₦airaland Forum

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I enjoyed the read sir especially where you spoke about scholarships and conferences.

Since you're in the Sciences field, could you give me a lil more info on the scholarship you were on and procedures required for the conference participation?

+ the name of your university.....are there any hints for us or will you just give us a name?

I'm an Engineering student..... All thanks to ASUU, no lecture halls for me yet

orikzz:
Cos when I calculated, the only thing that can make me get a first class is when I get 5.00 till I graduate... Of which it might not be possible, as I am doing a practical course.. And practical results always vary

At least you've known and accepted the fact you may not finish with a First Class. A good GPA would be your best bet now.
Thanks for sharing!!!

LordIsaac:
A very nice piece. I am in my second year. The first year was 3.85/4. Now, they just employed a lecturer who is, to put it mildly, someone who has no business with academics. Every class of his is war. He can ask a whole row(of about 50 people) to walk out of his class for flimsy reasons while he gives impromptu tests to the reminants. Now, this is really a burden to me because it is affecting us....how can one finish well with such a soul?

Thank you.
You have a wonderful GPA . Congrats!!!
The truth is there's a limit to what you can do about this situation. I also met lecturers with terrible personalities. But there were also the good and fair ones.
I had to stay mostly in the front row because the possibility of getting into trouble at the back was somewhat higher. You may need to rethink where you sit.
Sometimes when you incurr a loss in one course, use the other one to cover up. Like I said in the post above "Aim Higher". You'll do very well. Just don't loose focus because of one course.
All the best

voraz:
I enjoyed the read sir especially where you spoke about scholarships and conferences.

Since you're in the Sciences field, could you give me a lil more info on the scholarship you were on and procedures required for the conference participation?

+ the name of your university.....are there any hints for us or will you just give us a name?

I'm an Engineering student..... All thanks to ASUU, no lecture halls for me yet

Thanks vorax.
I was a PTDF undergrduate scholar. Most scholarships have preferred study areas for applicants. Depending on the engineering course you're taking, there may be a lot of opportunities. I'll advise you check scholarstica, afterschool, study and scholarships. There are many more like these. Then search for sites online where you can subscribe for free mails on Nigerian scholarships.
Concerning conferences, you may incur some costs for sponsorship (It could be a lot). What you could do is prepare papers you hope to present and send the abstract to the association or body when they call for abstracts. You may get funded to attend a conference if your paper is accepted. In my case, I was awarded full sponsorship to the internatinal conference by merit alongside the best student (as a result of our academic performances).
For my Alma mater, I'm sorry that I can only give a hint at this time. It's in the middle belt region of our country. I hope it's OK by you?
Ironically, the strike is on with the aim that problems such as not having adequate lecture halls can be solved. Let's hope ASUU's conditions are met, so that you'll resume soon with the hope of getting a lecture hall. It's rather unfortunate that students and staff of our universities suffer such inhabitable conditions. Make the best of this moment, cause in my opinion the chances for a resolution between both parties is bleak.

All the best!!!

Sherlock5577:
Thank you.
You have a wonderful GPA . Congrats!!!
The truth is there's a limit to what you can do about this situation. I also met lecturers with terrible personalities. But there were also the good and fair ones.
I had to stay mostly in the front row because the possibility of getting into trouble at the back was somewhat higher. You may need to rethink where you sit.
Sometimes when you incurr a loss in one course, use the other one to cover up. Like I said in the post above "Aim Higher". You'll do very well. Just don't loose focus because of one course.
All the best

God bless you bro. Thanks.

Nice responses sherlock5577.

Thanks for devoting your time to put out responses to the questions asked.

I have grabbed my share of the advice.

Best wishes.

demo4show:
Nice responses sherlock5577.

Thanks for devoting your time to put out responses to the questions asked.

I have grabbed my share of the advice.

Best wishes.

Thanks too demo4show.
I'm glad to help while I can.

All the best!!!

Nice thread @Sherlock5577,I have just been offered admission in the universit,I should be resuming first semester next year,worth are the tips you can give to me to avoid mistakes,most students normally make in year 1 ?
PS;My course is computer science

Good evening... I just finished with a Cgpa of 4.12 in my 100l, can I still graduate with a first class... I have 6 semesters to go.

