While many Nigerian graduates quietly tuck away their certificates when they fall short of a First Class or Second Class degree, Ezekiel Akolade Salawu is doing the exact opposite. The University of Ibadan graduate is proudly celebrating his achievement after earning a Third Class degree, and he is making sure everybody knows it.
Salawu recently shared a celebratory post introducing himself to people who might not know him, proudly displaying his qualification: B.A. (Ed), University of Ibadan (Third Class).
He ended the announcement with three words that captured his mood perfectly: “GOD DID!!!!!!!!” 
His post has drawn attention for its refreshing attitude towards academic results, particularly in a society where graduates often measure their worth by the class of degree they earn.
Ezekiel Akolade Salawu refuses to hide his achievement
For many students, graduating with a Third Class degree can feel like a disappointment after years of lectures, examinations, sleepless nights and financial sacrifices.
Rather than celebrate, some graduates worry about explaining their results to family members, friends and potential employers. Others avoid posting their graduation pictures because they fear ridicule or comparisons with classmates who earned better classifications.
Salawu, however, appears determined not to let that stigma define his achievement. According to his account, he almost missed his convocation because he felt his degree was not worth celebrating. But his mother’s words changed his perspective.
“You did your best, and you will be celebrated,” she told him.
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That encouragement reminded him that earning a degree represents more than the final classification printed on a certificate. It also reflects the effort, sacrifices and personal battles that students face before reaching graduation day.
His decision to celebrate openly has turned an otherwise ordinary graduation announcement into a message about self-worth, perseverance and the importance of family support.
Why Third Class graduates often face an uphill battle
Although a university degree remains a significant achievement, Nigerian graduates know that employers do not always treat every degree classification equally.
Some graduate trainee programmes and entry-level recruitment schemes impose minimum academic requirements, often favouring candidates with Second Class Lower degrees or higher.
For instance, NNPC Limited’s published graduate trainee eligibility criteria have required applicants to possess a First Class or Second Class Upper degree, or a Second Class Lower degree alongside a completed master’s qualification.
Such requirements can make the job search more challenging for a Third Class graduate, particularly when competing for positions that use academic classifications as an initial screening tool.
However, not every employer follows the same requirements. Professional skills, work experience, relevant certifications, practical knowledge and further education can also create opportunities.
A Third Class degree may close some doors, but it does not mean a graduate has run out of options.
A mother’s encouragement makes the difference
Salawu’s story also highlights something that academic transcripts cannot measure: the emotional support that helps people keep going when their expectations fall short.
For a student who may have imagined graduating with a better result, accepting a Third Class degree can involve disappointment, embarrassment and uncertainty about the future. His mother’s reassurance, however, offered a different perspective.
Rather than dwell on what he did not achieve, she encouraged him to recognise what he had accomplished. And that is precisely what he has chosen to do.
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