Nigerian graduate celebrates finishing with Third Class after 9 years, gets lauded by netizens

• Safwan Idris shared his certificate, earning a Third Class Honours after a challenging academic journey (2015-2024) 
• His story is a message of hope and perseverance, particularly for students facing academic struggles
• Safwan dedicates his success to those currently battling difficult academic paths, encouraging them to keep moving forward

Students often face unexpected academic challenges, defying the common narrative of straightforward success and recognition.

A guy identified as Safwan Idris on X, a recent graduate of Ahmadu Bello University, shared his journey that embodies this reality. 

He posted a picture of his certificate, graduating with a Third Class Honours, and added a caption indicating it took him nine years. 

Safwan’s graduation from 2015 to 2024 was an extended process that likely reflects a combination of struggles common to many students. Yet, his success in completing his degree is a testament to his unwavering determination. 

He dedicates his achievement to students navigating similar struggles, offering hope in his statement: 

“No matter how hard academic life is, you shall prevail lastly!”

Meanwhile, Safwan is a skilled freelance brand/visual identity designer. He recently pitched a captivating visual rebranding project to Covenant University, which many hope would 

His story reminds us that true success lies in the resilience to keep moving forward, regardless of setbacks. While not a traditional marker of academic excellence, his Third Class Honours symbolises victory over adversity. 

His closing words, “You shall prevail lastly,” offer hope to anyone struggling with academic challenges, reminding us that perseverance ultimately leads to success. His journey and the lessons it imparts resonate far beyond the walls of any university.

Reactions to Safwan’s Third-Class story

TheRadar has compiled numerous reactions following the story of Safwan, a third-class graduate spanning 9 years. 

@Timely_Sonia said: “Congratulations g. First time seeing someone very proud about this grade.”

@amourab wrote: “Spending 9 years on a programme is massive determination. Congratulations for seeing it through.”

@Atine3∅ replied: “Funny enough it won’t matter in the outside world.”

@Ashabul_Jannaah reacted: “Forget the class; it’s all about the hustle, Safwan, you’ve proven that grit and determination matter more than any grade. Onward and upward. Allahumma Barik.”

@opedaydydx5 commented: “Your result does not define your success in your field ( most especially engineering) but as it is a course in education geer up and get a MSc degree 😉. 🧡 and 💡”

@DayoOjo expressed: “The beautiful thing is that life always rewards hard work, always. It's just a matter of time. You will see. Your hardwork shall be rewarded.”

@alhajinuell said: “You don waste your school days be that.”

@nelsonikenworie wrote: “You already have a better degree in your skills, certificates don’t define your true value. Congrats on breaking free from the limits of traditional validation.”

@XtremelifeM replied: “It is more honorable to fail than to cheat. Congratulations.”

@BigRich4ever commented: “And you bold post am?”

@iSupportcryptos reacted: “2015-2024? 👀 ... the university needs to celebrate your graduation, sir.”

@Thingummy_Fire expressed: “It’s a delicate balancing act between getting young people to aim for best grades so they don’t begin their academic pursuit with a mindset of “every grade is ok”, and motivating someone who struggled through the academic system that they can make the most of their low rank grade.”

Sympathy as Nigerian students struggle as fees skyrocket, UI undergraduates resort to crowdfunding

Earlier, TheRadar reported that Nigeria's ongoing economic crisis had severely impacted students in federal institutions. 

One of the institutions was the University of Ibadan, which increased its fees and left students scampering online to solicit crowdfunding to meet the deadline for payment. 

The financial strain on the students drew public sympathy, with many expressing frustration over the worsening conditions in federal institutions.