In the great halls of Aquinas College Akure, where tradition meets transformation, students are shaped not only by what they learn but by how they learn. Academic excellence is not an elusive gift reserved for a few—it is a disciplined pursuit that anyone can achieve with the right mindset, strategy, and consistency.

This article is a blueprint for every student who desires to rise above average performance and embrace the full potential of their academic journey. It is a call to action: to take responsibility for your learning and develop the habits that produce results in the classroom, in examinations, and in life.

1. Set Clear Academic Goals

Excellence begins with a destination in mind. Without a clear goal, effort becomes random and progress cannot be measured.

Start by setting specific academic targets for each subject. Instead of saying, “I want to do better in Science,” say, “I want to score 80% or above in Biology this term.” That level of clarity empowers focus and drives results.

Your goals should be SMART:

• Specific: Identify what exactly you want to achieve.
• Measurable: Use numbers or outcomes to define success.
• Achievable: Be realistic—set high, but attainable goals.
• Relevant: Align your goals with future dreams (e.g., Medicine, Engineering, Accounting).
• Time-bound: Attach deadlines to hold yourself accountable.

Write your goals somewhere visible—on your study desk, in your locker, or in a daily planner.

2. Develop a Personalised Study Timetable

A timetable is your compass throughout the day. Without it, time is wasted, and important subjects are neglected.

Design a study schedule that fits your daily routine, school hours, and personal energy levels. Include:

• Morning and evening reading sessions
• Breaks to refresh the mind
• Extra lessons or group discussions
• Time to review what was taught in class that day

Start by allocating more time to challenging subjects or exam-preparation classes like JSS 3 or SS 3. With a structured timetable, your study becomes intentional and balanced.

3. Practice Active Learning, Not Passive Reading

Reading without understanding is a common trap. Real learning happens when the mind is active, when it processes, questions, and explains.

Here are simple active learning techniques:

• Summarise what you read in your own words.
• Teach the topic to someone else.
• Create flashcards for key terms and formulas.
• Draw diagrams and mind maps.
• Solve past questions regularly and under timed conditions

These strategies help transfer information from short-term memory to long-term understanding. They also help prepare students for both theory-based and application-based exams.

4. Eliminate Distractions and Stay Focused

Focus is the secret weapon of top students. In a world filled with phones, noise, and social media, you must learn to protect your attention.

When studying:

• Switch off your phone or put it on silent.
• Use a quiet, well-lit space like the school library.
• Inform friends and family of your study hours.
• Avoid multitasking; one subject at a time is best.

Discipline is choosing what matters most over what is easiest now.

5. Take Breaks and Maintain Healthy Habits

Overworking the brain can lead to fatigue and confusion. To perform at your best, you must take care of your body and mind.

Try the Pomodoro Technique:

• Study for 45 minutes.
• Take a 10-minute break.
• Repeat for 2–3 cycles.

Also:

• Eat nutritious meals rich in protein, fruits, and vegetables.
• Drink enough water daily.
• Sleep for 7–8 hours every night.
• Exercise regularly, walking, running, or sports.

A healthy body fuels an active brain. You can’t pour from an empty cup.

6. Ask Questions Early and Learn With Others

Pride, fear, or laziness often stop students from asking for help, but seeking help is a mark of wisdom, not weakness.

If you don’t understand a concept:

• Ask your teacher directly after class.
• Form study groups with serious-minded classmates.
• Consult textbooks, online videos, or educational platforms like Khan Academy, CrashCourse, Veritasium, or curated content on YouTube Learning.

At Aquinas, never be afraid to raise your hand. Learning is a collective journey. Asking questions early prevents confusion later.

7. Prepare Consistently, Not Just Before Exams

The biggest mistake students make is waiting until the exam timetable is released to begin studying. Excellence isn’t built in a rush.

Start revising from the beginning of the term. After each topic is taught:

• Review it within 24–48 hours.
• Highlight difficult areas.
• Practice related questions from past papers.

Before any major exam (BECE, WAEC, NECO), allocate specific weeks for full revision, mock exams, and timed tests. The goal is not just to pass, but to master the material.

8. Learn from Mistakes and Track Your Progress

After tests or assessments, take time to review what went wrong:

• Which questions did you miss?
• Why did you miss them?
• What can you do differently next time?

Keep a learning journal to track your progress over time. Celebrate small wins and don’t be discouraged by setbacks; they are part of the journey.

9. Surround Yourself with the Right People

You are the average of the five people you spend the most time with. Choose classmates and friends who:

• Encourage you to study.
• Avoid exam malpractice.
• Share useful materials.
• Motivates you to do better.

Peer influence is powerful. Make sure yours pulls you up, not down.

10. Stay Inspired by Purpose and Faith

Success in life starts with a vision. Why are you in school? What future do you see for yourself? Hold that image in your heart.

At Aquinas College, we believe in discipline, faith, and excellence. Let your faith guide your actions, and let your values shape your decisions.

Remember: academic success is not just about grades; it is about becoming a responsible, capable person who can make a difference in society.

Conclusion

Success doesn’t happen by accident. It’s the outcome of many small decisions made every day—choosing to study, to ask questions, to improve, and to try again. Aquinas College has always stood for greatness, and greatness begins with you.

Make a commitment today:
To set goals. To work hard. To stay focused.
With discipline, determination, and faith, you can master the art of learning and rise to academic excellence.