Why ‘B’ students are more intelligent

You may have scored straight ‘As’ in your Form Four exams, but that may not be a pointer to just how brilliant you are — that’s according to Dr Hanningtone Gaya, a local university lecturer.

“Students who score grade ‘B’ are more intelligent than their counterparts who score As,” Gaya told Campus Vibe.

Gaya who is also the Chairman of Brand Kenya Board said that in his experience as a lecturer, ‘B’ students appeared cleverer than the rest who may have scooped higher marks.

“Grade ‘A’ students are mostly ‘crammers,’ ‘B’ students on the other hand are quite intelligent,” said Gaya. Campus Vibe can also report that while most colleges and universities have no problem admitting ‘A’ students, they don’t want to fill their schools with them — they prefer diversity on their campuses. Speaking to The Nairobian, Maxwell Odhiambo, the principal at Musaria Secondary School, said that in his 20 years’ teaching experience, he would classify B students as more intelligent.

“I have seen some who start even from certificate level, climb through the ranks and are very successful,” said Odhiambo.

“Some of them struggle through local schools and get a mean grade of ‘B’, so it tells a lot,” he added.

Gaya adds that when a student gets a ‘B,’ his or her world has not necessarily ended. “These students can start by going for high quality diploma courses before upgrading to a degree after two years.

“In fact, those who come to my classes with diploma backgrounds are normally exceptionally good,” said Gaya.

Prof Bernard Njoroge, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Administration and Finance at the University of Nairobi, said admission was a matter of competition, but did not spell doom for ‘B’ students. Njoroge says there are opportunities available in most campuses that are suitable for B students.

“It all depends on the programme they want to study. If you missed your preferred course, do other programmes,” said Njoroge.