GST

GST Courses Explained: Why Every Nigerian University Student Takes Them

GST is not a punishment. It is a compulsory set of general courses with real marks that count towards your CGPA, and here is how to handle them well.

Michael Joseph

·📅 1 November 2026·⏱ 6 min read

GST Courses Explained: Why Every Nigerian University Student Takes Them

What GST Means

GST stands for General Studies. These are courses that students from all faculties take together, whether you are studying Medicine, Accounting, Mass Communication or Engineering. They are compulsory at most Nigerian universities and sit alongside your departmental courses.

The names and codes differ from school to school. Many universities use the GST prefix, for example GST 101 or GST 111, while some use other codes. What you take and when depends on your institution, so always check your own course list or student handbook.

Why Every Student Takes Them

The idea behind general studies is that graduates should leave university with more than one narrow skill. A civil engineer who can write clearly, argue logically and understand how Nigerian society works is more useful than one who can only do calculations.

Typical goals of GST include:

Communication. Writing and speaking properly in English.
Thinking. Logic, reasoning and basic philosophy.
Society. Understanding Nigerian history, peoples, culture, citizenship and peace.
Practical skills. Basic ICT and entrepreneurship so that you can work or start something on your own.

Whether or not you like them, they exist for a reason, and they come with marks that matter.

How GST Affects Your CGPA

This is the part many freshers underestimate. GST courses carry credit units, and your grades in them are added to your results just like departmental courses. A weak result in a two-unit general course can pull your GPA down if you ignore it.

Here is a small example on a 5-point scale. Suppose you score an A (5 points) in a 3-unit departmental course and an E (1 point) in a 2-unit GST course.

QuestionWhat is the GPA from these two courses only? Use A = 5 and E = 1

Multiply points by units for each course: 5 x 3 = 15 and 1 x 2 = 2
Add the quality points: 15 + 2 = 17
Add the units: 3 + 2 = 5
Divide: 17 / 5

AnswerGPA = 3.4. The 2-unit course took the GPA from 5.0 to 3.4, so small courses matter

The takeaway: you cannot ignore a course because it is outside your department. If you want a strong CGPA, you need strong results in the easy courses too, since they are often the fastest marks to gain.

Common GST Courses You May Meet

Your school's list may differ, but you will probably see subjects like these:

Use of English or communication skills. Grammar, comprehension, essay writing and sometimes oral skills.
Logic and philosophy. Reasoning, arguments and fallacies.
Nigerian peoples and culture. History, ethnic groups, traditions and the social structure.
Peace and conflict studies or citizenship. Conflict causes, resolution and civic responsibility.
ICT or computer appreciation. Basic computing, software and digital safety.
Entrepreneurship. Business ideas, planning and basic skills.

The content is usually not very hard, but it is broad. You are expected to cover a wide range of material in a limited time, so organisation is key.

How to Score Well in GST

Because general courses are large and sometimes crowded, students slip through the cracks. Here is how to avoid that.

Attend and noteShow up, sit where you can hear, and write short notes in your own words
Use the handoutsRead the lecturer's material early, since GST exams often draw directly from it
Practise past questionsMany GST exams use objective questions, so past papers are very useful
Do the continuous assessmentsCAs are a large share of the grade, and easy marks if you prepare
Review in short burstsTwenty to thirty minutes a day beats an all-night session

Do not leave GST until the last week. Many students put all their effort into departmental courses and then lose marks in the courses they assumed were easy.

Mistakes to Avoid

Skipping lectures because attendance is not checked individually. Attendance may still count, and what is said in class is often what appears in tests.
Relying on a single textbook or a friend's notes. Use the lecturer's own material.
Ignoring the English course. Writing skills help every other course you take.
Waiting until a carry-over forces you to take it again. Repeating a course later costs time and effort.

What to Do Today

Find your school's GST course list in the handbook or portal
Note the credit units for each course
Collect past questions for at least one GST course
Write the dates of upcoming continuous assessments
Plan two short study slots this week

Frequently asked questions

What does GST stand for?

GST stands for General Studies. These are general courses taken by students across faculties, regardless of their department.

Do GST courses count towards my CGPA?

Yes. GST courses carry credit units and grades like other courses, so they affect your GPA and CGPA. Check your department's handbook for how they are counted.

Which courses are in GST?

The list varies by university but commonly includes use of English, communication skills, logic or philosophy, Nigerian peoples and culture, peace and conflict, ICT and entrepreneurship. Check your own school's course list.

Can I fail a GST course and still graduate?

You will usually need to pass every compulsory course, so a failed GST course typically has to be retaken. Ask your department about the carry-over rules in your school.

How do I pass GST courses easily?

Attend lectures, do the continuous assessments, and practise past questions. Many GST exams use objective questions, so testing yourself on past papers pays well.

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