How I Balanced School With Side Hustles – Plateau Varsity First-Class Graduate

Daniel Nanle Ngukop, is a First-Class graduate of Plateau State University (PLASU), Bokkos. In this interview, he tells ACHOR ABIMAJE,  that despite losing his father at the age of three, he combined academics with side hustles to graduate with a CGPA of 4.53.

What inspired your determination to graduate with a first-class degree?

Right from my primary and secondary school days, I had always done well academically. When I gained admission into the university, two of my friends from the same secondary school were also admitted into the same institution. We were four friends in total. Immediately we resumed, we made a promise among ourselves that all of us would graduate with first-class degrees. That was the goal we set from the beginning.

Can you walk us through how you improved your academic performance and stayed focused on achieving a first-class degree?

In my 100 level, my performance was not as strong as I expected. After calculating our CGPAs, one of my friends had around 4.6, another had about 3.6, and another friend in Computer Science had around 4.2 or 4.3. Mine was about 4.3 or 4.4.

At that point, I realised I needed to tighten up. I promised myself that I would reduce distractions. I stopped some unnecessary activities and distanced myself from friends who were always calling me out for things that were not beneficial to my studies, except for my involvement in student union politics.

When I got to 200 level, I had about 14 courses in the first semester. I worked very hard. By the end of that level, my CGPA for that year was around 4.7, which significantly boosted my overall CGPA. That improvement complemented my 100-level performance, and my cumulative CGPA rose to around 4.4.

At that point, I realised I only needed about 0.06 more to reach a first-class level, so I became even more focused in 300 level. After that period, I also went for my IT and worked on my project research, which further strengthened my academic performance. When I later calculated my CGPA, it was around 4.51.

How were you able to balance your academics with financial challenges, personal responsibilities, and active involvement in student union politics?

I only had my mother, and even though she didn’t have money to give me, she always found a way to encourage me to keep my head high.

I am the kind of person who likes to be involved in many things, such as working on farms to raise money for my tuition fees. I was also involved in student union politics. Unlike one of my friends who focused strictly on academics, I was actively engaged in student union activities. In fact, during my 400 level, I served as the Electoral Committee chairman. I conducted the entire Students’ Union Government election for the institution.

That responsibility took a lot of my time. There were periods when I spent more than a week handling election issues and could not attend lectures because I was resolving problems related to ballot papers and student disputes. After that, I returned to my academic work and studied hard to make up for the lost time.

Eventually, when I finished my final semester and calculated my CGPA on my own, it showed a first class. However, I knew the university still had its official process for confirming the results.

What was your reaction when you found out that you had graduated with a first-class degree?

I woke up one morning and saw a post by The Zion Advocacy Foundation Nigeria celebrating my two friends for graduating with First Class. When I later went to the school and met the department secretary, she simply said, “Congratulations.” I was surprised because earlier, when I asked my Head of Department and the exam officer about the result, they had refused to disclose it to me.

When I got to the faculty to confirm my graduation before signing the clearance documents, I checked the list. At first, I did not even realise there was a column for the class of degree. A friend of mine pointed it out, and when I saw it, I said, God, thank you so much.

Later, when I went to collect my statement of result, the officer in academic planning asked me several questions. I think he was surprised because of my appearance; he probably did not expect me to be the student who graduated with a first-class degree. Eventually, it was confirmed.

What were your immediate plans after graduation, and how did you begin the next phase of your life?

I returned home and began another phase of life, trying to support myself. My father had passed away when I was only three years old, so I had to work to earn some money before returning to school for clearance.

Recently, a non-governmental organisation, Zion Advocacy Foundation Nigeria, invited my two friends and me to speak and mentor younger students. I was privileged to speak on behalf of my group.

After NYSC, I planned to enroll in a master’s degree programme and continue with life. Even though things were not always easy financially, I believed that as long as God was involved, things would work out.

What key lessons and experiences from your university years do you believe have given you an edge in life?

As a science student, I learned to always be practical about my dreams.

The university gave me the opportunity to interact freely with lecturers and ask questions. Even outside lectures, I often approached my lecturers to discuss ideas and clarify issues.

Another lesson the university taught me is that your background should not limit you. Where you come from should not stop you from becoming a great person. I also learned the importance of working and being independent.

One day, a friend and I went somewhere just to observe people working. Eventually, they allowed us to join them. That experience taught me that sometimes you have to take initiative rather than waiting for everything from your parents.

Today, I still live around the school environment, and some people who have seen my work ethic have invited me to work with them. Interestingly, when I started working with one of them, I did not even ask about the salary. I just focused on doing the work well. Later, the person told me he was impressed with my dedication and asked me to continue that way.

So, the university helped shape my mindset about responsibility and self-development.

What advice would you give to younger students who aspire to achieve academic excellence?

As a student, succeeding academically is very possible if you remain focused on why you came to school. If you attend lectures, come back, rest, and then spend two or three hours reviewing what was taught, it will stay fresh in your mind.

Another important secret is taking continuous assessment seriously. Many students ignore assignments and tests, but those assessments form the foundation of your final grade. If you score well in your assignments and tests, you already have a strong advantage before the exams.

Also, students should choose their friends wisely. Do not surround yourself with friends who always want to drink, watch games, or play music when you need to study. Choose friends who encourage you to do the right thing.

In what ways do you believe your education and skills can contribute to Nigeria’s development?

My degree can contribute meaningfully, but only if our system begins to prioritise education properly. Many talented graduates are leaving the country because they feel their skills are not valued here. Personally, I want to continue with my master’s degree and contribute wherever I have the opportunity.

Beyond that, intellectuals in this country also need to take responsibility. Sometimes, the same educated people who should uphold integrity are the ones compromising the system. If we apply the values we learned in school such as honesty, discipline, and accountability in our workplaces and leadership positions, we can gradually restore integrity in the country.

How would you describe your experience and academic environment at Plateau State University?

When I resumed academic activities at PLASU, our class size was small, about 117 students, which allowed lecturers to interact with us personally. They knew us individually, and we could easily ask questions and discuss academic issues. That environment really supported my learning process.

For me, the university provided the support and academic environment I needed to succeed. I worked hard, and the outcome is clear today, as I graduated with a first-class degree.

Looking back on your journey, what do you consider your greatest achievement or defining moment at university?

My greatest achievement was staying focused and disciplined despite challenges. Graduating with a first-class degree, knowing I balanced academics, responsibilities, and student union politics, truly defined my university journey.

So, how did losing your father at a young age shape your drive and determination to succeed academically?

Losing my father at three taught me to rely on myself and value hard work. It made me determined to succeed, support my family, and prove that your background should never limit your dreams.