Finished as the overall best graduating student at Anambra State University, was also the best postgraduate(M.Sc.) student in Microbiology at Unilag (4.92/5.0).
Literally, what I did was studying my ass out, I spent lengthy time on my books, didn't have that social life stuff

Like I did in my last semester's exam..
From experience,I think those who make first class are simply intelligent folks who work extremely hard. They deprive themselves so many good things and quality time in school just to read(hardwork) and they assimilate and remember what they read quite easily(intelligence)..
There are people who study very hard but aren't that intelligent and those who are intelligent but don't study hard,and yes,they don't get outstanding grades(just regular average grades).
To get a first class,intelligence and hardwork are integral and need to be fused appropriately..

For my school especially in my department, u go sort tire before u come out with 2.1 sef, the last time we had first class students was 6 years ago... sadly, if u no get money, omo na Third class things o.

teamsynergy:
I think it depends on your level of intelligence , exposure , type of uni, nature of your department and your determination.

For me, I studied chemistry in a federal uni and trust me ehn, if you aspire to finish with a first class in that department, you must be ready to study for extended hours and cut off every other thing . Still, there is absolutely no guarantee cos the lecturers were harsh ASF. First class was not my target , I explored other departments and fields, made great friends and today , I work in a multinational tech firm as an engineer without an engineering cert.

Anyday anytime, I will pick alround versatility over first class in one field.

PS: I have met a handful of first class grads and I don't thinks they are geniuses. They are kinda very determined and love to study

even if u study like dem u may nt get d same grade with dem!

introvert2:
. overrated in what sense.

Ask a smart question, abeg...

Ernchibyke:


I'm a firstclass student of Mass Communication ESUT.
Your view is on point.

I knew I wasn't better than some persons in my class, but I channelled my thoughts to studying in a unique way that none of them ever knew which made me outstanding. I ensure to use there strategies and ideas and mine. Knew what they know but they never knew what I know. I was very competitive, steps ahead. And above all GOD'S grace

With your firstclass, what contributions have you made to knowledge.

1. They know the secret of reading and retaining information

2. They utilize those secrets while reading and making broad research on their various courses. They are studious

3. They are serious about classes, tests and projects.

4. They sometimes, are in a reading group or club.

5. They pray to God before an exam.

They get passionately married to their academics while managing their time diligently.

introvert2:
Some are of the opinion that they are geniuses. Is that really true or is it a matter of hard work? comments pls.

they start well with a good cgpa.. They r very serious with every course regardless of d unit... They Study past questions(very important)... They Walk/work/study with serious students in their department that have the same goal

just two things:
1. Brilliant and
2. Intelligent

introvert2:
Some are of the opinion that they are geniuses. Is that really true or is it a matter of hard work? comments pls.

Almost all brilliant students posesi these qualities;good memory, very studious,low social activities,desire to succeed,this help them alot in achieving their academic successes.

The main question is what do you Gain with first class?
I graduated with 3.92 ND/HND

First class is not the issue but getting job.

I have an opportunity that even those with pass or illitrate can do and earn money.

Call prince 07068005327

1. They set the goal of making a first class and keep their eyes on that goal.

2. They spend more hours studying, including during holidays. They also teach their peers to have better mastery of the courses.

3. They keep intelligent and motivated friends in their inner circle.

4. They pray, stay motivated and have strong faith.

Ernchibyke:


I'm a firstclass student of Mass Communication ESUT.
Your view is on point.

I knew I wasn't better than some persons in my class, but I channelled my thoughts to studying in a unique way that none of them ever knew which made me outstanding. I ensure to use there strategies and ideas and mine. Knew what they know but they never knew what I know. I was very competitive, steps ahead. And above all GOD'S grace

Thanks, would you mind taking my online survey? My target is at least 500 respondents from tertiary institutions across the country so i can have less biased conclusions on this issue.

davidadeoluwa:
A significant number of them were below average in their early education ( 4 out of 6 in primary school and 2 out of six in secondary school)
I might write a book on my findings one day sha

That doesn’t in any way say they are not intelligent.

All first class graduates (who didn’t buy their way to that position) are intelligent. They don’t have to be geniuses but they are certainly intelligent.

michaelismenten:
Finished as the overall best graduating student at Anambra State University, was also the best postgraduate(M.Sc.) student in Microbiology at Unilag (4.92/5.0).
Literally, what I did was studying my ass out, I spent lengthy time on my books, didn't have that social life stuff

But you don't understand the principles of microbiology, you only know the method of solving problems in microbiology. If you understand the principles, by now you would have broken through in R & D innovation. If they ask you to explain some theories in microbiology now you must have forgotten them because it has vapourised from the memory, but when you understand the principles you will never forget rather you continue to innovate with it, this is where the developed countries or western world are much better than us.

