What if I didn’t get a first-class

“If no one gets a first class in this house, I know Evie will, definitely!” Bilqis, my housemate, sang this around the house during the weeks leading to the submission of our final-year dissertation. She continued after we submitted and while we waited for our results.

Good grades are okay but excellent grades mean a lot to the average Nigerian. Little wonder why we thrive in schools when we go abroad. I had spent almost 4 years in this country, and after sponsoring me to a university in London, there was no way I was ever going to fail - NEVER! Ehn? After spending millions of Naira? For where? (a Nigerian phrase for how or that’s not possible)

Although I had given up on getting a First and was content with a 2:1, I secretly deeply desired to get a 1st for 2 main reasons:

1. I genuinely wanted to make my parents proud. They had always supported me, allowed me to study a course of my interest regardless of the cost and sacrificed some of their goals to send me abroad.
2. I had always been an average student. So, I needed to prove to myself that I was smart.

“I knew it! I knew it! I knew it! I knew you were going to get a First-class, I told you”. Bilqis said joyfully as she placed her 2 hands on my upper arm and shook me vigorously. I called my family and friends and told them the good news.

“She got a first-class”?

“She is a first-class graduate”

One of these is among the introductory lines family and friends use when introducing me to people. Do you also wonder what this does, it was something I used to ponder on.

Does it influence your perception of me?

Does it prick your interest in me?

Do you place more value on me?

But, what if I didn’t get a first-class? Would you treat me differently?

There is a culture where people, particularly Africans in the older generations, ‘overly’ celebrate and only place a high esteem on high-achieving graduates. They go to an extreme in the bid to encourage you, they shame you for not being ‘good enough’. The average African child who grew up in an African country would have heard one or more of these statements at least once;

“Does this person have two heads?”

“Why can’t you be like this person?”

“When I was your age, I was the best in my class”

While I would never support demeaning others in the bid to encourage them, I have also heard many people go the other extreme to downplay people’s academic achievements. "Grades don't matter" they say. But that feels dismissive.? I poured hours into studying while others partied.? Shouldn't that dedication be acknowledged?

What do you mean? I studied hard while my peers were out clubbing, and now my grades don’t matter?

I am an advocate for good education. Although, I am aware that some of the education systems today have loopholes.?

So, what if you didn't get the grade you desired? Don't let it define you.? Success comes in many forms.? Perhaps you aced a different skill or discovered a hidden passion. There's a whole world waiting for you, with opportunities to shine on your own terms.

To parents and educators: Let's create a more supportive environment. Celebrate effort alongside achievement. Encourage exploration;? every path is valid.

To potential employers: Look beyond the grades and see the driven, adaptable graduates ready to learn and contribute.

To graduates:?Hold your heads high, regardless of your grade. You made it! This is just the beginning. Take this experience, the good, the bad, and turn it into fuel for your future.

Remember, the world needs more than just first-class graduates. It needs dreamers, innovators, and most importantly, well-adjusted individuals who can navigate life's challenges with resilience and purpose. Congratulations, Class of 2024, and best of luck on your incredible journeys!

I wish every graduate the very best in life.

I'd love to hear from you. Did you get your desired grade? What advice will you give to a recent graduate?

PS: I graduated 2 years ago.