Image Credit: AI Generated
By Ayoade Divine
Timely academic feedback is globally recognized as a tool for improving performance, identifying gaps, and guiding student growth. In its absence, students are left navigating their academic journey without a compass, unsure of where they stand or how to improve.
At the University of Ibadan, the 7th week of the second semester unfolds, marking more than halfway to the end of lectures. However, for many students, a crucial part of the previous semester remains pending, which is the release of first semester results. This delay is not new to the academic calendar and it has been normalized for the release of results to stretch well into the next semester. Interestingly, responses gathered from students concerning their opinion on this matter, reveals distinct outlooks. Ranging from indifference and acceptance, and others of concern rooted in uncertainty and disruption. This feature delves into different perspectives, shedding light on how students are coping or choosing not to.
“I don’t really care about the results”, admitted Lateefat in Health Education, shrugging off the situation when she was asked what she thought of the last semester results she’s yet to get. Many seem to fall under this category of apathy, suggesting that they have learned to adjust their expectations and simply go with the flow of the system. To them, as long as academic activities continue, results can come whenever they do.
There are also students who hover in the middle ground not entirely indifferent, but not overly disturbed either. “Well, I’ve seen some of my results but not all. I’m eager to see my results though,” said Tumininu in Arts and Social Sciences Education. For this group, curiosity exists, and there's a desire for closure, yet not enough to cause real distress. Their patience reflects cautious optimism trusting that the results will eventually be released, even if inconveniently late.
On the issue of results being released one after the other, there is an interesting perspective of a student, God'sPraise, in the Mathematics Department about it. “They should release all the results at once by the end of second semester”. She half-jokingly added that seeing grades midway could give her a “heart attack”. From this point of view, spacing out results feels like stretching anxiety over time. Instead, they'd prefer a single, final wave, good or bad rather than the emotional rollercoaster of receiving grades in fragments.
However, not all students share this same thought. To some students, the delayed release of results poses significant challenges that go beyond momentary anxiety or academic curiosity. While some are simply eager to assess their performance, others have encountered more tangible setbacks. One student shared her disappointment about missing out on scholarships and program applications due to the absence of an official GPA. “I cannot apply for scholarships and programs that require presenting a GPA cause I have none even after writing exams for about 2 months now” says a 100L student in the faculty of Law.
For students like her, results aren’t just a measure of academic performance but they serve as vital tools for accessing external opportunities, from funding and internships to academic competitions and leadership programs. In such cases, the late release isn't just inconvenient, it's costly.
Beyond the varying sentiments expressed, a lingering reality remains: many students are now approaching mid-semester tests, presentations, and upcoming examinations without formal academic feedback from the previous semester. This absence of clarity can quietly affect planning, dampen motivation, and introduce a sense of uncertainty. Whether indifferent or concerned, students are navigating a new academic phase without fully understanding where they stand from the last. For some, it’s like walking into a new race without knowing how well or poorly the last one went. In a system where self-awareness and preparation are key to academic success, the delay leaves room for doubt, speculation, and unease.
In the end, the varying perspectives on the delayed release of results highlight the diversity of student experiences and expectations. For some, it’s a minor detail in the flow of academic life and for others, it shapes opportunities and peace of mind. Whether concerned or unbothered, most students agree on one thing: certainty brings peace. As the semester races toward its end, many remain hopeful that the wait ends soon, bringing with it clarity, closure, and a chance to fully embrace the next academic phase.
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