Most Nigerian universities use a 5-point grading system. Every course you pass earns grade points, which are combined into your GPA each semester and your CGPA across your whole programme.
The 5-point scale
| Score | Grade | Grade point |
|---|---|---|
| 70–100 | A | 5 |
| 60–69 | B | 4 |
| 50–59 | C | 3 |
| 45–49 | D | 2 |
| 40–44 | E | 1 |
| 0–39 | F | 0 |
Some universities no longer use the E grade, so the pass mark is 45. Check your student handbook.
How GPA is calculated
- For each course, multiply the credit units by the grade point.
- Add these together to get your total quality points.
- Divide by the total credit units you registered.
Example: Course A (3 units, grade A = 5) → 15. Course B (2 units, grade B = 4) → 8. Course C (3 units, grade C = 3) → 9.
Total = 32 points ÷ 8 units = GPA 4.00.
Your CGPA uses the same method across all semesters so far.
Classes of degree
| CGPA | Class |
|---|---|
| 4.50–5.00 | First Class |
| 3.50–4.49 | Second Class Upper (2:1) |
| 2.40–3.49 | Second Class Lower (2:2) |
| 1.50–2.39 | Third Class |
| 1.00–1.49 | Pass (where still awarded) |
Why CGPA matters early
- Many scholarships require a minimum CGPA. For example, the NNPC/Seplat 2026 scholarship required 3.5, and the Federal Scholarship Board’s award typically requires much higher.
- A 2:1 or better is often needed for postgraduate study and scholarships abroad, such as Commonwealth awards.
- Your first-year results carry the same weight as later years in most schools, so start strong.
Carry-overs
A failed course (F) must usually be retaken. It stays on your transcript and affects your CGPA until you pass it. Too many carry-overs can lead to probation or an extra year.
