By Adeola Kunle
Four high-achieving graduates of the University of Lagos (UNILAG) have shared the study methods, personal discipline and support systems that helped them attain First Class honours, with three of them recording perfect 5.00 CGPAs.
Their experiences suggest that outstanding academic performance is not necessarily the product of exceptional intelligence or luck, but often the result of consistency, effective planning, self-awareness, collaboration and determination.
The scholars explained that their journeys involved sacrifices, deliberate study routines and the ability to seek help whenever necessary.
Benedict Umeozor: Consistency and Early Preparation
Benedict Umeozor graduated with a perfect 5.00 CGPA after six years in the Faculty of Business Administration at UNILAG.
According to him, graduating at the top of his class was not an ambition he had from the beginning of his university education. The idea became more realistic around his 300 Level after watching a previous valedictorian receive recognition at a UNILAG convocation.
The experience motivated him to develop a system that could help him achieve a similar result.
Benedict combined his studies with a demanding work schedule, which required significant sacrifices. He said he often gave up sleep and social activities to create more time for his academics.
On several occasions, he returned home as late as 11 p.m., yet maintained a personal rule of studying before going to bed.
He also began preparing for examinations early in each semester rather than waiting until the examination period. He sought advice from senior students, particularly on past-question patterns, and used artificial intelligence tools to simplify difficult concepts and relate them to practical situations instead of merely memorising textbook definitions.
Similoluwa Scott: Self-Awareness and Learning With Others
Similoluwa Scott emerged as the only First Class graduate from the Department of Geosciences.
Her academic journey demonstrated that students do not necessarily have to start at the top to eventually achieve outstanding results. She began her university education with a 3.5 GPA but gradually improved through greater self-awareness, collaboration and purposeful changes to her study habits.
Recognising that her phone could become a distraction, especially during examination periods, she sometimes handed it over to friends to help her remain focused.
Faced with a demanding curriculum, Similoluwa also embraced group discussions. Studying with colleagues allowed her to exchange ideas and understand difficult areas of her coursework more easily.
She encouraged students who may be struggling academically not to isolate themselves. In her view, seeking information from senior students, asking questions and building relationships with supportive people can make a major difference, regardless of where a student's academic journey begins.
Samuel Badekale: Planning, Teaching and Clear Academic Goals
Samuel Badekale, who grew up in Mushin, graduated with a 5.00 CGPA in Cell Biology and Genetics and emerged as UNILAG's Overall Best Graduating Student.
His academic journey was guided by a clear desire to demonstrate that a person's background or circumstances should not determine the height of their future achievements.
Rather than depending on last-minute preparation, Samuel created a structured timetable at the beginning of each semester. He established daily academic targets and worked towards achieving an 'A' in every course.
One of his most effective learning methods was teaching difficult scientific concepts to his classmates. Explaining what he had learnt to others helped strengthen his own understanding while also benefiting his colleagues.
Samuel advised students to identify the learning approach that works best for them, whether visual learning, group study or independent reading. He also stressed the importance of remembering one's motivation whenever academic pressure becomes intense.
Haroun Adebakin: Discipline and a Strong Mindset
Haroun Adebakin also achieved a perfect 5.00 CGPA in Cell Biology and Genetics.
For Haroun, academic excellence goes beyond having a timetable or rigid study schedule. He believes that personal character, discipline and the ability to remain committed are equally important.
He noted that circumstances can disrupt even the best-designed plans, making internal discipline essential to staying on course.
His approach was built around patience, resilience and the determination to continue despite difficulties. He encouraged students to take their university education one step at a time rather than becoming overwhelmed by the final goal.
According to him, a student's mindset influences their actions, and sustained self-belief, regular revision and quiet dedication are central to achieving First Class honours at a federal university.
Discipline, Not Luck, Behind Academic Excellence
The experiences of the four UNILAG graduates point to several common lessons for students aspiring to graduate with First Class honours.
Early preparation, consistent study, effective time management, self-discipline, collaboration, seeking guidance and understanding one's individual learning style all featured prominently in their journeys.
Their stories also show that academic success can be achieved by students who are willing to make deliberate changes to their habits and remain committed to their goals, even when their starting point is not exceptional.
Rather than presenting First Class as an achievement reserved for naturally gifted students, the scholars demonstrated that structured effort and persistence can significantly influence academic outcomes.
Adeola Kunle
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