EDUCATION

11 Mistakes Freshers Should Avoid in Nigerian Polytechnics and Universities

A single mistake can terminate your studentship and make your academic journey a nightmare. To ensure that things go smoothly for you, 9japolytv presents common mistakes freshers should avoid in Nigerian polytechnics.

Whether you are an ND or HND fresher, here are some pitfalls you should steer clear of:

1. Not Completing Registration Early

As a fresher, one of the mistakes you should avoid is late registration. Many polytechnics in Nigeria enforce late registration penalties, which cost between ₦5,000 and ₦10,000. Some schools even charge as high as ₦30,000 for late registration. Paying extra fees for late registration can be a financial burden on your sponsors. To avoid making this mistake, ensure you complete your registration on time.

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2. Choose Roommates Wisely

If you are considering accommodating a roommate, choose wisely. It’s advisable to pick a roommate from your department, faculty, or ethnic region. This can foster understanding between you and your roommates. Don’t just settle for someone you barely know for security reasons.

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3. Avoid Carryovers

Although carryovers are meant for students, you must avoid them at all costs. Carryovers can be a setback in your academic career, as they could lead to extra years and prolong your graduation. Study hard and take your academics seriously to avoid carryovers.

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4. Missing Classes

There are lots of fun and social activities on campus that may be a distraction for freshers. Different groups on campus organize special parties for freshers. While these activities help students familiarize themselves with the polytechnic environment, students should avoid the mistake of missing lectures. Some lecturers award marks for attendance and punctuality, and missing those important lectures could affect your grades.

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5. Rushing into Relationships

As a fresher, relationships shouldn’t be your top priority. Instead, focus on building a good CGPA. This is especially important for female students who might face peer pressure when they see their friends in relationships or have different admirers on campus asking them out.

Before going into a relationship, understand your strengths and weaknesses, as relationships can be a big distraction. If you find it difficult to balance love and studies, avoid relationships until the second semester or second year. By then, you would have built your CGPA and can navigate other campus activities.

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6. Avoid Living a Couple’s Life

Many freshers live together with their partners in school without realizing the emotional damage it could cause. The reality of living as a couple is that it exposes you to being used and dumped. Not all these relationships lead to marriage. If you must date, avoid cohabitation. This mistake could ruin your life due to unwanted pregnancies and abortions. Stay focused and achieve your goals as a student.

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7. Stay Away from Social Vices

Stay away from social vices such as yahoo yahoo, cultism, examination malpractice, and sex-for-marks scandals. The consequences of these bad habits, if found guilty by the school authority, include expulsion or suspension. Imagine being expelled after all the struggles to gain admission and pay school fees. Abide by the school rules and regulations as stated in the polytechnic handbook.

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8. Respect Your Lecturers

The polytechnic is full of students and staff from different cultures, religions, and family backgrounds. You might not like the polytechnic environment, the behavior of other students, or how some lecturers treat students. However, learn to respect your lecturers and fellow students.

There was a time when a 300-level student of UNIZIK was expelled for assaulting her lecturer after the video of the incident went viral. Most schools in Nigeria do not tolerate questionable behavior from students. Therefore, respect your lecturers and avoid getting involved in trouble. This is one of the best ways to stay safe on campus.

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9. Indecent Dressing

Nigerian polytechnics have zero tolerance for indecent dressing. Always dress decently and responsibly to avoid issues with school security. Some schools may penalize or send you back home if you are found wearing inappropriate outfits.

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10. Don’t Fight in or Outside the Campus

Fighting isn’t allowed in polytechnics. If you punch anybody and get caught, you stand a chance of being awarded a generous compulsory holiday at home. You could be rusticated or suspended. This means your parents may never forgive you for wasting their hard-earned money on your education.

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11. Don’t Join Politics Yet

No matter how much you think you know, school politics will always be a distraction. I have seen many student administrations come and go, yet none have done anything worthwhile. It’s all about sponging funds with little or no service at all. School politics is highly redundant. It can compromise your security and make you lose concentration. If you want to join politics, wait until your second year.