A GUIDE FOR UNDERGRADUATES IN NIGERIA

The Grade point
(You will be examined at the end of each semester, usually after 12-15 weeks of course work (lectures, practical, field trips etc), examinations are usually written, though in certain situations oral tests are conducted to confirm if you have attained the minimum standard expected in a course for promotion) use for examination.
Generally, the minimum pass mark at the university is 40%, though in some cases it may be a little higher.
Credits are awarded as follows:
Marks Grade Points/Credits
70 & above A 5
60-69 B 4
50-59 C 3
45-49 D 2
40-44 E 1
0-39 F 0

The Grade Point Average (G.P.A)
Results obtained in each course offered during each semester will be cumulatively added together and averaged specially, using the Grade Point Average(GPA) also called G.P which is calculated for the semester in which examination is taken and then for the entire duration of your University career as your Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) which eventually determines the class of degree you will be awarded at the end of studies.
The GPA and CGPA are calculated thus:

Step 1(move to study related)
The grade points obtained in each course are multiplied by the units (weights) attached to the course and a sum of these values is obtained for all the courses taken in a semester or session.
Step 2
The sum obtained above is divided by the sum of units allotted to the courses taken.
An Example
A student obtained the following results:
Course Score Grade units (weights)
PHY 101 - 67 B4 4
PHY 103 - 72 A5 4
PHY 105 - 80 A5 4
PHY 155 - 39 F0 2
MAT 160 - 80 A5 2
CHM 101 - 76 A5 1
BIO 107 - 74 A5 2
The GP will be calculated thus
Total number of units offered = 4+4+4+2+2+1+2 = 19 units
Total points obtained =
Phy 101 = 4 units x 4 points = 16
Phy 103 = 4 units x 5 points = 20
Phy 105 = 4 units x 5 points = 20
Phy 155 = 2 units x 0 points = 0
Chm 101 = 1 unit x 5 point = 5
Bio 107 = 2 units x 5 points = 5
76
G. P. = 76/19 = 4. 0
For the second semester the same student obtained the following results
Course Score Grade Units
PHY 102 52 C3 4
PHY 104 61 B2 2
PHY 156 47 D2 2
CHM 102 38 F0 2
BIO 104 78 A5 3
The GP calculated as outlined above is : 2.69
The CGPA will be calculated thus:
Total points obtained for both semesters /total units taken for both semesters,
First semester Second semester Total
Total units offered 19 13 32
Total points obtained 76 35 111
CGPA = 111 / 32
= 3.47
It is wrong to calculate the CGPA by adding the GPAs together and finding their average.

The CGPA and The class of degree
0.0 – 0.99 = failed
1.00 – 1.49 = passed
1.50 – 2.39 = 3rd class
2.40 – 3.49 = 2nd class (lower division)
3.50-4.49 = 2nd class (upper division)
4.50-5.00 = First class
NOTE: Examination procedures and regulations will be issued by each faculty and/or department, and the provisions contained in them must be strictly adhered to.
Here at the Olabisi Onabanjo University, all forms of examination malpractice are frowned at and may lead to expulsion from the university.

Oluwakorede Asuni
+234 805 624 9391

DRAWING EFFECTIVE TIME PLANS

Time never seems to be enough, sometimes you wonder if the hour of the day is actually up to 24 or lesser. But wish as you may, you cannot push forward or backward the hands of the clock.
Bearing in mind the limited time you have within which to complete work for your bachelor’s degree, you will agree with me that there is a need to have in place a ‘time plan’ to effectively manage your time from time to time.

In evolving a practical time plan one can not overlook the need to PRIORITIZE – put first things first. It is also of note that those who plan ahead often end up far better than those who do not.
Spending some hours at the beginning of each semester to plan ahead of the semester, as boring as it sounds definitely makes life easier for one, and helps to keep your overall goal in focus…you find it easier to turn in assignments on time, you are adequately prepared for tests and examinations etc.
The following tips can help you develop, practical time plans.

1. Identify and keep in mind the goal(s) you want/need to achieve at the end of a time period (e.g. a semester, a session, a week etc).
2. Identify and draw a list of all activities necessary to achieve these goals (e.g. attending classes, tutorials etc) and other general activities (e.g. playing soccer, attending fellowship etc).
3. Compare your lecture timetable, as well as the time schedule of other productive activity(s) you are involved in.
4. Assign priority to each activity then arrange all your activities in the order of their priorities.
Place for example your lectures and other academic activities first and allot adequate time for each activity leaving enough room for REST and RELAXATION in between activities.
5. Carry a card for each day, upon which the day’s activities and the allotted time is legibly written, to serve as a reminder.
6. Review your time plan, to accommodate changes in your interests and priorities only and never for frivolous reasons.
Note: Never loose sight of the school’s calendar of events, your time plan should be based on your University’s calendar.
I hope you have learnt one or two things here. If you have comments, questions or suggestions then get in touch. Wish you the best of all timesExcerpted from my book ‘SURVIVING THE ODDS’.
OLUWAKOREDE ASUNI
+234 805 624 9391