Grading System in Nigerian Universities and Polytechnics (2025 Guide)
Learn how grading works in Nigerian universities and polytechnics. This 2025 guide explains 5.0 and 4.0 scales, degree classifications, step-by-step GPA and CGPA calculations, examples, conversion notes, and a free GPA calculator.
Grading in Nigerian higher education can be confusing because different institutions use slightly different scales. Most universities use a 5.0 scale, while polytechnics typically use a 4.0 scale.
The National Universities Commission (NUC) is encouraging standardization, but variations still exist across institutions.
This guide explains the common grading scales, degree classifications, how to calculate GPA and CGPA with worked examples, and practical tips.
If you're new to how GPA and CGPA are calculated, you can first check out our step-by-step guides for both universities and polytechnics to understand the formulas before diving deeper into grading systems.
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Common Grading Scales
University 5.0 Scale (most common)
- A: 70–100% → Grade point 5.00
- B: 60–69% → Grade point 4.00
- C: 50–59% → Grade point 3.00
- D: 45–49% → Grade point 2.00
- E: 40–44% → Grade point 1.00
- F: 0–39% → Grade point 0.00
Degree classification (5.0 CGPA)
- First Class: 4.50 – 5.00
- Second Class Upper: 3.50 – 4.49
- Second Class Lower: 2.40 – 3.49
- Third Class: 1.50 – 2.39
- Probation/Fail: < 1.50
Polytechnic 4.0 Scale
- A: 80–100% → Grade point 4.00
- B: 70–79% → Grade point 3.50
- C: 60–69% → Grade point 3.00
- D: 50–59% → Grade point 2.50
- E: 40–49% → Grade point 2.00
- F: 0–39% → Grade point 0.00
Result classification (4.0 CGPA)
- Distinction: 3.50 – 4.00
- Upper Credit: 3.00 – 3.49
- Lower Credit: 2.50 – 2.99
- Pass: 2.00 – 2.49
- Fail: 0.00 – 1.99
Note: Some universities use a 5-point scale with slight local variations (for example grade cutoffs or label differences). Always check your university’s official handbook for exact cutoffs.
How to Calculate GPA (step-by-step)
Formula
GPA (semester) = (Sum of (Credit Unit × Grade Point) for all courses in semester) ÷ (Total Credit Units for the semester)
CGPA (cumulative) = (Sum of all Quality Points from every semester) ÷ (Total credit units completed across all semesters)
Quality points = Credit Unit × Grade Point
For a more detailed breakdown with formulas, real examples, and common mistakes to avoid, see our full post on How to Calculate GPA and CGPA in Nigerian Universities (with Examples).
Worked Example — University (5.0 scale)
Student takes 5 courses in a semester:
| Course | Credit Unit | Grade | Grade Point | Quality Points (CU × GP) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MTH101 | 3 | A | 5.00 | 3 × 5.00 = 15.00 |
| PHY101 | 3 | B | 4.00 | 3 × 4.00 = 12.00 |
| GNS101 | 2 | C | 3.00 | 2 × 3.00 = 6.00 |
| CHM101 | 3 | A | 2.00 | 3 × 5.00 = 15.00 |
| GST101 | 2 | A | 1.00 | 2 × 5.00 = 10.00 |
Step 1 — Add quality points:
15.00 + 12.00 + 6.00 + 15.00 + 10.00 = 58.00
Step 2 — Add credit units:
3 + 3 + 2 + 3 + 2 = 13
Step 3 — Divide to get GPA:
GPA = 58.00 ÷ 13
Do the division precisely:
13 goes into 58 four times (13 × 4 = 52), remainder 6. So decimal part is 6 ÷ 13 = 0.461538...
GPA = 4 + 0.461538... = 4.461538...
Rounded to two decimal places → GPA = 4.46
Second Semester Example — University
Suppose semester 2 totals are:
- Total quality points = 41
- Total credit units = 13
GPA = 41 ÷ 13
13 × 3 = 39, remainder 2 → decimal part 2 ÷ 13 = 0.153846...
