Short answer. Nigerian CGPA = total weighted points divided by total credit units. Grades are A = 5, B = 4, C = 3, D = 2, E = 1, F = 0. First Class is 4.50 to 5.00 and Second Class Upper is 3.50 to 4.49.
How the Nigerian CGPA works
Nigerian universities mostly use a 5-point scale. Each course has a grade and credit units. Multiply the grade point by the units to get the weighted points. Add them all and divide by the total units. The result is the GPA for the term. CGPA is the same sum over all terms.
| Score | Grade | Point |
|---|---|---|
| 70-100 | A | 5 |
| 60-69 | B | 4 |
| 50-59 | C | 3 |
| 45-49 | D | 2 |
| 40-44 | E | 1 |
| 0-39 | F | 0 |
Some older universities and some science programmes set the A line at 75 instead of 70. Your department sets the score bands. The grade points stay the same.
| CGPA | Class of degree |
|---|---|
| 4.50-5.00 | First Class |
| 3.50-4.49 | Second Class Upper |
| 2.40-3.49 | Second Class Lower |
| 1.50-2.39 | Third Class |
| 1.00-1.49 | Pass |
| Below 1.00 | Fail |
The tool compares the exact CGPA to these lines. A CGPA of 3.4875 is Second Lower, even though it rounds to 3.49 and not to 3.50. Your school may round first. Ask the exam office how it rounds.
To include earlier results, type your earlier CGPA and the units it covers. The tool adds them to the courses you list. Failed courses still count with a point of 0, so keep them in the list unless your school removes them after a pass on resit.
I found one reliable summary for this scale. It matches what most universities publish, but your own senate rules win.
How to use the result
List the courses for the term with their units. Add your earlier CGPA and units to see the new total. Try a few grades for courses still to come. A heavy course with 4 or 5 units moves the CGPA more than a 1 unit course.
To plan for a class of degree, find the line you want and test grades until the CGPA passes it. Remember that the effect shrinks as your total units grow. Keep your result slips, because the department record is the final word if a number differs.
Sources
Grading rules checked 2026-10-10 against these pages. Rules change, so confirm with your school, board or university before you rely on a number.
Worked example
Example. A (3 units), B (3), B (2), C (3), A (2), D (3).
Weighted points: 15 + 12 + 8 + 9 + 10 + 6 = 60. Units: 16. GPA: 60 / 16 = 3.75.
Earlier CGPA 3.40 over 48 units gives 163.2 points. New CGPA: 223.2 / 64 = 3.49, which is Second Class Lower, one hundredth below the Second Upper line.
Questions
What CGPA is a First Class?
4.50 to 5.00 on the common scale.
What CGPA is Second Class Upper?
3.50 to 4.49.
Is E a pass in Nigeria?
On the common scale, E is 1 point and 40-44 marks. Many departments treat it as a low pass. Your department may set its own pass line.
Why is my CGPA different from my school's number?
Your school may round, use a 75 mark for an A, or drop repeated courses. Use the school record for the official figure.
Do failed courses count?
Yes, with a grade point of 0, until your school replaces them after a resit.
Last checked by the StudyCount team.