Understanding how to calculate your Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) is crucial for tracking your academic progress at the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN). The CGPA reflects your overall performance and determines your class of degree upon graduation.
🎯 NOUN’s 5-Point Grading System
NOUN utilizes a 5-point grading scale, where each grade corresponds to a specific grade point and percentage range:
| Score (%) | Letter Grade | Grade Point (GP) |
|---|---|---|
| 70 – 100 | A | 5.0 |
| 60 – 69 | B | 4.0 |
| 50 – 59 | C | 3.0 |
| 45 – 49 | D | 2.0 |
| 40 – 44 | E | 1.0 |
| 0 – 39 | F | 0.0 |
Note: The pass mark is 40% (E grade). Scores below this are considered failing grades.
🏆 Steps to Calculate Your CGPA
Step 1: Determine Your Grade Points for Each Course
For each course you’ve completed, note the following:
- Credit Units (CU): The weight assigned to the course (e.g., 2 CU, 3 CU).
- Grade Point (GP): Based on your score, assign the corresponding grade point from the table above.
Example:
| Course Code | Credit Units (CU) | Score (%) | Letter Grade | Grade Point (GP) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ENG 101 | 2 | 75 | A | 5.0 |
| MTH 102 | 3 | 68 | B | 4.0 |
| PHY 103 | 2 | 55 | C | 3.0 |
| CHM 104 | 3 | 48 | D | 2.0 |
Step 2: Calculate Quality Points (QP) for Each Course
Multiply the Credit Units (CU) by the Grade Point (GP) for each course:
Quality Point (QP)=CU×GP
Example:
| Course Code | CU | GP | QP (CU × GP) |
|---|---|---|---|
| ENG 101 | 2 | 5.0 | 10.0 |
| MTH 102 | 3 | 4.0 | 12.0 |
| PHY 103 | 2 | 3.0 | 6.0 |
| CHM 104 | 3 | 2.0 | 6.0 |
Step 3: Compute the Total Quality Points (TQP) and Total Credit Units (TCU)
Sum up all the Quality Points and Credit Units:
Total Quality Points (TQP)=10.0+12.0+6.0+6.0=34.0
Total Credit Units (TCU) = 2 + 3 + 2 +3 =10
Step 4: Calculate the Grade Point Average (GPA) for the Semester
Divide the Total Quality Points by the Total Credit Units:
Step 5: Determine the Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA)
To find your CGPA over multiple semesters, sum the Total Quality Points and Total Credit Units for all semesters, then divide:
Example:
If after two semesters:
- Semester 1: TQP = 34.0, TCU = 10
- Semester 2: TQP = 36.0, TCU = 12
Total TQP=34.0+36.0=70.0
Total TCU =10 + 12 = 22
CGPA= 70.0 divided by 22 ≈3.18
🎓 Degree Classification at NOUN
Based on your CGPA, NOUN classifies degrees as follows:
| CGPA Range | Class of Degree |
|---|---|
| 4.50 – 5.00 | First Class Honours |
| 3.50 – 4.49 | Second Class Honours (Upper) |
| 2.40 – 3.49 | Second Class Honours (Lower) |
| 1.50 – 2.39 | Third Class |
Note: A minimum CGPA of 1.50 is required to graduate.
🚀 Tips to Improve Your CGPA at NOUN
- Aim for Higher Grades: Strive for A’s and B’s to boost your CGPA.
- Focus on High-Credit Courses: Prioritize courses with more credit units, as they have a greater impact on your CGPA.
- Consistent Study Habits: Regular study sessions can improve understanding and retention.
- Participate Actively: Engage in discussions and group studies to enhance learning.
- Seek Assistance: Don’t hesitate to ask for help from lecturers or peers if you’re struggling with a subject.
🎯 Final Thoughts
Calculating your CGPA at NOUN is straightforward when you understand the grading system and follow the steps outlined above. Regularly monitoring your CGPA will help you stay on track academically and achieve your desired class of degree.