Some first class graduates from Nigerian universities have shared their experiences on how they emerged with the highest class of degrees in their various fields.

They spoke at the just concluded three-day leadership training programme organised by M-First Series, held from September 1 to September 3, 2023, at Ikeja, Lagos State.

One of the participants, Ahmad Bello, a Pharmacology graduate from Bauchi State University, said his tertiary education was self-sponsored, having come from a background faced with economic challenge.

Bello said he was determined to not only acquire a first degree, but to graduate with an excellent performance.

He said: “My journey to obtaining first class was not exactly easy; I came from a family with economic challenges, but I ensured I succeeded.

“I worked hard to sponsor myself through thick and thin and I am here today.

“I took tutorials and also worked at the slightest opportunity that I had, it wasn’t exactly easy, but I ensured that I came out with the best grades.”

Bello solicited support from the government to enable him to carry out research that would help to reduce liver cancer.

Also speaking, a graduate of Economics from the University of Lagos (UNILAG), Abdulahi Alaka, said he had challenges of paying fees, which almost forced him to drop along the line.

Alaka stated that he approached some individual and corporate organisations who supported in various ways, saying he promised himself that he must make a difference, which became a dream come true.

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“That I’m a graduate today and first class candidate product is still a shock to me. I almost wanted to pull out of school, but, I thank God that I was able to make it,” he said.

On his part, a graduate of Department of Marine Sciences from UNILAG, Mariam Jinad, who applauded the organisers, described the programme as a ‘game changer’.

Jinad said her first class degree was not actually planned but was inspired by her performances after 200 level, on which she decided to keep improving.

She said: “I was an average student way back in secondary school, but I have always had a mindset that I would excel in my field of learning, and I also put in my best.

“That I’m a product of first class today is a thing of joy, although not planned, but determination to keep on improving on my performance and persistence made it possible.

“I give thanks to M-First Series for creating this platform; it was a free-paid programme, which afforded me opportunity to meet other first class graduates from Bauchi, Zamfara, and Sokoto.

“Coming for M-First leadership training has really impacted and added value to my field. I now have capacity to thrive in the workforce and I thank M-First for creating this opportunity.”

Islamiyyah Abdullateef, a graduate of Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, Osun State, said issues in the system made him to obtain the degree for six years instead of four.

Abdullateef said: “I entered the university with 2017 set, but because it is Obafemi Awolowo University, we didn’t resume in 2018. We then finished in June 2023, that’s almost six years to study a four-year course.

“When I entered, I wasn’t focused on first class, I just wanted to do my best, and then over time, the results were fantastic and it continued.

“I was always reading and putting in my best at every point in time, but over time, it became tougher when I decided to run my professional exam (ICAN) with my degree.

“There was financial constraint and other issues, it wasn’t easy but I am thankful to God, it ended well and I’m today grouped among the first class products.”

Speaking at the event, the BOT member of the foundation, Faheed Olajide, advised the participants to take advantage of their environment to gain practical experiences.

The Star