In Nigerian schools, CGPA (Cumulative Grade Point Average) is used to measure how well a student has done in their courses. Different schools use different grading systems to calculate CGPA. This means that the grading scale can change depending on whether you are in a polytechnic, university, or college of education. In this article, we will explain how CGPA works in Nigerian schools using different grading scales like 4.0, 5.0, and even 10.0.
CGPA Grading Systems in Nigerian Polytechnics, Universities, and Colleges of Education
1. CGPA Grading System in Nigerian Polytechnics
In Nigerian polytechnics, the most common grading systems are 4.0 and 5.0. Polytechnics focus on more practical and vocational courses, and the grading system is used to show how well students are doing in these areas.
4.0 CGPA Scale
This scale is commonly used in polytechnics. Below is how the grades are broken down:
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A = 4.0 (Excellent)
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B = 3.0 – 3.99 (Good)
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C = 2.0 – 2.99 (Fair)
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D = 1.0 – 1.99 (Pass)
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F = 0.0 – 0.99 (Fail)
5.0 CGPA Scale
Some polytechnics use a 5.0 scale. Below is the breakdown of grades for this scale:
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A = 4.50 – 5.00 (Excellent)
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B = 3.50 – 4.49 (Good)
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C = 2.40 – 3.49 (Fair)
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D = 1.50 – 2.39 (Pass)
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F = 0.00 – 1.49 (Fail)
2. CGPA Grading System in Nigerian Universities
In Nigerian universities, the most common grading scale is 5.0, but some universities still use the 4.0 scale. Below is how the grades are broken down for both scales.
5.0 CGPA Scale
The 5.0 scale is often used in Nigerian universities. Here is how the grades work:
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A = 4.50 – 5.00 (Excellent, First Class)
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B = 3.50 – 4.49 (Good, Second Class Upper)
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C = 2.40 – 3.49 (Fair, Second Class Lower)
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D = 1.50 – 2.39 (Pass, Third Class)
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F = 0.00 – 1.49 (Fail)
4.0 CGPA Scale
Some universities, especially older ones or specific departments, use the 4.0 scale. Below is the breakdown of grades for this scale:
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A = 3.50 – 4.00 (Excellent, First Class)
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B = 2.40 – 3.49 (Good, Second Class Upper)
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C = 1.50 – 2.39 (Fair, Second Class Lower)
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D = 1.00 – 1.49 (Pass)
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F = 0.00 – 0.99 (Fail)
Universities That Use the 5.0 CGPA Scale:
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University of Lagos (UNILAG)
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University of Nigeria Nsukka (UNN)
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University of Calabar (UNICAL)
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University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT)
Universities That Use the 4.0 CGPA Scale:
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Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU)
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University of Jos (UNIJOS)
3. CGPA Grading System in Nigerian Colleges of Education
In Nigerian colleges of education, the 4.0 scale is most commonly used. These colleges train students to become teachers.
4.0 CGPA Scale
Here’s the breakdown of grades in the 4.0 scale used by colleges of education:
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A = 3.50 – 4.00 (Excellent, First Class)
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B = 2.50 – 3.49 (Good, Second Class Upper)
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C = 1.50 – 2.49 (Fair, Second Class Lower)
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D = 1.00 – 1.49 (Pass)
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F = 0.00 – 0.99 (Fail)
Summary of CGPA Grading Systems in Nigerian Institutions
Here’s a quick look at how CGPA grading systems work in Nigerian polytechnics, colleges of education, and universities:
| Institution Type | 4.0 Scale | 5.0 Scale |
|---|---|---|
| Polytechnics | A = 4.0, B = 3.0-3.99, C = 2.0-2.99, D = 1.0-1.99, F = 0.0-0.99 | A = 4.50-5.00, B = 3.50-4.49, C = 2.40-3.49, D = 1.50-2.39, F = 0.00-1.49 |
| Colleges of Education | A = 3.50-4.00, B = 2.50-3.49, C = 1.50-2.49, D = 1.00-1.49, F = 0.00-0.99 | N/A |
| Nigerian Universities | A = 3.50-4.00, B = 2.40-3.49, C = 1.50-2.39, D = 1.00-1.49, F = 0.00-0.99 | A = 4.50-5.00, B = 3.50-4.49, C = 2.40-3.49, D = 1.50-2.39, F = 0.00-1.49 |
| Examples of Universities | OAU, UNIJOS, UNILAG (4.0 scale in some departments) | UNILAG, UNN, UNIPORT, UNICAL, LAUTECH |
Conclusion
In polytechnics, colleges of education, and universities across Nigeria, the CGPA grading systems vary based on the institution and the scale used. Polytechnics and colleges of education typically use the 4.0 scale, while most universities use the 5.0 scale. Understanding these grading systems is important for students to track their progress and set goals for academic success.
If you want to keep track of your grades or calculate your CGPA, you can use an online CGPA Calculator to make the process easier and ensure you stay on track to meet your academic goals.