Academic grading in Nigeria

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In Nigeria, the academic grading system scales from A (First class) to F (fail). Below is the grading system of Nigerian schools.

Contents

Nigeria offers six years of basic education, three years of junior secondary education, and three years of senior secondary education. If a student chooses to continue higher education this is then four years of tertiary/university education.

Mathematics and English language are compulsory for all students in Nigeria although maths may not be required for some courses in higher institutions - this is dependent on admissions criteria.

University Grades in Nigeria

PercentageGrade (Global)

[1]

70 - 100%A
60 - 69%B
50 - 59%C
45 - 49%D
40 - 44%E
0 - 39%F

Most Common

GradeScaleGrade DescriptionUS/EU Grade Equivalent
A70.00 - 100.00First Class Honours (5)A
AB70.00 - 100.00A
B60.00 - 69.99Second Class Honours, Upper (4)B+
BC60.00 - 69.99B+
C50.00 - 59.99Second Class Honours, Lower (3)B
CD50.00 - 59.99B
D45.00 - 49.99Third Class (2)C+
E40.00 - 44.99Pass (1)C
F0.00 - 39.99F

5-point University (Example - University of Lagos)

GradeScaleScale 2US/EU Grade Equivalent
A70.00 - 100.005.00A
B60.00 - 69.004.00AB
C50.00 - 59.003.00B
D45.00 - 49.002.00BC
E40.00 - 44.001.00C
F0.00 - 39.000.00F

Postgraduate

Not all universities use merit score - often pass 40%+ or distinction 70% grade given

GradeUS/EU Equivalent
Distinction70%+
Merit/Credit60%+
Pass40%+ (typically 50%)
Fail0 - 39%

Note that NUC (Nigeria University Commission) has expressed strong recommendation to upgrade passing scores in Nigeria universities to 45 which by implication would phase out 40 as pass mark for undergraduate studies. Additionally, to discontinue awarding degrees below 3rd class (if all universities ultimately comply).

Also, at post graduate level, the minimum pass mark for course works is usually 50 (rather than 40). [2] [3]

International Baccalaureate (IB), Advance Placement (AP) Courses, SATs

Whilst some international universities recognise West African Examinations Council (WAEC)[ clarification needed ], many others ask Nigerian students for International Baccalaureate (IB) exams or for students to take five or more Advanced Placement (AP) courses, or possibly the first year of an undergraduate degree at a university known as a foundation (course or diploma) if they gain admission with WAEC.

In Nigeria many students who intend to take international exams do entry exams on top of their WAEC. There are arguments against making Nigerian students who clearly qualify to take an additional admission exam. However many top American and EU universities require choice of IB, SAT or ACT and SAT Math 1 or 2 and a science subject test and letters of recommendation depending on the course the student wishes to take.

Joint Admissions and Matriculations (JAMB)

The Joint Admissions and Matriculations Board (JAMB) is a Nigerian entrance examination board for tertiary-level institutions . Every year, the Joint Admission and Matriculation Board conducts an examination that determines if a student will be admitted to higher education. All of these candidates must have obtained the West Africa School Certificate, now West African Examinations Council, WAEC, or its equivalent National Examination Council (Nigeria), NECO.

Range of UTME ScoresMarks
400-38160
378-38059
--
283-30043
--
246-25033
--
196-20023
191-19522
186-19021
180-18520

West African Senior School Certificate (WASSCE) / WAEC A Levels, GCE

West African School Certificate (WAEC) replaced the West African General Certificate of Education Ordinary and Advanced levels (GCE ‘O’ and ‘A’ levels) in 1989 and is equivalent to high school / upper secondary passout grades in their 6th year of basic education for admission into Colleges. Many students can use this for direct entry into university in Nigeria, Africa and internationally depending on admissions criteria.

GradeScaleGrade DescriptionUS/EU Equivalent
A11.00 - 1.99ExcellentA+
B22.00 - 2.99Very GoodA
B33.00 - 3.99GoodB
C44.00 - 4.99CreditB
C55.00 - 5.99CreditC
C66.00 - 6.99CreditC
D77.00 - 7.99PassD
E88.00 - 8.99PassD
F99.00FailF

General Certificate of Education (GCE)

GradeUS/EU Grade Comparison
AA
BB
CB
DC
EC

National Examination Council (NECO)

This is another Nigeria's awarding body school in Nigeria at GCE ‘O’ and ‘A’ levels. The National Common Entrance Examination is administered to pupils in their 6th year of basic education for admission into Colleges. Two examinations are held annually. Students take an exam on Mathematics, General Science and English and various including Social Studies.

GradeGrade DescriptionUS Grade
A1ExcellentA+
B2Very GoodA
B3GoodB
C4CreditB
C5CreditC
C6CreditC
D7PassD
D/E8PassD
F9FailF

Structure of the Examination

The National Common Entrance Examination Questions consist of the following:

PAPER I

Part A – Mathematics and General Science Part B – English and Social Studies

PAPER II Part A – Quantitative and Vocational Aptitude Part B – Verbal Aptitude

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<span class="mw-page-title-main">West African Examinations Council</span> Examination body in West Africa

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<span class="mw-page-title-main">Education in Nigeria</span>

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<span class="mw-page-title-main">Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board</span> Nigerian examination board

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References

  1. "Nigeria Grading System". www.scholaro.com. Retrieved 2020-05-12.
  2. "Much ado about grading system in varsities". The Guardian Nigeria News - Nigeria and World News. 2019-09-12. Retrieved 2022-04-09.
  3. "Postgraduate Program". Nnamdi Azikiwe University. Retrieved 2025-01-03.

Accessibility to Higher Education in Nigeria: The Pains, Problems, and Prospects, January 2020, James Odia, University of Benin

See also