Sherlock5577:
This would be a somewhat long story. I hope it inspires someone out there to achieve their dreams of achieving a better academic result, be it a first class or second class upper, ...
Just to understand the mindset I had when going into the university, I graduated from a reputable secondary school in the Middle Belt region of Nigeria, as the 10th best student in WAEC with 4A’s 4B’s and a C (Cheating was a grave sin). I was greatly involved in extracurricular activities during my 6 years there and this took a toll on my academic performance. I knew I had a greater potential with regards to achieving stellar academic feats. So this informed my choice to be more focused on my academic pursuit in the university than extra-curricular activities like sports and volunteering.
My first year (B.Sc.) at my alma mater started without any plans as to my academic prospects (i.e., finishing with a first class), despite being sure I wanted to have a great academic performance. I had just resumed at a school which was my second choice in JAMB, which I did just to fulfill all righteousness. Now reminiscing, I thank God I didn’t go through the rigours of securing admission to a Federal University. I definitely intended to do well with my academics, but I didn’t have a definite plan as to how to achieve this desire.
My first and second-semester results were out and I felt good. I assumed I was the best student. I knew I didn’t put in much work but still “topped” the class on most results. Surprisingly, while discussing with a course mate towards the end of my first year I was informed of a coursemate who was on a 4.8. This kind of “gingered” me towards covering up such a wide gap between our GPAs. To me, it sounded quite absurd, that a course mate being taught the same courses as I and who had attended the same lectures as I did could give us a great head start like this.
My department was one where achieving a first class was a wonder. From a staff source, I was made to understand that in over 40 years of the department’s history, the total number of first-class students were less than 8, one of which was 2 years ahead of me.
I took up the challenge to achieve this feat and close the wide gap between my GPA and that of our best student. I graduated about 4 years later with a CGPA of 4.59 (Thanks to ASUU strike and a suspension of academic activities due to a somewhat violent student protest). This may not sound like a great increase, but it is noteworthy to mention my GPA s in my 2nd, 3rd and 4th years were 4.54, 4.70, and 4.90 respectively (with just 1 B in a “borrowed” course during my final year).
I have gained a lot from these grades (one of the best Nigerian undergraduate scholarships, a full sponsorship to an international conference, a good job, a new perspective on life,...). I still expect more rewards in the years ahead as I plan further (Graduate studies, More Scholarships,...).
I share these practical steps as a tentative guide to those in their early university years aspiring to achieve an improvement in their class of degrees before graduation. Not necessarily just for aspiring first class students.
1. Plan and be determined
Determine the possibility of achieving such a class of degree.
What this means is first learning how to calculate your GPA by yourself. Then determine how feasible your new target is by knowing the nature of grades you need to get for the rest of your years in the university to achieve your goal. One of my motivations was that achieving this would encourage younger generations in my department to see the possibility of getting excellent grades.

2. Aim Higher
It isn’t a new thing to see a grade far different from what you expect on the notice board, I experienced this so many times.
One instance was on a course I read so well for and wrote. I could predict most of my scores before the scores were pasted, so I expected an A, or worse a B. But on this particular case, I got a C. Worse was that this C was a 50/100, meaning I could have even gotten a D if I missed another mark. Therefore, it is necessary to set higher targets to avoid too many disappointments. The fault may not be yours. I never went for a remark.
Another instance was my final year when I had just only a among my courses for that session with the rest A’s. I was shocked when I saw my result because I didn’t anticipate it would turn out great. I had planned to ace my courses because getting an A in our research project was quite slim. Also, my CGPA for my 3rd year was 4.49 (0.01 shy of a first class and anything could happen). At least an A in other courses would make up for a B in a 6 credit load research project. So I aimed really high, gave my best and God rewarded it more than my greatest expectation. I eventually was one of the five in my set to get an A in our research projects.

3. Set your priorities right
A university is a fun-filled place filled with a lot of time-consuming activities. This fun comes at a price. You’ll have to weigh how much fun you can have that wouldn’t be detrimental to your academic success. Also, religious activities can be time-consuming. I’m not kicking against some of these activities, because I was still involved in religious, volunteering, and even farming activities while schooling. But I had to plan really well to accommodate all of this.

