How to Graduate With First Class Honours: Four UNILAG Scholars Share Their Strategies

Ever wondered what it genuinely takes to walk away with a First Class degree from a Nigerian federal university? Is it endless cramming, pure genius, or just an impossible amount of luck? Beyond the intense preparation and the unspoken anxiety that accompanies every exam season, the path to academic excellence is often far more structured, and achievable, than many assume.

Following a series of conversations with standout scholars from the University of Lagos, a common thread emerges: graduating at the top of your class isn’t about effortless genius or luck. It comes down to deliberate daily habits, clear mindsets, and a willingness to lean on others.

Here, four outstanding graduates—including three overall best graduating students who achieved flawless 5.00 CGPAs—share the personal strategies, sacrifices, and systems that carried them across the finish line.

Benedict Umeozor: The Power of Daily Routine

For Benedict Umeozor, who finished with a perfect 5.00 CGPA across six years in the Faculty of Business Administration, record-breaking success was never a Day One expectation. It was a goal that evolved around his 300 Level after watching a previous valedictorian take the stage at a UNILAG convocation. Seeing someone else achieve the feat made it feel tangible, prompting him to build the systems necessary to mirror it.

Achieving a flawless record whilst balancing a demanding work schedule meant making severe sacrifices—most notably trading sleep and social gatherings for study hours. Returning home as late as 11:00 p.m. on many nights, Benedict made it a strict rule to open his books before going to bed, proving that consistency always outweighs volume.

His strategy relied heavily on…