Masters Degree Grading Scale In Nigeria (Full Guide)
Earning a master’s degree in Nigeria unlocks doors to career advancement, specialized knowledge, and personal growth.
But before embarking on this exciting journey, understanding the master’s degree grading system is very important.
This blog post serves as your roadmap, navigating the diverse grading scales and interpretations across Nigerian universities in 2024.
Understanding Master’s Degree Grading Scales in Nigeria:
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Standardized System: Unlike undergraduate programs, there’s no single, nationwide grading scale for master’s degrees in Nigeria. Each university establishes its own system, often varying between departments and programs.
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Common Scales: Two main grading scales are widely used:
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5-point Scale: This popular scale assigns letter grades and corresponding grade points:
- A = 70-100% (5 points)
- B = 60-69% (4 points)
- C = 50-59% (3 points)
- F = Below 50% (0 points)
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7-point Scale: This less common scale uses the same letter grades but expands the range, potentially with different grade point assignments.
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Interpretations and Classifications: Even within the same grading scale, interpretation and classification might vary. Some universities award “Distinction” for grades above 75%, while others might require 80%+. Similarly, “Pass” can mean 50% at one university and 55% at another.
To illustrate the variations, let’s explore grading scales and interpretations for Master’s programs at some prominent universities:
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University of Ibadan: Uses a 5-point scale with “Distinction” above 75% and “Pass” at 50%.
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University of Nigeria, Nsukka: Employs a 5-point scale with varying interpretations for “Distinction” and “Pass” depending on the program.
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Obafemi Awolowo University: Primarily uses a 5-point scale, but some programs might utilize a 7-point scale.
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University of Port Harcourt: Adopts a 5-point scale with interpretations for classifications like “Distinction” and “Pass” determined by the program.
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Lagos State University: Primarily uses a 5-point scale, but specific programs might have distinct interpretations for classifications.
FAQs
How does my undergraduate grading system compare to a master’s program?
While similar scales might be used, master’s programs often expect a higher level of academic performance. Understanding the specific grading scale and interpretations for your chosen program is crucial.
What if a university website doesn’t explicitly mention the grading scale?
Contact the program coordinator or admissions office directly. They can provide detailed information about the specific grading scale and how grades are interpreted within the program.
