Navigating the academic landscape in Nigerian public universities can be challenging, but with the right strategies, students can significantly enhance their chances of graduating with good grades.
Here are ten essential tips to help students thrive during their university journey.
1. Choose Your Course of Study Wisely
The first step toward academic success is selecting a course that aligns with your interests and strengths.
Take time to research various fields, consider your career aspirations, and evaluate the job market.
A genuine passion for your chosen discipline will motivate you to excel and make your academic journey more enjoyable.
The Nigerian labor market is saturated, so students should be well advised to go for courses that are likely to remain relevant in the next few decades.
2. Plan Ahead
From the first day you step foot in the university, to the day you graduate, everything you do with your time and how you do it matters.
It is very important to have a clear goal for the grades you’d like to graduate with. It is okay to desire a first class or second class upper division depending on your capabilities.
To achieve this, students have to plan very well and carefully. This should be done following the student handbook provided to new students by every department.
Study the handbook carefully. Look out for the titles of the courses you’re expected to offer and research them beforehand. Know about the credit unit rating systems and put a target grade on each course you register.
3. Know Your Lecturers
Building a rapport with your lecturers can greatly enhance your academic experience.
Familiarize yourself with their teaching styles, expectations, and areas of expertise. Ask your seniors about their experiences with different lecturers in the department.
Look up your lecture’s profiles online, on Google scholar and LinkedIn. Understand their areas of research interest and key in on how their research can affect their teaching methods.
Attend their office hours to ask questions or seek clarification on topics you find challenging. Female students should however be very careful when attending a lecturer’s office. Especially in light of the #SexForGrades scandals happening in different universities.
In essence, good relationships can also lead to valuable mentorship opportunities. This proves very crucial for students who will later seek scholarship opportunities. It is usually a requirement to have a written recommendation from your lecturers as part of the scholarship application process. Therefore, ensure you maintain a very good and professional relationship with your lecturers.
4. Join Study Groups
Collaborating with peers in study groups can be incredibly beneficial. Engaging in discussions allows you to gain different perspectives and clarify difficult concepts.
Study groups also provide motivation and accountability, making it easier to stay on track with your studies. There are topics which the lecturer may not be able to explain to you as much as your peers can.
There is also a level of comfort and ease when you’re studying together with your peers. Making the environment relaxing and healthy for sharing of ideas and further learning.
5. Study Past Questions
Familiarizing yourself with past exam questions is an effective way to prepare. Many universities provide access to previous examination papers.
There are some lecturers who are fond of repeating questions for their exams, especially those that have been teaching the same course for many years. By studying these questions, you can identify the lecturer’s favorite questions, his styles, instructions and expectations from students.
Therefore, analyze these questions to understand the format and frequently tested topics. This can guide your study sessions and boost your confidence during exams.
6. Be in Contact with Your Colleagues
Maintaining communication with your classmates can enhance your learning experience.
Share resources, discuss lecture content, and keep each other informed about important announcements.
Collaborating with your peers can help you stay motivated and foster a supportive academic environment.
Being a lone wolf in a public university in Nigeria only sets you up for failure. But by communicating with your colleagues, you remain well placed for a chance to get all the important information.
7. Pick Your Elective Courses Carefully
When selecting elective courses, consider how they align with your main field of study and future career goals.
Choose courses that pique your interest and provide practical skills.
If possible, you should try to select courses from departments that are within your own faculty to ensure the cases of missing scripts are more easily managed.
Also, by picking courses within your faculty, it is easier to ensure the time table doesn’t clash with your other core departmental courses.
These are necessary precautions in order to ensure you have the best experience and give your best in obtaining good grades.
This not only enhances your knowledge base but also contributes to a well-rounded education.
8. Engage in Moderate Extracurricular Activities
While extracurricular activities are important for personal development, it’s crucial to strike a balance.
Participate in activities that enrich your university experience without overwhelming your academic commitments.
Whether it’s joining a club or volunteering, choose activities that complement your studies and contribute positively to your skill set.
9. Be Open to New Technologies
As a student in the digital age, there is no excuse for you to not be computer literate and open to learning the different tech tools that will aid your learning experience.
The most common set of tools every student may learn are word process tools and some basic spreadsheet skills.
For more specialized courses such as Architecture or Engineering, different computer softwares that aid learning and design experiences abound.
Students should invest time and resources to upgrade their tech skills in order to maximize their chances of getting good grades in the university.
Also, these skills can fetch students some decent income when they outsource them as students or apply them later on as graduates.
10. Choose a Workable Final Year Project Topic
Selecting a final year project topic is a significant milestone in your academic career.
Choose a topic that not only interests you but is also feasible within the given timeframe and resources.
Students tend to make the mistake of picking project topics off the Internet without fully analyzing its practicality and cost implications.
Depending on your budget and capacity, select topics that will be easy for you to deliver. Doing otherwise can end up leaving you frustrated and worse spilling over because you’re unable to meet the research objectives.
Also, a well-planned project can enhance your learning and provide valuable experience that sets you apart in the job market.
Conclusion
Graduating with good grades in Nigerian public universities requires careful planning, dedication, and the right strategies.
By following these ten tips, students can navigate their academic journey more effectively, ultimately achieving their educational and career aspirations.
Remember, your university experience is what you make of it—so invest time and effort into your studies, and success will follow.
