Easy Ways to Pass General Studies (GST) Courses in Nigeria

Back in my first year at university, I remember staring at the thick GST 101 Communication in English handout and wondering if I had mistakenly enrolled in a law degree. Like many Nigerian students, I was excited about my chosen course—only to be surprised by the long list of General Studies (GST) courses in Nigeria. These courses, often seen as “extra baggage,” can feel overwhelming. But here’s the truth: passing them is not as hard as it seems. In fact, with the right approach, you can turn GST into an easy A.

In this guide, we’ll break down easy ways to pass GST courses in Nigeria, share proven strategies, and even highlight mistakes to avoid. Whether you’re a fresh undergraduate or already battling with multiple GSTs, this article will make your journey smoother.

What Are GST Courses in Nigeria?

GST courses, also called General Studies, are compulsory subjects taught in almost all Nigerian universities and polytechnics. They are designed to give students broader knowledge outside their primary discipline.

Some common GST courses in Nigeria include:

• GST 101 – Communication in English
• GST 102 – Use of Library, Study Skills & ICT
• GST 103 – Philosophy and Logic
• GST 104 – History & Philosophy of Science
• GST 105 – Nigerian Peoples and Culture
• GST 106 – Peace and Conflict Resolution
• GST 201 – Entrepreneurship Studies

These courses aim to prepare students with transferable skills—communication, research, entrepreneurship, and cultural awareness—that are useful in the real world.

Why Students Struggle with GST Courses

Many students in Nigeria see GST as a distraction from their main field of study. Here’s why:

1. Too many handouts and bulky notes
2. Teaching methods that rely on theory, not practice
3. Large classes with little interaction
4. Students underestimate GST, thinking it’s “easy”
5. Poor time management when balancing core courses with GST

Easy Ways to Pass GST Courses in Nigeria

Now that we know the challenges, let’s explore practical strategies to excel in GST:

1. Take GST Seriously from Day One

Never treat GST as “just an extra.” Many students fail simply because they ignored it. Remember, it carries credit units and affects your CGPA.

2. Attend Lectures Regularly

Most lecturers give exam hints during classes. Some even repeat class discussions as exam questions. Attendance also earns marks in many institutions.

3. Organize Study Groups

GST courses like Philosophy or Peace Studies become easier when discussed in groups. Peer-to-peer learning helps you understand faster.

4. Master the Handouts and Past Questions

• GST exams often repeat past questions.
• Handouts provided by the lecturers usually cover 70–80% of exam content.
• Summarize handouts into short notes for quick revision.

5. Use the Library and Online Resources

Since one GST course is literally Use of Library, make use of it. Search for study guides, watch YouTube summaries, and check online practice questions.

6. Manage Your Time Wisely

Create a reading timetable. Don’t wait until exam week to start reading bulky GST notes. Break topics into manageable chunks.

7. Learn How to Answer Questions

• For objective questions: Practice speed and accuracy.
• For theory: Write clear, concise answers using examples.
• Always stick to the examiner’s format.

8. Connect GST to Real Life

When you link Peace Studies to current events in Nigeria or Entrepreneurship to your small business idea, the concepts stick better.

Common Mistakes Students Make in GST Exams

• Cramming without understanding
• Skipping classes and depending only on past questions
• Copying in GST CBT exams (which often leads to expulsion)
• Ignoring GST until exam week

Avoid these traps if you want to pass easily.

Benefits of GST Courses in Nigeria

While most students see them as burdens, GST courses have hidden benefits:

• They improve communication and research skills
• They introduce students to entrepreneurship opportunities
• They teach Nigerian history and culture
• They build critical thinking and conflict resolution skills

These are skills employers look for, so don’t waste the opportunity.

Practical Study Plan for GST Courses

Here’s a weekly plan you can adopt:

Day	Activity	Time
Monday	Review GST notes	1 hour
Wednesday	Join study group / Discuss key topics	2 hours
Friday	Attempt past questions	1 hour
Saturday	Revise handouts	1 hour
Sunday	Quick recap + practice quiz	30 mins

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What are GST courses in Nigeria?
They are compulsory general studies courses that every student must take regardless of discipline.

2. How many GST courses are compulsory?
Most universities require 6–8 GST courses across 4 years.

3. Are GST courses hard?
Not really. They are easier if you attend lectures, study handouts, and practice past questions.

4. Do GST courses affect CGPA?
Yes. They carry credit units that add up to your final CGPA.

5. Can I pass GST without reading handouts?
It’s possible but risky. Handouts often contain the bulk of exam content.

Conclusion

Passing General Studies (GST) courses in Nigeria is not about luck—it’s about preparation and strategy. By attending classes, studying handouts, practicing past questions, and linking GST topics to real life, you can turn them into some of your easiest grades.

If you’ve been struggling with GST, start applying these steps today. Your CGPA will thank you.

Have you ever failed or excelled in a GST course? Share your experience in the comments—we’d love to hear your story.