Nigeria is currently struggling with the rising failure rate among young people, especially in secondary and tertiary education.

From WAEC to JAMB and even university-level exams, more students are struggling to make the grades. There has been a lot of finger-pointing and blame games. But a number of factors have been identified to be responsible for these failures. A few of them are underfunded schools, poorly trained teachers, unstable academic calendars, and even societal distractions.

While these are real problems affecting students, we believe it’s also important to offer solutions, especially those that put power back into the hands of young people.

That’s why we’re sharing study hacks you wish you knew sooner. These are not just the usual study hacks, but practical, proven techniques that can help students study smarter, retain information longer, and actually understand what they’ve been taught.

Let’s get into it.

1. The Pomodoro Technique: Work in Bursts, Not Marathons

Trying to study for 5 straight hours? That’s a recipe for burnout.

Instead, use the Pomodoro Technique:

• Study for 25 minutes
• Take a 5-minute break
• Repeat 4 times, then take a longer 15–30 minute break

This method trains your brain to focus in short sprints, which actually leads to better concentration and retention over time.

2. Active Recall: Stop Re-reading, Start Remembering

One of the biggest mistakes students make is falling into the trap of passive studying. This refers to simply re-reading notes or textbooks over and over, hoping the information will stick. While it might feel productive, this method doesn’t engage the brain in a meaningful way.

The mind becomes too comfortable with the material, recognizing it without truly understanding or remembering it. It’s like watching someone else ride a bicycle and assuming you’ve mastered it.

Instead of re-reading try active recall instead:

• After reading, close the book and try to write down or say what you remember
• should test themselves, summarize in their own words
• solve problems without looking at the answers.
• Use flashcards or apps like Anki to quiz yourself regularly

True learning requires struggle, recall, and active engagement. That’s how you move information from short-term memory to long-term understanding. This forces your brain to retrieve information, strengthening your memory over time.

3. Teach What You Learn

You don’t truly understand something until you can explain it to someone else.

After studying a topic, try teaching it:

• To a friend
• To your younger sibling
• Even to yourself in the mirror

Teaching reveals gaps in your knowledge and helps reinforce what you already know.

4. Create a Distraction-Free Study Zone

Phones, music, and social media are some of the biggest focus killers today. Every notification, message, or scroll through Instagram pulls your brain out of “study mode” and into distraction.

Even quick glances at your phone can break your concentration and make it harder to get back into deep work. Multitasking with music or background noise might feel cool, but it often reduces your ability to retain information.

To truly focus, you need to create a study environment that minimizes these distractions because real learning happens in silence and stillness.

If you want real results:

• Put your phone on airplane mode or use apps like Forest or Focus Keeper.
• Find a quiet corner. This can be at home, in a library, or even outside.
• Let friends and family know not to disturb you during your “study block”.

5. Use Visual Learning Tools

Sometimes, words alone don’t cut it. If you’re a visual learner:

• Turn complex info into diagrams or mind maps
• Watch educational videos on YouTube or other online learning platforms.
• Use color-coded notes to organize thoughts better

Visuals make abstract concepts easier to grasp and way more memorable.

6. Sleep Is a Superpower

Pulling all-nighters might feel like a shortcut to catching up, but they do more harm than good. When you deprive yourself of sleep, your brain struggles to process and retain new information, leading to poor memory, slower thinking, and reduced problem-solving skills.

Lack of sleep also affects your mood, making you irritable, anxious, and less motivated to study the next day. On the flip side, getting 7–8 hours of quality sleep allows your brain to consolidate what you’ve learned, strengthen neural connections, and prepare you mentally for the challenges ahead.

If you truly want your study sessions to count, don’t sacrifice sleep. It’s one of the most powerful tools for academic success.

7. Set Mini-Goals, Not Mega-Goals

Instead of saying, “I’ll finish 5 chapters today,” try:

• “I’ll finish one topic in 30 minutes”
• “I’ll solve 10 questions before lunch”

Small wins boost confidence and help you stay consistent. Consistency, not cramming, is the secret sauce.

8. Study with Friends. But Do It Strategically

Study groups can be great if everyone is focused. Try this:

• Set an agenda: What are we covering today?
• Assign roles: Who explains what?
• Time it: 30–45 minutes of studying, then discuss

The right study buddy can turn a boring topic into an engaging conversation.

9. Use Past Questions Like a Pro

There’s a reason past exam papers are gold.

• They help you understand exam patterns
• Reveal frequently asked topics
• Train your time management for real test conditions

Make solving past questions a weekly habit.

10. Feed Your Brain Right

No, we’re not your mother, but we have to say it. You can’t expect your brain to function at its best on a steady diet of junk food and soda. High-sugar, high-fat snacks might give you a quick energy rush, but they often lead to crashes that leave you feeling sluggish, distracted, and unable to concentrate.

Your brain needs real fuel to stay sharp. These must be foods rich in protein, healthy fats, and complex carbs like eggs, beans, fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and plenty of water.

These provide the sustained energy and nutrients your brain craves to focus, process information, and stay alert during long study sessions. Eating right isn’t just about staying healthy. It’s also a smart study strategy. A healthy brain is a learning machine.

In a Nutshell….

We know Nigeria’s education challenges won’t be solved overnight. But every young person deserves the chance to succeed. And sometimes, all it takes is a better strategy. Don’t just study hard, study smart.

Start with these hacks. Share them with your friends. And take control of your academic journey. One smart step at a time.