Let’s face it—every student has made an excuse at some point. Whether it’s about reading, revising, or taking practice tests, we sometimes deceive ourselves more than we realize. In Nigeria, where distractions, pressure, and stress are everywhere, it’s easy to fall into the trap of “I will do it later.”
This article calls out the top 10 excuses Nigerian students give themselves—especially when preparing for WAEC and JAMB—and how to overcome them.
1. “I Still Have Time”
The Lie:
“JAMB is in April; WAEC is in May—I’ll start reading next month.”
The Truth:
Time flies, and before you know it, the exams are two weeks away. Last-minute rush leads to shallow understanding and stress.
Fix It:
Start early. Even if it’s just one subject a day, build consistency. A 30-minute focused session is better than hours of cramming later.
2. “I Read Yesterday, Let Me Rest Today”
The Lie:
“I don’t want to overwork myself.”
The Truth:
Rest is good—but laziness hiding as rest is dangerous. The earlier you develop a study rhythm, the better.
Fix It:
Create a timetable with planned rest days. That way, rest becomes intentional, not an excuse.
3. “I Understand It Already”
The Lie:
“I don’t need to revise this topic. I got it the first time.”
The Truth:
Without revision, you forget. Memory fades if not reinforced, especially with WAEC theory and JAMB speed.
Fix It:
Use spaced repetition. Revisit topics weekly. Don’t assume—confirm your understanding with questions.
4. “I’ll Start When I’m in the Mood”
The Lie:
“I’m not feeling it today. I’ll be more productive when I’m in the mood.”
The Truth:
If you wait to be in the mood, you’ll do almost nothing. Success requires discipline, not mood swings.
Fix It:
Have a set reading time daily, no matter how you feel. Once you start, motivation often follows.
5. “My Classmate Hasn’t Started Either”
The Lie:
“Even Tunde hasn’t opened his book yet, and he’s smart.”
The Truth:
You don’t know what Tunde is doing in private. Comparison is a trap that can delay your growth.
Fix It:
Focus on your own race. Academic success is personal. Don’t let others’ laziness be your excuse.
6. “There’s No Light”
The Lie:
“I can’t read because there’s no electricity.”
The Truth:
Power supply is unreliable in Nigeria, but you can’t let that stop you.
Fix It:
- Use torches, rechargeable lamps, or read early in the morning.
- Record notes and listen to them on your phone.
- Maximize daylight hours.
7. “I’ll Just Cram It Later”
The Lie:
“I don’t need to understand it. I’ll cram it before the exam.”
The Truth:
WAEC requires deep understanding. JAMB is too fast-paced for shallow cramming. You’ll get confused.
Fix It:
Study to understand. Use diagrams, ask questions, teach others. Cramming should be a last-minute touch, not the main plan.
8. “I Don’t Have a Good Reading Environment”
The Lie:
“My house is too noisy, so I can’t read.”
The Truth:
Yes, noisy homes are a problem—but many successful students came from the same background.
Fix It:
Wake early. Use earplugs or apps for white noise. Read outside. Sacrifice now, enjoy later.
9. “I’ll Pass, God Will Help Me”
The Lie:
“I’m not reading much, but I’m praying. God will do it.”
The Truth:
Even the Bible says faith without works is dead. God helps those who help themselves.
Fix It:
Pray and prepare. Do your part so God can bless the work of your hands.
10. “I’m Not Ready Yet”
The Lie:
“I’ll start when I feel fully ready.”
The Truth:
You’ll never feel fully ready. Preparation starts with what you know now.
Fix It:
Begin with small steps. Pick one topic today. Read one past question. One step at a time builds confidence.
Final Thoughts
Excuses are comfortable, but they cost you success. The more you give in to them, the harder it becomes to achieve your goals. Every great student once had a hundred reasons not to study—but they chose to ignore them. You can too.
So next time your brain says, “I’ll do it later,”—reply, “No, I’ll do it now.”