One of the many questions Nigerian graduates have is what does life after graduation in Nigeria look like and it doesn’t get any better when such students aren’t doing too well with their grades. In Nigerian universities, a degree classification is more than just a line on a certificate, it is often seen as a marker of intelligence, dedication, and even future potential. The moment your final CGPA is announced, you are not just receiving a grade, you are receiving a label. “First class,” “second class upper,” “second class lower,” “third class,” or “pass.” For many students, anything below a second class lower feels like an academic death sentence. Some imagine doors slamming shut before they even knock.
Unfortunately, for graduates who finish with anything below a Second Class Lower, society has woven an unhelpful narrative: that your future is limited, your opportunities narrowed, and your worth reduced. This belief has seeped so deeply into the collective mindset that many bright graduates struggle to see beyond their academic results.
Yet, the truth is more complex and far more hopeful. With the way the world is going, does grade really matter? A degree classification is just one measure of your time at university. It is not a permanent stamp on your intelligence, competence, or professional potential. When examined closely, many of the ideas surrounding “low” degree classifications turn out to be myths; powerful, persistent, and deeply misleading. Here are some myths about Nigerian degree classifications
One of the most entrenched myths is that graduating with a lower classification automatically means you were lazy or unserious. This assumption erases the countless complexities that can influence academic performance; from financial struggles and health challenges to family crises or simply struggling to adapt to the learning style of a particular institution. Many students juggle part-time jobs to survive, care for sick relatives, or navigate mental health issues without institutional support. Yet, the narrative often reduces their journey to a single, unfair conclusion: “You did not try hard enough.” This lazy-student myth is not only untrue but also harmful, because it shifts focus away from structural issues that impact learning outcomes.
Closely tied to this is the myth that a lower degree classification locks you out of meaningful opportunities forever. In reality, while certain highly competitive graduate programmes or corporate recruitment schemes may place emphasis on higher grades, the job market, especially in Nigeria’s rapidly evolving economy is more dynamic than ever. Industries such as tech, creative media, and entrepreneurship are thriving, and many of the leaders in these spaces never had a first-class or even a second class upper, which has changed employability for Nigerian university graduates. Skills, adaptability, networking, and personal branding often open more doors than a grade on paper. The global workplace is also shifting, with employers increasingly valuing competence, problem-solving, and emotional intelligence over purely academic credentials.
Another persistent myth is that graduating with less than a second class lower makes you invisible in professional spaces. It is true that some environments, particularly in Nigeria, are obsessed with academic hierarchies, but this invisibility is often a self-fulfilling prophecy. Many graduates internalise the stigma, avoid competitive spaces, and shrink from opportunities because they assume they are already at a disadvantage. This belief can limit career progression far more than the actual degree classification ever could. The real challenge is breaking that mental barrier and showing up with the same confidence and preparation as anyone else.
Then there is the myth that a lower classification reflects a lack of intelligence. This is perhaps one of the most damaging misconceptions, because it not only undermines the individual but also perpetuates a narrow definition of intelligence. Academic intelligence is only one form among many, others include creative, interpersonal, emotional, and entrepreneurial intelligence, all of which are critical to success in life. Many students ask about what life after Third Class degree Nigeria looks like and how do they navigate career success with low GPA. A degree result says little about how someone might lead a team, negotiate a deal, or invent a product that changes lives.
Finally, there is the myth that a lower classification is the end of the academic road. Many people believe postgraduate studies, scholarships, or international opportunities are reserved for those with top degrees. While it is true that some institutions have strict cut-offs, others provide alternative routes including preliminary courses, professional experience, or demonstrated expertise in a specific area. Persistence, research, and strategic applications have helped many graduates with modest classifications gain entry into competitive programmes both in Nigeria and abroad.
The truth behind these myths often emerges in the lived experiences of graduates. Take the case of Funmi Adeyemi, who graduated from a federal university with a third class degree in Sociology. At the time, the disappointment was heavy, and the whispers from friends and family amplified her sense of failure. “I felt like I had wasted four years,” she recalls. But Funmi refused to let her degree classification be the final word. She took a job as a customer service officer in a small Abeokuta firm, where she honed her communication and problem-solving skills. Three years later, she transitioned into a tech startup, managing client accounts and leading projects that earned her recognition. Eventually, she secured a fully funded professional development programme in the UK. Today, Funmi speaks at career events, challenging the stereotypes about graduates with lower classifications. “My degree result was a chapter, not the whole book,” she says.
Stories like Funmi’s highlight the gap between perception and reality. They show that while the myths about graduating with less than a second class lower are deeply rooted, they can be dismantled by persistence, self-awareness, and strategic growth. The academic system might rank students on a narrow scale, but the real world often rewards a broader range of qualities, initiative, creativity, resilience, and the ability to learn continuously. Looking ahead, the most important step for anyone graduating with less than a Second Class Lower is to reject the societal script that says your story is over. Self-education, targeted skills acquisition, strategic networking, and mental resilience can not only keep you in the game but also help you thrive. The degree classification may shape the opening chapters of your career journey, but it does not have to dictate the ending. Employers, industries, and even academic institutions are slowly but surely learning what some graduates have known all along: grades are not the full measure of human potential.
Graduating with a lower classification is not a life sentence. It is, at worst, a temporary challenge and, at best, a detour that might lead you to unexpected strengths and opportunities. The myths will continue to circulate in classrooms, family gatherings, and social media threads, but they do not have to define your journey. The reality is more complex, more hopeful, and far more dependent on what you do after graduation than on the grade you left with.
