomorrow' unfortunately the right is 'we are the followers of yesteryears leaders and their children of today '. There's no pride in graduating remarkably. Unemployment we know has been a major threat to Nigeria development and at the worst of it the availabile ones are not given on merit. Being a second class and its higher is just a start of another unending hustle.

There's no pride in spreading hyped qualification all around. The grading system is nothing but a lost glory. The earlier one become an entrepreneur the better. Become an active youth by working harder on that which you are good on (establish yourself).

On the other hand, the government should control political influence on job employment according to law. It should be based on merit and competitive success. Furthermore, they should invest on graduates per their entrepreneurial business plan deposition. In the right frame of mind, more scholarships should be granted to further educational career. All these and more can improve Nigeria in economy and development.

The whole ball of wax is that in recent situation where merit is close to lost, students should better themselves in course practicals and applications than theory (cram and pour). Drive your way to entrepreneurship and personal governance. 'Hustle' legitimately more as a youth than waiting on your colourful cardboard to bring food to your table.

*SADIQ DANLAD LUQMAN*

_Sadiqdanlerd@gmail.com_

(08130795789)

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Kaybaba.com

U have said it all. Nice one!

Hmm