A lecturer at the Federal University Dutsin-Ma, Katsina State, Sadiya Lawal Danyaro, has said that although First Class degrees no longer guarantee success in every sector, they remain a highly regarded symbol of excellence in Nigeria.
Her comments, shared in a recent reflection that has attracted attention within academic circles, came as a rebuttal to growing claims online that university grades are irrelevant in the real world.
“Most times when I see people argue about it, I just laugh and scroll. But let me be real, deep down, nobody prays to be average. Everyone loves excellence,” Ms. Danyaro said.
She argued that many people who downplay the value of graduating with First Class honours secretly desire the achievement for their own children.
Recalling an encounter, she stated, “Someone boldly said, ‘By Allah, I will never wish to have First Class. It is just cramming.’ I laughed and replied, ‘I pray your son or daughter graduates with First Class.’ Instantly that person shouted ‘Amin!’”
Ms. Danyaro, herself a First Class graduate, said she worked hard for the distinction during her undergraduate days, and that it came with “sweet privileges.” According to her, the honour opened up advantages during national service and even elevated pride within her family.
“During NYSC, I was given special treatment and allowed to choose where I wanted to serve just because of my degree. My little niece even bragged in school, ‘My aunty is a First Class graduate,’ and my dad never misses a chance to proudly introduce me as ‘my daughter, the First Class holder,’” she said.
She cautioned, however, that graduating with top honours does not automatically translate into financial stability or success after school.
“Life after graduation taught me that First Class doesn’t work everywhere. There are spaces where it opens doors, and places where it doesn’t. And that is where skills and intelligence come in,” she said.
Ms. Danyaro noted that some of her consultancy roles came not from her certificate alone but from proving herself on the job. “First Class gave me a platform, but skills kept me standing,” she added.
While insisting that graduates with top honours deserve respect, she acknowledged that success goes beyond academic titles.
“So, is First Class everything? No. But does it matter? Absolutely! It is not just about grades, it is a symbol of hard work, discipline, and intelligence. And no matter what anyone says, it feels good to know that when my name is mentioned, there is pride and respect attached to it,” she said.
