58 First-Class UI Law Graduates Challenge Grade Suppression Culture in Nigerian Universities
In a groundbreaking development, 58 students from the Faculty of Law at the University of Ibadan (UI) have graduated with first-class honours, defying a pervasive culture of grade suppression in Nigerian higher education. This exceptional achievement, announced on Tuesday, has ignited a critical conversation about academic fairness and the recognition of student effort across the nation's universities.
A Stark Contrast in Academic Realities
The author, Ezinwanne Onwuka, a writer and researcher in law and philosophy, expressed initial disbelief at the news, stating, "It can never be in my faculty!" This reaction underscores a stark contrast between UI, where lecturers are willing to reward excellence with deserving grades, and many other institutions where gatekeeping practices allegedly suppress top results. Onwuka notes that in her own faculty, a misguided belief persists that producing many first-class graduates lowers academic standards, leading to the manipulation of student outcomes.
The Hidden Menace of Grade Gatekeeping
While issues like sex-for-marks scandals and examination malpractice often dominate headlines, the deliberate suppression of grades remains a serious, yet underreported, menace in Nigerian universities. Onwuka highlights that some lecturers pride themselves on being barriers to student success, with attitudes like "A is for God, B is for me, and C is for exceptional students." This culture not only demoralizes hardworking students but also perpetuates a cycle of academic injustice, where past failures of lecturers are avenged on current pupils.
Emotional and Academic Toll on Students
The emotional torture endured by students in such environments is profound. Each semester's result release brings melancholy, as diligent efforts are repeatedly undermined by systemic gatekeeping. Onwuka shares a poignant example: a lecturer recounted how a bright student's results were moderated, costing her a first-class degree despite topping her class. This practice deprives students of rightful achievements and fosters a sense of despair, pushing even the most determined minds to rely on fate rather than merit.
UI's Success as a Beacon of Hope
The University of Ibadan's achievement serves as a powerful counter-narrative. Former Vice-Chancellor Prof. Idowu Olayinka defended the results, emphasizing that "you do not measure success by the quantum of failures." This statement challenges the notion that excellence depends on recording failures rather than celebrating successes. Onwuka agrees, arguing that denying students earned grades is unjust and sadistic, particularly in a law faculty where justice should be paramount.
A Call for Systemic Reform
This incident raises crucial questions: What if students from grade-suppressing faculties switched places with UI students? Would outcomes improve? Onwuka hopes that UI's performance will motivate lecturers across Nigeria to abandon gatekeeping practices. She asserts that graduating 58 first-class students does not lower a faculty's standard but rather enhances its reputation through genuine achievement.
In conclusion, the story of UI's 58 first-class law graduates is more than a statistical anomaly; it is a clarion call for reforming academic cultures in Nigerian universities. By recognizing and rewarding effort, institutions can foster true excellence and justice, moving beyond outdated practices that hinder student potential.
