“If I hadn’t graduated with a first class…” — Man recounts how it opened doors to funded scholarship abroad

A man has sparked conversations online after challenging the popular belief that earning a first class degree has little influence on financial success or career opportunities after university.

The graduate recalled that while striving to maintain a first class at university, many people repeatedly told him that academic excellence would not determine his financial future. However, he said he refused to be discouraged by the advice.

According to him, graduating with a first class in 2017 became a major turning point, opening opportunities that eventually took him abroad on a fully funded scholarship.

Man credits first class for life-changing opportunities

The graduate said, “After school, you will realise that succeeding financially has nothing to do with first class…”

He explained that despite hearing the statement repeatedly during his undergraduate years, he remained committed to his studies.

Later, he added, “First class l’awa njẹ oo (Nah first class I dey chop o).”

He further stated, “If I hadn’t graduated with a first class in 2017, I’m almost certain nothing would have taken me out of Nigeria on a funded scholarship or opened the doors to the opportunities I’ve enjoyed over the last six years abroad.”

Advice generates debate among social media users

The graduate urged current undergraduates not to allow discouraging comments to affect their academic goals, stressing that although a first class degree may not guarantee financial success, it can create opportunities that might otherwise remain out of reach.

His remarks have generated mixed reactions online, with some users agreeing that academic excellence often provides access to scholarships, postgraduate admissions and competitive careers.

Others argued that while a first class degree is valuable, success ultimately depends on a combination of skills, experience, opportunity and determination.

Check the post below…