When students begin their university (or other higher institutions) education in Nigeria, they often come across terms like GPA and CGPA. These terms are important to understanding how academic performance is measured. In this post, we’ll explain what GPA and CGPA mean, how they are calculated, and the key differences between the two.
GPA Meaning
GPA (Grade Point Average) refers to the average score a student earns for a specific semester or academic session. In Nigerian universities, for example, GPA is calculated based on the grades a student obtains in all the courses taken during that semester.
Each grade is assigned a point (e.g., A = 5 points, B = 4 points, etc.). The points are then multiplied by the credit units of each course. To calculate the GPA:
- Multiply the grade points by the course credit units.
- Add up the total points earned.
- Divide the total points by the total number of credit units taken that semester.
Example GPA Calculation:
If a student takes 5 courses in a semester, earning grade points of 5, 4, 3, 4, and 5 in those courses (with credit units of 3, 3, 2, 3, and 3 respectively), their GPA would be calculated as:
((5×3) + (4×3) + (3×2) + (4×3) + (5×3)) / (3 + 3 + 2 + 3 + 3) = 61 / 14 = 4.36
This means the student's GPA for that semester is 4.36.
CGPA Meaning
CGPA (Cumulative Grade Point Average) is the overall average score a student has earned over multiple semesters or throughout their entire university program. Unlike GPA, which focuses on one semester, CGPA gives a broader view of a student’s academic performance.
CGPA is calculated by summing up the total points a student has earned across all semesters and dividing that by the total number of credit units taken across those semesters.
Example CGPA Calculation:
Let’s assume a student has completed three semesters with the following GPA and credit units:
- Semester 1: GPA = 4.20, Credit Units = 15
- Semester 2: GPA = 4.50, Credit Units = 18
- Semester 3: GPA = 4.00, Credit Units = 17
To calculate the CGPA:
((4.20×15) + (4.50×18) + (4.00×17)) / (15 + 18 + 17) = (63 + 81 + 68) / 50 = 212 / 50 = 4.24
This means the student's CGPA after three semesters is 4.24.
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Key Differences Between GPA and CGPA
1. Scope
- GPA reflects performance in a single semester.
- CGPA reflects cumulative performance across all semesters.
2. Duration
- GPA changes each semester based on how well a student performs.
- CGPA gives a long-term perspective on a student’s academic journey.
3. Impact on Final Classification
In Nigerian higher institutions, a student's CGPA is used in determining their final degree classification:
- First Class: CGPA of 4.50 – 5.00
- Second Class Upper: CGPA of 3.50 – 4.49
- Second Class Lower: CGPA of 2.40 – 3.49
- Third Class: CGPA of 1.50 – 2.39
4. Importance in Scholarships and Job Applications
Both GPA and CGPA are important when applying for scholarships or jobs. Many scholarship providers require a minimum GPA or CGPA, while employers often check a candidate's CGPA to assess their academic strength.
Why You Should Know the Differences Between GPA and CGPA
Knowing the difference between GPA and CGPA help students track their academic progress. If your GPA for a semester is low, working hard in subsequent semesters can help improve your CGPA, especially in your early years.
By understanding how these averages are calculated, you can focus on maintaining a strong performance throughout your academic journey.
In summary, GPA measures how well you perform in a single semester, while CGPA takes a broader look at your overall academic journey. Keeping track of both is essential for success in Nigerian universities.