GPA = 3.153846... → Rounded to two decimals = 3.15
Calculate CGPA for two semesters
Semester 1 GPA quality points = 58 (we already used this)
Semester 2 quality points = 41
Total quality points across both = 58 + 41 = 99
Total credit units across both = 13 + 13 = 26
CGPA = 99 ÷ 26
26 × 3 = 78, remainder 21 → decimal = 21 ÷ 26 = 0.807692...
CGPA = 3.807692... → Rounded to two decimals = 3.81
Interpretation: on a 5.0 scale, CGPA 3.81 = Second Class Upper range.
Worked Example — Polytechnic (4.0 scale)
Courses and results:
| Course | Credit Unit (CU) | Grade | Grade Point | Quality Points (CU × GP) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MTH102 | 3 | B | 3.50 | 3 × 3.50 = 10.50 |
| PHY102 | 2 | C | 3.00 | 2 × 3.00 = 6.00 |
| GNS102 | 1 | A | 4.00 | 1 × 4.00 = 4.00 |
| CHM102 | 3 | B | 3.50 | 3 × 3.50 = 10.50 |
Step 1 — Add quality points:
10.50 + 6.00 + 4.00 + 10.50 = 31.00
Step 2 — Add credit units:
3 + 2 + 1 + 3 = 9
Step 3 — GPA = 31.00 ÷ 9
9 × 3 = 27 remainder 4 → decimal = 4 ÷ 9 = 0.444...
GPA = 3.444... → Rounded to two decimals = 3.44
On the 4.0 scale, GPA 3.44 for the semester is strong and contributes to a high CGPA.
If this is typical across semesters, the final CGPA might fall in Upper Credit / Distinction range depending on averages.
You can also check our dedicated guide for polytechnic students: How to Calculate GPA and CGPA in Nigerian Polytechnics for more examples and tips on tracking your results.
Converting Between 5.0 and 4.0 Systems (Approximate)
Conversions are approximate and vary by institution. One simple mapping is to scale linearly:
- To convert a 5.0 CGPA to 4.0 scale: multiply by 0.8 (for rough comparison)
Example: 4.50 (5.0 scale) × 0.8 = 3.60 (approx on 4.0) - To convert 4.0 to 5.0: multiply by 1.25
Example: 3.20 (4.0 scale) × 1.25 = 4.00 (approx on 5.0)
Always use official university conversion tables when applying for jobs or further studies abroad.
Practical Tips for Students
- Know your university’s handbook. Policies and cutoffs can vary.
- Track credit units. Courses with higher units affect GPA more.
- Aim for consistency. Small improvements in high-unit courses make big differences.
- Keep records every semester. It’s easier to spot errors and plan ahead.
- Use a calculator tool. Manual calculation is fine, but an online tool reduces errors and saves time.
Try the free GPA & CGPA calculator here: gpa-tools.monoed.africa. It will help you calculate, project, and convert your CGPA to the US 4.0 scale instantly.
Wrap Up
Understanding the grading systems used by Nigerian universities and polytechnics is essential for planning your academic goals. Whether your school uses a 5.0 or 4.0 scale, the calculation method is straightforward: multiply grade points by credit units, sum the results, and divide by total credit units. Use the worked examples above to practice and confirm you understand each step, and use a reliable GPA calculator to speed things up and avoid errors.
FAQs
1. Do all Nigerian universities use the 5.0 scale?
Most do, but not all. Many universities use 5.0, but some have small local variations. Always check the specific university grading policy.
2. Do polytechnics use a different scale?
Yes. Most Nigerian polytechnics use a 4.0 scale with its own classification system.
3. What is the pass mark in Nigerian universities?
Typically, the pass mark is 40% (grade E) on the 5.0 scale. Scores below 40% are usually graded F.
4. How is CGPA different from GPA?
GPA is usually for a single semester. CGPA is cumulative, averaging all semesters to date.
5. Can I convert my CGPA for international applications?
Yes, but conversions vary by university and country. Use official conversion tables or ask the admissions office for guidance.
6. What happens if I have an F in a course?
An F usually carries 0 grade points. You may need to retake the course or accept the lower CGPA effect, depending on your institution’s rules.
