UNILAG Mass Communication Graduate Misses First Class by 0.03, Shares Emotional Journey
A recent graduate from the University of Lagos (UNILAG) has captured public attention after revealing she missed graduating with a first-class degree by the narrowest of margins. Blessing Famose, who studied Mass Communication, took to social media to share her academic journey and the emotional impact of discovering her final Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA).
The Heartbreaking Margin
In a detailed post titled "Sometimes, the smallest margins tell the biggest stories," Famose disclosed that she graduated with a CGPA of 4.47 out of 5.00. This placed her just 0.03 points short of the 4.50 threshold required for a first-class honors degree. She openly expressed her initial disappointment, writing "I was pained" about the narrow miss.
The graduate explained that what was meant to be a four-year program extended to six years due to external disruptions. "What was meant to be four years became six, shaped by COVID-19 and the ASUU strike," she wrote, referring to the academic disruptions caused by the pandemic and industrial actions by the Academic Staff Union of Universities.
Beyond Academic Numbers
Despite the numerical shortfall, Famose emphasized that her university experience represented much more than grades. She detailed an impressive array of leadership positions and extracurricular activities that filled her undergraduate years.
During her time at UNILAG, she served simultaneously as:
- NIFES UNILAG Academic Director
- NIFES UNILAG Follow-up Secretary
- Managing Editor of UNILAG Sun Newspaper
- Editor-in-Chief of MassCope Magazine
The following year, she transitioned to:
- NIFES Lagos Zonal Secretary
- Editor-in-Chief of UNILAG Sun
A Broader Perspective on Excellence
Famose reflected on what the 0.03 margin truly represented in her educational journey. "It represents the late nights balancing leadership meetings with coursework," she explained. "It represents editorial deadlines sitting beside exam timetables. It represents responsibility carried at multiple levels - academically, administratively, and spiritually."
She challenged conventional measures of academic success, stating: "If excellence were measured only by numbers, 0.03 would feel like a gap. But if excellence is measured by growth, resilience, and capacity built under tension, then 0.03 is not a deficit. It is evidence of stretch."
Looking Forward with Confidence
The graduate concluded her reflection with optimism about her future. "Six years later, I leave with more than a degree," she wrote. "I leave with sharpened leadership instincts, refined communication skills, and the ability to balance responsibility with performance."
She summarized her journey with powerful simplicity: "The journey took longer. The margin was small. The growth was massive. And I'm just getting started."
Famose expressed gratitude to various organizations that supported her during her studies, including the Mass Communication Students' Association, UNILAG Sun newspaper, NIFES (Nigerian Fellowship of Evangelical Students), and the University of Lagos itself.
Context of Academic Excellence in Nigeria
Famose's story joins a growing number of Nigerian graduates sharing their academic achievements and challenges on social media platforms. Her experience highlights both the competitive nature of Nigerian university education and the broader definition of success that many students embrace.
The emotional response to missing a first-class classification by such a narrow margin resonates with many Nigerian students and graduates who understand the significance attached to degree classifications in the country's competitive job market and graduate school admissions.
Despite the initial disappointment, Famose's story ultimately celebrates resilience, leadership development, and holistic growth during university years—qualities that many employers and educational institutions value alongside academic performance.
