Olalekan Ajayi, a Nigerian mass communication graduate from Adekunle Ajasin University, has shared a personal story about the moment he regretted graduating with a second-class lower degree. His experience, posted on LinkedIn, has sparked widespread discussion on social media about the importance of academic grades.
From First-Class Ambition to 2:2 Reality
Ajayi entered university in 2012 with the goal of earning a First Class or at least a strong Second Class Upper. In his first year, he achieved a CGPA of 4.1. However, by his second year, misguided priorities and waning interest in academics caused his CGPA to drop to around 3.1. Despite a strong effort in his final year, he graduated with a CGPA of 3.46—just 0.04 points shy of a Second Class Upper.
Initially, Ajayi convinced himself that the grade did not matter. That changed in 2018 when he applied for a Commonwealth Scholarship. After spending hours filling out the application, he reached the CGPA field, entered his result, and the application was immediately rejected.
The Weight of a Rejection Screen
In his LinkedIn post, Ajayi wrote: 'That day, I felt the full weight of every distraction I had chosen over my books.' He emphasized that a good grade is not just a number but a passport to opportunities. According to Ajayi, a strong grade opens doors to fully funded scholarships abroad, qualifies graduates for competitive programs, and provides an edge in scarce job markets—especially in Nigeria.
He urged students not to dismiss the value of a First Class, calling such thinking a 'mediocre mindset dressed up as wisdom.' Quoting the film 3 Idiots, he said: 'Pursue excellence, and success will follow you, pants down.' He added his own advice: 'Aim for the galaxies. If you miss, you'll still reach the skies.'
Not the End of the World
Despite his regret, Ajayi noted that a Second Class Lower or Third Class is not the end of life. He encouraged students to work hard and keep an open mind, as there are limitless opportunities for those who persist. He concluded his post by asking readers: 'Did your grade open or close a door for you?'
The story has resonated with many Nigerians, prompting reactions on social media. Some shared similar experiences of doors closing due to grades, while others offered encouragement and alternative paths to success.