Most are class reps. Padipadi things with lecturers.

However, many of them are anti social.

falcon01:
Intelligent yes but smart? not necessarily they are just book smart and some lack the ability to logically analyse things.

That may depend on discipline. You cannot tell me that a 1st class graduate of Analytical Chemistry, Molecular Biology, Dentistry, Pharmacy, Law, Chemical engineering, Archaeology, Vet Med, and such cannot analyse. In fact analysis is a key part of the training. Although I cannot say about 9ja. But in climes I know about, your assertion is wrong.

davidadeoluwa:
Thanks, would you mind taking my online survey? My target is at least 500 respondents from tertiary institutions across the country so i can have less biased conclusions on this issue.

Okay bro
I'm in

Pharaoh4rin:
First class students are bunch of academic slaves. They don't have a life of their own asides from course context. Very boring folks.

They do nothing but read, read, read. No wonder most of them in Nigeria graduate with ulcer

Pharaoh4rin:
First class students are bunch of academic slaves. They don't have a life of their own asides from course context. Very boring folks.

They do nothing but read, read, read. No wonder most of them in Nigeria graduate with ulcer

Says who?

I also did a research on this and my findings were
They take assignments, tests and presentations very serious by this a lot have 30% secured already.
They have thier notes up to date. They read whatever they are taught in class and research further on areas not covered by the lecturers.
They consult past questions and fine tune thier answers regularly till they arrive at a almost perfect response. And finally you might need to cram. There are some terms you can't omit or put in your own words but they just have to be the way they are handed to you by the lecturer.

Agugbadin:

But you don't understand the principles of microbiology, you only know the method of solving problems in microbiology. If you understand the principles, by now you would have broken through in R & D innovation. If they ask you to explain some theories in microbiology now you must have forgotten them because it has vapourised from the memory, but when you understand the principles you will never forget rather you continue to innovate with it, this is where the developed countries or western world are much better than us.

And who told you he doesn't understand the principles of microbiology

davidadeoluwa:
I'm currently researching on this issue. I conducted an online survey with about 50 respondents, out of which less than 10 ( about 6) were 1st class. The distinct features about them was against popular views; 1. They're smart (they identify and utilize opportunities than the average student) 2. They're not necessarily 'intelligent' but are hardworking. The whole thing is that they don't always have the good cards (i.e intelligence) but are good players (they're smart and hardworking) NB: My findings are not concluded yet and i'm still working on getting more respondents

During my NYSC, I studied my fellow corp members who had a first class from their university and polytechnic. I also compared them to the first class students I knew in school.

One thing I found in common is that they don't leave any stone unturned. They make sure they brush every sentence in whatever materials they're given to study. They don't assume that "dey no go ask for this one".

In fact, if there's something they don't understand they go to any length to find solution. One strategy I found in common with them is they go to a senior colleague in a specialist department to get solution. For example, in the department of Geography, we took courses in surveying. My friend would go to the best student of estate management (we didn't have surveying department in OAU at that time) to teach him the complex topics in surveying.

The same thing applies to those I met during my NYSC, if an engineering student was having problems with any calculation he would humble himself in front of a first class colleague in mathematics to teach him.

So, they also knew how to network.

They weren't extra brilliant. It just seems that academic excellence is their source of dopamine.

They solve past questions

davidadeoluwa:
Thanks, would you mind taking my online survey? My target is at least 500 respondents from tertiary institutions across the country so i can have less biased conclusions on this issue.

Lack the modus operandi of nairaland--replying, quoting among others, through learning that gradually so I can't respond here. Whatsapp me: 08147714737

davidadeoluwa:
A significant number of them were below average in their early education ( 4 out of 6 in primary school and 2 out of six in secondary school)
I might write a book on my findings one day sha

Did you conduct a survey to arrive at that conclusion? If yes, where can someone read it?

falcon01:
Intelligent yes but smart? not necessarily they are just book smart and some lack the ability to logically analyse things.

that's not true, I am a living testament of high CGPA, I am smart and I just created a thread on the first class thing, u can check it to know if I'm smart enough or dumb. lol

Agugbadin:

But you don't understand the principles of microbiology, you only know the method of solving problems in microbiology. If you understand the principles, by now you would have broken through in R & D innovation. If they ask you to explain some theories in microbiology now you must have forgotten them because it has vapourised from the memory, but when you understand the principles you will never forget rather you continue to innovate with it, this is where the developed countries or western world are much better than us.

Lolz
Dear I hardly forget something once I have fully gotten it oo.
Besides, I finished my postgraduate program late last year. We are even yet to do convocation self.
So everything is still very fresh in my brain theory and practical wise