Remember when we talked about the different types of lecturers in Nigerian universities? Yeah, knowing them is one thing, but surviving them is a different ball game.
If you haven’t read that article, please go and do so because context is important. But if you already have, congratulations, you’ve identified the problem. Now, let’s talk about solutions.
Since getting lectures fired is not an option, here’s your ultimate guide to handling every kind of Nigerian university lecturer without losing your mind (or your CGPA).
1. The Uninterested Lecturer
This one is only here because they have no choice. It’s giving “I’d rather be anywhere else”, and honestly? Same.
How to survive:
- Don’t expect explanations. Just get the material and find your way. If you’re waiting for them to teach, you’re on your own.
- Be friends with your course rep so you can get extra materials. The lecturer might ignore you, but they’ll reply the course rep (sometimes).
- Check past questions. These lecturers often recycle the same thing year after year.
2. The Comedian
This lecturer is here for vibes. The jokes will be flowing, and your stomach will be paining you from laughter, but whether you’ll learn anything is the real question.
How to survive:
- Enjoy the jokes, but don’t forget to write something useful. You’ll be laughing now, but during exams, it’s not comic relief that will save you.
- Record the class (with permission, of course). You might catch an important point in between the jokes.
3. The Handout Giver
This is the lecturer who believes the textbook is the actual lecturer. They’ll drop a 500-page PDF and say, “Read ahead.” Ahead of what, sir?
How to survive:
- If they say “read ahead,” actually read ahead. Otherwise, when they finally decide to explain, you’ll be as lost as MTN network in the village.
- Form study groups so you won’t be trying to understand the notes all by yourself.
- During exams, focus on the sections with the most examples. That’s where their questions usually come from.
4. The “You Should Already Know This” Lecturer
This one acts like you were born with knowledge of thermodynamics or advanced calculus. Ask a question, and they’ll be asking if you didn’t learn it in secondary school.
How to survive:
- Nod and smile. Never admit you don’t understand, just take notes and do your research later.
- Befriend the brainy students. If they somehow understand this madness, they can help you too.
- Google and YouTube are your best friends. Some random Indian guy online will explain it better than this lecturer ever will.
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5. The Oversabi Lecturer
Best in turning a simple topic into a full-blown research project.
How to survive:
- Participate. It’s stressful, but it will save you from their bad books.
- Take short notes because they will talk for hours, and half of it will not enter your head.
- If they love assignments, submit them on time. Even if it’s nonsense, just submit something.
- Never act like you know more than them. Their ego is fragile, and they will show you pepper.
6. The “No Late Coming” Lecturer
This lecturer thinks their class is an international flight to London. If you’re late, you’re finished.
How to survive:
- Arrive 10 to 15 minutes before the class starts. And if you know your ancestors have a history of being late, try setting multiple alarms.
- Find a back entrance to the lecture hall. Some students have mastered this art. Learn from them.
- Have ‘a guy’ that can write your name in the attendance list
7. The No-Nonsense Lecturer
This lecturer has never smiled in their life. Their presence alone will humble you.
How to survive:
- Respect yourself. This is not the person to be forming class clown with.
- Take notes like your life depends on it. They love setting exam questions from things they only said once.
- Sit up straight, pay attention, and never let them catch you pressing your phone.
8. The “Exam Will Be Simple” Lecturer
The biggest liar in the academic system. They’ll say, “Just read your notes,” but their exam questions will be written in Greek.
How to survive:
- Read everything. EVERYTHING. If the handout has 300 pages, read all 300. This lecturer is unpredictable.
- If they say “just read the key points,” read the entire textbook. Those “key points” are probably the easiest part of the exam.
- When they smile and say, “You’ll enjoy this exam,” start fasting and prepare for the worst.
Final Advice
Nigerian university lecturers will stress you, but if you play your cards right, you can reduce the amount of stress you go through. Learn your lecturer’s pattern early and adjust to it, prepare adequately, and use every resource available.
We know some of you have coconut heads and didn’t actually read the newsletter identifying the problem, at the beginning. Don’t worry, you don’t have to scroll back up.
Find it here.
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