4. Prayer
Although this is not coming first, I think it played a significant role in my success.
I don’t pray for hours, but I always believe a short sincere prayer to God, which is also according to His will would be answered positively. Someone once told me, whenever you remember an exam you’ve just written, it's best you pray for fair marking at that point. Our subconscious has a powerful way of communicating with us. I prayed often for my papers, I received favour. I never had a missing script and that's something to be really grateful for. Although, I paid due diligence too, by following the exam rules strictly and writing my matriculation number on all of my answer sheets in case a page was erroneously detached. Missing scripts could be either the fault of the student or staff or some other unfortunate event.
5. Don’t listen to Nay-Sayers
As you try to achieve your goal, you will meet a lot of people who would either encourage or discourage you. Listen to the good advice and ignore the bad. You know the possibility of an increase in your result by calculating what you have and what is feasible as shown in my first point. Some people would tell you, “Who first Class hep?”. But I tell you the truth don’t be deceived because someday you may wish you got that result which you didn’t.
There’s much more I would have written here, but I believe this is enough to inspire and tentatively guide someone to success. I am not so intelligent, I am just a hard worker. As Socrates said, “Man Know Thyself”, understand yourself and don’t follow just anyone's pattern of reading. It may not work for you. We are all different. I mostly read for an hour almost every day, revising my notes and making more notes. Understand your lecturers, learn to predict them, don’t procrastinate your reading. Procrastination would just make your reading harder.
A good character is key to success. It has saved me a lot of times. Sometimes when you see a pompous person excelling, know a fall could be on the way!!! Pride goes before a fall!!
I believe we're not always just assessed based on our academic prowess, but by our character.

A price must be paid! Nothing good comes easy!!
My colleague and I finished with a first class. Unfortunately, my colleague had a few setbacks, but still graduated top of the class (I think with a 4.73 or so). He’s currently on a fully funded international scholarship for graduate studies. I am also hopeful!
I must say this first class hasn’t been an express ticket in life but has shown me with hard work and consistency I can achieve a great thing in this life. Sometimes to whom much is given, much is expected; people expect more from me.
I give freely because I have received freely.
Pardon my typos and the quality of my writing. I am not much of a writer.
If you have further questions, kindly quote me here or mention my moniker.
I would respond as soon as I can.

Wish you all the best!!!

Dboy55:
Nice thread @Sherlock5577,I have just been offered admission in the universit,I should be resuming first semester next year,worth are the tips you can give to me to avoid mistakes,most students normally make in year 1 ?
PS;My course is computer science

Wow congrats.
The truth is that the advice in my post would still serve you well. But I must tell you first year is tricky. Uni is really different from what one expects when you've not started. Just stay focused, make a plan and work towards achieving it. Learn to calculate your GPA yourself. It's quite an enlightening experience.
All the best!!!

Danieljuwon:
Good evening... I just finished with a Cgpa of 4.12 in my 100l, can I still graduate with a first class... I have 6 semesters to go.

Your current CGPA looks good.
But I may not be able to determine the possibility of you obtaining a First.
Make calculations by assuming grades for your future courses. This would reveal the possibility and the kind of grades you'll need to be getting if it's possible.
All the best!!!

had 2.63 in my first semester 100level, any hope for me ?

Sherlock5577:
Many of us had our worst GPA in 100L, due to some little and avoidable mistakes. I learnt from my mistakes and so it therefore informed my gradual progress.
Thank God you're still in your early years in the University. I am so happy for you because of the possibilities I see. I can't say if you would still be able to make a First Class because some starting GPA's can really impede the possibilities. But carefully follow my first point on "Plan and be determined". Make calculations and see what is feasible, then work assiduously towards your goal. If a First Class is possible, then that's beautiful. Even if a First Class isn't feasible, a very high GPA; "Strong"second class upper could still be an advantage someday. I see scholarships with minimum GPA's, and not just classes of degrees.
As I said in the post, understand your lecturers be consistent. Be humble and not be distracted by your progress. The sky would just be a starting point!!
All the best kceefresh19

