Image Credit: TikTok

Rianat Ademola

As a new academic session begins, it means another cycle of critical decisions for students: what lectures to attend, which courses to offer, and perhaps most importantly, which electives to register for. At the University of Ibadan, course registration season is not just necessary, it is a strategic exercise. It is the time for what many call “shopping” for grades.

But this is not your typical kind of shopping. Instead of malls and clothes, students scout for departments that have enticing course listings in search of one thing: the perfect elective–one that is known for dishing out A’s, or the ones that come highly recommended by seniors who have already cracked the code.

In the Faculty of Arts, elective borrowing has become something of a rite of passage. Students are allowed to borrow electives from other departments to meet graduation requirements. For some, it is a chance to explore related fields or broaden their academic horizons. For others, it is a tactical decision. It is a tip-toeing into a course with a high-guaranteed ‘A’.

Gbemisola, a 400-level student in the Department of Classics, has perfected this strategy since she was a fresher. “I have been borrowing from Music since 100 level,” she says. “I have always gotten A’s; I only got a B once. I choose Music mostly because of the grades. No written exams, just rehearsals. It is fun too. I have learned about different cultures, but if I am being honest, the main reason is the grade.” The Department of Music has, over the years, gained a reputation as an ‘A’ haven with minimal stress. It has become a refuge for students looking to cushion their academic load.

Anne, a final-year English student, shares a similar perspective.“I borrow from Music, Religious Studies, and Linguistics. They are my go-to for boosting my CGPA. My departmental courses are stressful. You write tests, exams, and still end up with low scores. These other departments are where I seek to boost my GP.

While some students opt for electives primarily to boost their GP, others take it to explore their personal interests. They see these electives as an opportunity to pursue their passion.

Imoleayo, a 300-level Archaeology student, was drawn to Theater Arts because of her passion for acting.“I borrow from Theater Arts because that was actually my first choice,” she explains. “I have a passion for acting. I am studying Archaeology now, but Theater Arts allows me to explore that passion.”

For other students, elective choices are more about staying within their field of study. Feyisayo, an English student, prefers to borrow from Linguistics because it connects directly with her major. “It is related to English,” she says. “It just makes sense that I borrow from a department that is related to my field of study.”

Then there are those like Amidah, a 400-level student from the Faculty of Education, who tread cautiously when it comes to electives. With one foot in Arts and the other in Education, she knows she must tread with caution. “I always ask my seniors first. I borrow from the Islamic department, but when it comes to ISS electives, I am very careful. Not all of them are easy, even if they seem like it at first.”

Amidah’s experience is a reminder that electives are not always what they seem.While some may appear simple at first glance, they may turn out to be more demanding than anticipated. They might even turn to what you shopped versus what you got. It is true that there are some courses which fall short of students’ expectations. For instance, if you get a ‘B’ in one of the high-guaranteed ‘A’. It piques a thought of regret.

As course registration continues, minds are racing with worries about which course to borrow. It is that time to ask a friend, “What course to borrow?” Which courses can help boost your CGPA? or seniors offering warnings “Run o!” from this course, or “That one is a sure A.” It is a ritual of inquiry, strategy, and sometimes, a little bit of luck.

In the end, choosing electives is all about finding a balance. It is about juggling your ambitions with the reality of survival, and figuring out how to pursue your passions without losing your mind. For many students, the pressure to get good grades is not just about boosting their CGPA-it is about making it through the semester without too much stress. It is about finding ways to cope with the pressure of being a U and discovering a path that makes the journey a little more manageable.