EDITORIAL

U.I JETTISONS 7.0 MAXIMUM CGPA, ADOPTS ANOTHER PERCULIAR 4.0 MAXIMUM CGPA.

A statement obtained from the university’s website disclosed that it has approved a new grading system and the minimum units to be registered for and passed by students at each level, as well as a change in the status of GES courses in the university. This was disclosed by Prof. M. A. Kehinde on the university’s official website:

“I refer to my memoranda of 25 February and 2 March, 2016 respectively on the above subject matter.

The referenced memos were specifically on the implementation of the new 4-Point Grading System which was subsequently put on hold until the 2016/2017 Session due to some logistic constraints. The implementation is due this academic session (2016/2017).

Consequently, I write to inform you of Senate’s decision, at its meeting of 18 July, 2016, on the New Grading System and Minimum Units to be registered for and passed by students at each level, as well as Change in the status of GES courses in the University as follows:

1. The average minimum units taken at each Level should be 40 units.

2. The minimum units to be passed at each Level by students in order to proceed to the next Level should be 60% of 40 units.

3. All GES courses, with the exception of the “Use of English I & II (GES 101 and 201)”, should be made to acquire the status of REQUIRED COURSES.

4. The 4-Point Scale Grading System should be adopted in order to align with other universities world-wide and the recommendation of the National Universities Commission (NUC).

The above implies that the recommended Average Minimum Units expected of the students to take/register for is now 40 units (for the new intakes: 100 Level) as against the old 30 units. Given this development, the regulations guiding withdrawal of students in the University in respect of the new system are as follows:

i. 100 Level: At the end of first year, a student who has passed less than 24 units should be asked to withdraw from the University.

ii. 200 Level: At the end of second year, a student who has passed less than 48 units (cumulative) should be asked to withdraw from the University.

iii. 300 Level: At the end of third year, a student who has passed less than 72 units (cumulative) should be asked to withdraw from the University.

iv. The CGPA at each level should not be less than 1.0

Under the new Four (4)-Point Grading Scale, grades to be used for students who have satisfactorily completed the course of study are as follows:

Letter Grade: Marks Grade Point

A (70 and above above) 4

B (60-69%) 3

C (50-59%) 2

D (45-49%) 1

E (40-44%) 0

CGPA Ranges under the new Four (4)- Point Grading Scale for Classification of Degrees:

3.5- 4.00 - First Class Honours

3.0-3.49 - Second Class Honours (Upper Division)

2.0-2.99 - Second Class Honours (Lower Division)

1.0-1.99 - Third Class Honours

No student whose CGPA is less than 1.0 shall be awarded a degree

Deans of Faculties and Heads of Departments are enjoined to ensure compliance and commencement of the new regulations with the intakes of 2016/2017 Session, while the old regulations remain applicable to students admitted before the 2016/2017 Session.

Thank you.”

Taking cognizant of what the change in maximum CGPA from 7.0 to 4.0 represents, it is not difficult to discern that it is far less appropriate, unbefitting and retrogressive. It gives too much room for luck at the expense of merit. With the maximum CGPA being set at 4.0, it means someone who scores 60 in a course and another who scores 69 would have the same grade point of 3.0 in that course, and a third person who scores 70 in that same course would boast a grade point of 4.0. This method gives an absolutely unacceptable room for luck. It is so bad it was only being used by some Colleges and Polytechnics. And the decision of the Nigeria’s premier university to adopt this method is shocking and regrettable. However, since this change was said to be in compliance with the National University Commission, it would be rather inappropriate to put any blame at the doorstep of the university management but the NUC.

Reference: www.ui.edu.ng

Written by Martial