Thanks bro

[quote author=Sherlock5577 post=73604442]Many of us had our worst GPA in 100L, due to some little and avoidable mistakes. I learnt from my mistakes and so it therefore informed my gradual progress.
Thank God you're still in your early years in the University. I am so happy for you because of the possibilities I see. I can't say if you would still be able to make a First Class because some starting GPA's can really impede the possibilities. But carefully follow my first point on "Plan and be determined". Make calculations and see what is feasible, then work assiduously towards your goal. If a First Class is possible, then that's beautiful. Even if a First Class isn't feasible, a very high GPA; "Strong"second class upper could still be an advantage someday. I see scholarships with minimum GPA's, and not just classes of degrees.
As I said in the post, understand your lecturers be consistent. Be humble and not be distracted by your progress. The sky would just be a starting point!!
All the best kceefresh19

Thanks bro

[quote author=orikzz post=73605122]It is 100% actually much easier for him.. Only if he can get 4.5 above till he graduate...

I had similar issues too in my yr1.. I was on a 3.4..
But just finished yr2 and I'm on 4.0....and I only recorded one 1st class semester.. About 4.6

Wow.. How did you go about this?

[quote author=Kceefresh19 post=73670930][/quote]Somehow easy.. Target As in your courses with higher units.. With that sef it's just natural you do well in the other courses... The ginger go dey

Sherlock5577:
At least you've known and accepted the fact you may not finish with a First Class. A good GPA would be your best bet now.
Thanks for sharing!!!

That's just it ...flexible study

[quote author=mrpoul post=73666874]had 2.63 in my first semester 100level, any hope for me ?[/quote

..hope dey die...but you must work really hard to fill up the big gap..
Things that made you had 2.63..might have been
1.. Ure too excited about school..

2.. Your friends.. (Not saying you should change them, change yourself,they will dance in your direction if results are positive)

3.. Attitude towards school activities like test and assignments (when you play with these, you gradually dropping till it becomes so obvious)..

If you know you are the intelligent type, just sit down and analyze things that you know you did wrongly..it would help you set new priorities..

And if you know you are not that good book wise, I go advise you to give more attention to your books, and meet intelligent ones in your class to out you through difficult task.. Then you will just notice your ability is increasing.. (Not advising you to do follow follow oh.. Everybody got their different style, when your changes are now becoming obvious your friends too will change)..

Sherlock5577:
I know you will!!

your story is inspiring. almost similar to mine, though I have not graduated yet.

My first semester result in 100L was 4.18. The second semester wasn't any better.

But from 200Level, I just thought I could do better. I focused more on my studies and ever since then, my GP has been revolving around 4.9 (sometimes slightly above it, sometimes slightly below it). I once had a not too nice result of 4.77 though .

mrpoul:
had 2.63 in my first semester 100level, any hope for me ?

Hello mrpoul,
If you're asking if a First Class is still possible, then I'm sorry to say it may not be possible (i.e., if your GPA is on a 5-point scale) . You'll need to confirm this yourself by calculating using assumed grades for all of your future courses. Then you'll know what's feasible. I know you can improve on your current GPA by following the advice I've given. Focus on getting a 2.1, since a first may not be possible.

I wish you the best!!!

LordeCalifornia:
your story is inspiring. almost similar to mine, though I have not graduated yet.

My first semester result in 100L was 4.18. The second semester wasn't any better.

But from 200Level, I just thought I could do better. I focused more on my studies and ever since then, my GP have been revolving around 4.9 (sometimes slightly above it, sometimes slightly below it). I once had a not too nice result of 4.77 though .

---

Over the years, I have come to realise that first class is just what it is and nothing more. So nowadays, I do not really put much effort while studying. I just read a little and rest a little

Thanks. Inspiration, that's the essence.
Nice. With those GPAs you'll go a long way and possibly finish with a first sef, that's if you're not in yet.
Just keep pushing and don't let the Naija factor make you feel it isn't worth it. I've really benefitted from my result. Hopefully, more benefits ahead.
It's better to have a gun you wouldn't use, than lack one when you really need it.
Really good improvement, because mine was gradual. So I know how much you've improved.
Congrats sef

An awesome and Interesting write up @ Op...Congrat

Hahjascho:
An awesome and Interesting write up @ Op...Congrat

Thanks . I've had this coming since. It's been over two years now since I got this result. Glad I finally put it up.

