The National Universities Commission (NUC) has ordered the immediate reversal and adoption of the five-point grading system across Nigerian universities.
This is against the backdrop of some private universities operating a four-point grading system.
In a letter addressed to all universities dated 15th October, the regulatory body ordered Vice Chancellors to immediately adopt the five-point grading system after the controversies that surrounded the earlier adoption of the four-point grading system by some universities.
The letter, which was signed by the Director of Academic Planning at the NUC, Dr G.B. Kumo noted that as a result of the implementation of the 4-point grade in some institutions, it had either been difficult or easier for some universities to determine first class graders.
It also identified the difficulty the NUC had been encountering in explaining the grade point system to foreign agencies when contacted. The order for the conversion to the 5-point grading system takes effect from the 2018/2019 session.
Excerpts of the letter are presented below.
“Vice Chancellors would please recall that early in 2017, Directors of Academic Planning met to discuss the issue of Course Credit System and Grade point Average in the Nigerian University System. In particular, the issue of the removal of Pass degree was discussed leading to the adoption of a 4-point grading system.
“However, the 4-point scale which some Universities started implementing was also found to have severe implementation short comings (sic), with some universities observing serious difficulties in getting students to acquire average class of degree, while the scale made it easier for students to have First Class degrees.
“Furthermore, the Commission is recently enundiated (sic) with series of inquiries particularly from International Organisations and Foreign Universities on the status of the 4-point scale in use and previous degrees issued using the 5-point scale.
“In view of this, I am directed to inform all Vice Chancellor that all Nigerian Universiities should revert to the five-point scale hitherto in use with effect from the 2018/2019 academic session. Vice Chancellors are further advised to liase with their Directors of Academic Planning for further clarification on this matter.”
