evidencechidozie@gmail.comWhat you must take note of if you want to get constant As in UNN and Nigerian Universities.
Let’s be honest, getting an A isn’t only about “reading hard” or locking yourself in the library for hours with no food or sleep. That narrative is half-true at best. Yes, studying is important (no doubt), but there are other lowkey factors that play a huge role in determining whether you walk out of the semester with a smile on your face or frustration in your heart.
Especially if you’re a student at UNN or any Nigerian university, here are the realest things to note if you want to boost your chances of getting that sweet, sweet A:
1. Attendance… It’s More Than Just Showing Up
You see that class you keep skipping? Yeah, it might come back to bite you. In most departments at UNN, attendance is not just for decoration. Apart from the fact that some lecturers use it to calculate part of your Continuous Assessment (CA), there’s a policy by the National Universities Commission (NUC) that says you need at least 75% attendance to be allowed to sit for an exam.
Now, while not every lecturer enforces this rule strictly, some do. You might show up on exam day all prepped and ready, only for the attendance sheet to be your ticket into the hall. If your name isn’t there, you may have to stand outside like someone that forgot their hall pass in secondary school. It’s awkward and embarrassing. Even worse, some lecturers can leave you outside just to teach a “lesson,” no matter how well you plead.
So if you’re serious about getting an A, start by just showing up. Your presence is part of the process.
2. Course Registration… Register Now, Cry Less Later
Let’s talk about something that doesn’t get enough attention early course registration.
Some people don’t realize this: you can write an exam, pass it excellently, but if you didn’t properly register the course online or through your departmental portal… boom! Missing result. And you know what a missing result means? Not just no A, but nothing. You worked for a result that won’t even appear.
UNN’s portal can be tricky, and during rush periods, it’s slow or totally jammed. Late registration also comes with fines. So don’t wait till everyone is panicking and the Cybercafé is crowded like a bank on the last Friday of the month. Register early, confirm your printout, and save yourself the stress and heartbreak later.
3. Study Smart….Not Just Hard
Look, it’s not about reading for 12 hours a day and forgetting to eat. You can read all you want, but if you’re not reading the right thing, you might still get blindsided in the exam hall.
One major key is AOC (Area of Concentration). Some lecturers are kind enough to tell you the topics they’ll likely focus on. Some hint it in class. Others make you dig it out from past questions or group discussions. Find it. Use it.
Don’t read vaguely or aimlessly, read focused. Study the past questions, trace patterns, pay attention to the way questions are phrased. Focus on understanding concepts instead of cramming everything like a parrot. It’s better to understand 70% deeply than to cram 100% and forget it all when you see a twisted question.
4. Take Your CA Seriously… Every Mark Counts
Most courses are graded like this: 30% for Continuous Assessment and 70% for exams. That 30% is gold if you treat it well.
So when it’s time for assignments, tests, class presentations, or term papers give it your best shot. Don’t just “submit something.” Make it clean, neat, well-researched, and original if possible. If it’s typed, use proper formatting. If it’s handwritten, avoid rough work.
The truth is: even if your exam doesn’t go as perfectly as planned, a solid CA can save your grade. Think of it as building a foundation before the storm. Don’t joke with it.
5. Know Your Lecturers and How They Think
You see, school is not only about studying books, it’s also about studying people. Especially your lecturers.
Some lecturers like definitions. Others love real-life examples. Some will never repeat a past question; others don’t change their questions for 5 years straight. Some are detail-oriented, while some want your answers brief and to the point.
Pay attention to how they teach, what they emphasize, and how they mark scripts if you can get past answer booklets. Ask your senior colleagues. Form small groups to decode patterns. Understanding the “examiner” is just as important as understanding the “exam.”
6. Start Early Don’t Wait Until Exams Are 2 Weeks Away
We know the Nigerian system can be unpredictable. Academic calendars shift, strikes happen, and exams sneak up faster than you expect.
Don’t wait till the timetable drops before you start reading. Even if you just dedicate one hour a day to revision or summarizing notes, it builds up over time.
By the time others are panicking, you’ll be in your groove, just brushing up.
7. Form a Circle…. Find People That Want to Win Too
The people you study with matter. A good study group can push you, challenge you, and help you fill in knowledge gaps.
If you hang with people that are constantly unbothered or lazy, you’ll eventually normalize it. But if you have friends that share helpful materials, remind you about deadlines, and quiz each other, it motivates you to stay on track.
Iron sharpens iron.
8. Take Care of Your Body and Mind
You can’t get an A if you fall sick during exams or burn out a week before your toughest paper. Drink water. Eat well. Rest. Sleep. These things are underrated but powerful.
Also, don’t let anxiety take over. Breathe. Believe in your preparation. A calm mind thinks better during exams.
Final Thoughts
Getting an A isn’t magic. It’s a blend of intentional choices like being present, registering on time, studying wisely and putting effort into every aspect of the course. Yes, it involves reading, but it’s also about managing your time, showing up for yourself, and being strategic.
So next time you’re tempted to think that the smartest person in class is the one who always gets the A, remember this: consistency, preparation, and common sense often win the race.
You’ve got this.
evidencechidozie@gmail.com