Sherlock5577:
Thanks. Inspiration, that's the essence.
Nice. With those GPAs you'll go a long way and possibly finish with a first sef, that's if you're not in yet.
Just keep pushing and don't let the Naija factor make you feel it isn't worth it. I've really benefitted from my result. Hopefully, more benefits ahead.
It's better to have a gun you wouldn't use, than lack one when you really need it.
Really good improvement, because mine was gradual. So I know how much you've improved.
Congrats sef

Very true.

And thanks for the encouragement

Sherlock5577:
This would be a somewhat long story. I hope it inspires someone out there to achieve their dreams of achieving a better academic result, be it a first class or second class upper, ...
Just to understand the mindset I had when going into the university, I graduated from a reputable secondary school in the Middle Belt region of Nigeria, as the 10th best student in WAEC with 4A’s 4B’s and a C (Cheating was a grave sin). I was greatly involved in extracurricular activities during my 6 years there and this took a toll on my academic performance. I knew I had a greater potential with regards to achieving stellar academic feats. So this informed my choice to be more focused on my academic pursuit in the university than extra-curricular activities like sports and volunteering.
My first year (B.Sc.) at my alma mater started without any plans as to my academic prospects (i.e., finishing with a first class), despite being sure I wanted to have a great academic performance. I had just resumed at a school which was my second choice in JAMB, which I did just to fulfill all righteousness. Now reminiscing, I thank God I didn’t go through the rigours of securing admission to a Federal University. I definitely intended to do well with my academics, but I didn’t have a definite plan as to how to achieve this desire.
My first and second-semester results were out and I felt good. I assumed I was the best student. I knew I didn’t put in much work but still “topped” the class on most results. Surprisingly, while discussing with a course mate towards the end of my first year I was informed of a coursemate who was on a 4.8. This kind of “gingered” me towards covering up such a wide gap between our GPAs. To me, it sounded quite absurd, that a course mate being taught the same courses as I and who had attended the same lectures as I did could give us a great head start like this.
My department was one where achieving a first class was a wonder. From a staff source, I was made to understand that in over 40 years of the department’s history, the total number of first-class students were less than 8, one of which was 2 years ahead of me.
I took up the challenge to achieve this feat and close the wide gap between my GPA and that of our best student. I graduated about 4 years later with a CGPA of 4.59 (Thanks to ASUU strike and a suspension of academic activities due to a somewhat violent student protest). This may not sound like a great increase, but it is noteworthy to mention my GPA s in my 2nd, 3rd and 4th years were 4.54, 4.70, and 4.90 respectively (with just 1 B in a “borrowed” course during my final year).
I have gained a lot from these grades (one of the best Nigerian undergraduate scholarships, a full sponsorship to an international conference, a good job, a new perspective on life,...). I still expect more rewards in the years ahead as I plan further (Graduate studies, More Scholarships,...).
I share these practical steps as a tentative guide to those in their early university years aspiring to achieve an improvement in their class of degrees before graduation. Not necessarily just for aspiring first class students.
1. Plan and be determined
Determine the possibility of achieving such a class of degree.
What this means is first learning how to calculate your GPA by yourself. Then determine how feasible your new target is by knowing the nature of grades you need to get for the rest of your years in the university to achieve your goal. One of my motivations was that achieving this would encourage younger generations in my department to see the possibility of getting excellent grades.

2. Aim Higher
It isn’t a new thing to see a grade far different from what you expect on the notice board, I experienced this so many times.
One instance was on a course I read so well for and wrote. I could predict most of my scores before the scores were pasted, so I expected an A, or worse a B. But on this particular case, I got a C. Worse was that this C was a 50/100, meaning I could have even gotten a D if I missed another mark. Therefore, it is necessary to set higher targets to avoid too many disappointments. The fault may not be yours. I never went for a remark.
Another instance was my final year when I had just only a among my courses for that session with the rest A’s. I was shocked when I saw my result because I didn’t anticipate it would turn out great. I had planned to ace my courses because getting an A in our research project was quite slim. Also, my CGPA for my 3rd year was 4.49 (0.01 shy of a first class and anything could happen). At least an A in other courses would make up for a B in a 6 credit load research project. So I aimed really high, gave my best and God rewarded it more than my greatest expectation. I eventually was one of the five in my set to get an A in our research projects.

3. Set your priorities right
A university is a fun-filled place filled with a lot of time-consuming activities. This fun comes at a price. You’ll have to weigh how much fun you can have that wouldn’t be detrimental to your academic success. Also, religious activities can be time-consuming. I’m not kicking against some of these activities, because I was still involved in religious, volunteering, and even farming activities while schooling. But I had to plan really well to accommodate all of this.

4. Prayer
Although this is not coming first, I think it played a significant role in my success.
I don’t pray for hours, but I always believe a short sincere prayer to God, which is also according to His will would be answered positively. Someone once told me, whenever you remember an exam you’ve just written, it's best you pray for fair marking at that point. Our subconscious has a powerful way of communicating with us. I prayed often for my papers, I received favour. I never had a missing script and that's something to be really grateful for. Although, I paid due diligence too, by following the exam rules strictly and writing my matriculation number on all of my answer sheets in case a page was erroneously detached. Missing scripts could be either the fault of the student or staff or some other unfortunate event.
5. Don’t listen to Nay-Sayers
As you try to achieve your goal, you will meet a lot of people who would either encourage or discourage you. Listen to the good advice and ignore the bad. You know the possibility of an increase in your result by calculating what you have and what is feasible as shown in my first point. Some people would tell you, “Who first Class hep?”. But I tell you the truth don’t be deceived because someday you may wish you got that result which you didn’t.
There’s much more I would have written here, but I believe this is enough to inspire and tentatively guide someone to success. I am not so intelligent, I am just a hard worker. As Socrates said, “Man Know Thyself”, understand yourself and don’t follow just anyone's pattern of reading. It may not work for you. We are all different. I mostly read for an hour almost every day, revising my notes and making more notes. Understand your lecturers, learn to predict them, don’t procrastinate your reading. Procrastination would just make your reading harder.
A good character is key to success. It has saved me a lot of times. Sometimes when you see a pompous person excelling, know a fall could be on the way!!! Pride goes before a fall!!
I believe we're not always just assessed based on our academic prowess, but by our character.

A price must be paid! Nothing good comes easy!!
My colleague and I finished with a first class. Unfortunately, my colleague had a few setbacks, but still graduated top of the class (I think with a 4.73 or so). He’s currently on a fully funded international scholarship for graduate studies. I am also hopeful!
I must say this first class hasn’t been an express ticket in life but has shown me with hard work and consistency I can achieve a great thing in this life. Sometimes to whom much is given, much is expected; people expect more from me.
I give freely because I have received freely.
Pardon my typos and the quality of my writing. I am not much of a writer.
If you have further questions, kindly quote me here or mention my moniker.
I would respond as soon as I can.

Wish you all the best!!!

This story is a very encouraging one. I'm currently on a 4.31 & ve concluded 200L, still having 3 more yrs to go. I'm just hoping I finish with a first class

Magjoel:
This story is a very encouraging one. I'm currently on a 4.31 & ve concluded 200L, still having 3 more yrs to go. I'm just hoping I finish with a first class

Thank you.
It seems there's the possibilty of you finishing with one. Just make the calculations and know what you'll need to get there. Nothing's impossible.

Sherlock5577:
Thank you.
It seems there's the possibilty of you finishing with one. Just make the calculations and know what you'll need to get there. Nothing's impossible.

Thank u very much. I've done my calculation putting B in d tough courses, B in some practical & C in some, then A in SIWES (IT), A in my Project & A in d rest. With these I'll finish with a 4.55

Magjoel:
Thank u very much. I've done my calculation putting B in d tough courses, B in some practical & C in some, then A in SIWES (IT), A in my Project & A in d rest. With these I'll finish with a 4.55

Then you're good to go. I'll say you should even aim for 4.70 if it's possible, to account for any disappointments.
Congrats in advance !

Sherlock5577:
Then you're good to go. I'll say you should even aim for 4.70 if it's possible, to account for any disappointments.
Congrats in advance !

Thanks u very much. To get a 4.70, I'll need to get 5point all thru, infact d highest cgpa I can ve nw is 4.71 if I shd get 5point thru out except if I do more electives.

Magjoel:
Thanks u very much. To get a 4.70, I'll need to get 5point all thru, infact d highest cgpa I can ve nw is 4.71 if I shd get 5point thru out except if I do more electives.

I don't think you'll need electives except they're compulsory.
The main thing is to aim higher than 4.55. You know how results come out. Never exactly as we expect.