In Nigeria, the polytechnic grading system is regulated by the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE). As of 2026, polytechnics have strictly adhered to the standardized unified grading system to ensure National Diploma (ND) and Higher National Diploma (HND) certificates carry the same weight across all institutions.
Unlike universities that primarily use a 5.0 scale, polytechnics use a 4.0 scale.
2026 Standardized Unified Grading System
The table below illustrates the currently approved scoring range, letter grades, and their corresponding weight (Grade Points) for Nigerian polytechnics.
| Score Range (%) | Letter Grade | Grade Point (GP) |
| 75 – 100 | A | 4.00 |
| 70 – 74 | AB | 3.50 |
| 65 – 69 | B | 3.25 |
| 60 – 64 | BC | 3.00 |
| 55 – 59 | C | 2.75 |
| 50 – 54 | CD | 2.50 |
| 45 – 49 | D | 2.25 |
| 40 – 44 | E | 2.00 |
| 0 – 39 | F | 0.00 |
Official Diploma Classification
At the end of your ND or HND program, your Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) determines your final class of diploma:
| CGPA Range | Class of Diploma |
| 3.50 – 4.00 | Distinction |
| 3.00 – 3.49 | Upper Credit |
| 2.50 – 2.99 | Lower Credit |
| 2.00 – 2.49 | Pass |
| 0.00 – 1.99 | Fail |
NBTE Note: To progress from a National Diploma (ND) to a Higher National Diploma (HND), most institutions require a minimum of Lower Credit (2.50). Students with a Pass (2.00–2.49) must typically complete two years of Industrial Training (IT) instead of one before becoming eligible for HND admission.
GPA System for Polytechnic Students
The table below shows the GPA system for polytechnic students:
| Score (in percentage) | Grade | Grade Point | Final CGPA | Class of Degrees |
| 100-80 | A | 4.00 | 3.50 – 4.00 | Distinction |
| 79-70 | AB | 3.50 | 3.00 – 3.49 | Upper Credit |
| 60-69 | B | 3.00 | 2.50 – 2.99 | Lower Credit |
| 59-50 | BC | 2.50 | 2.00 – 2.49 | Pass |
| 49-40 | C | 2.00 | 0.00 – 1.99 | Fail |
How to calculate GPA for first semester OND 1
Let’s assume you offer the courses (listed below) and obtain grades as depicted in the table. The GPA can be calculated thus:
| Course Code | Credit Unit | Grade | Grade Points | Quality Points (CU X GP) | Total Points |
| GSP 101 | 3 | A | 4.00 | 2 X 4.00 | 8.00 |
| GSP 105 | 2 | B | 3.00 | 2 X 3.00 | 6.00 |
| GSP 111 | 2 | C | 2.00 | 2 X 2.00 | 4.00 |
| GSP 201 | 2 | C | 2.00 | 2 X 2.00 | 4.00 |
| COS 101 | 2 | AB | 3.50 | 2 X 3.50 | 7.00 |
| STA 131 | 2 | B | 2.00 | 2 X 2.00 | 4.00 |
| MTH 221 | 2 | BC | 2.50 | 2 X 2.50 | 5.00 |
| TOTAL CREDIT UNITS | 15 | 38 |
To calculate the first semester OND 1, use the following formula:
GPA = Total Points/ Total Credit Units =38/15 = 2.5
The first semester GPA is, therefore 2.5
How to calculate GPA for second semester OND 1
Let’s assume you offer the courses (listed below) and obtain grades as depicted in the table. The GPA can be calculated thus:
| Course Code | Credit Unit | Grade | Grade Points | Quality Points (CU X GP) | Total Points |
| GLG 142 | 2 | AB | 3.50 | 2 X 3.50 | 7.00 |
| GSP 208 | 2 | B | 2.00 | 2 X 2.00 | 4.00 |
| GSP 202 | 2 | C | 2.00 | 2 X 2.00 | 4.00 |
| PHY 196 | 3 | C | 2.00 | 2 X 2.00 | 4.00 |
| GSP 106 | 2 | BC | 2.50 | 2 X 2.50 | 5.00 |
| CHM 112 | 2 | B | 2.00 | 2 X 2.00 | 4.00 |
| GSP 106 | 3 | B | 3.00 | 2 X 3.00 | 6.00 |
| TOTAL CREDIT UNITS | 16 | 34 |
To calculate the second semester OND 1, use the following formula:
GPA = Total Points/ Total Credit Units =34/16 = 2.1
The second semester GPA is, therefore 2.1
To calculate the cumulative grade point average (CGPA) for National Diploma (ND) 1, add the GPA of the first and second semesters and divide by 2 (the number of semesters). This is calculated to obtain the average.
The calculation goes thus:
OND 1 CGPA = (First Semester ND 1 GPA + Second Semester ND 1 GPA) / 2 = (2.5 + 2.1) / 2
CGPA = 4.6 / 2 = 2.3
Explanation of each Grade Level in a Polytechnic Setting
3.50 – 4.00 CGPA attracts a ‘Distinction’ class of degree. This is synonymous to a First Class degree in a Nigerian university.
Upper Credit class of degree is awarded to a student with 3.00 – 3.49 CGPA. This is synonymous with Second Class Honours (Upper Division) in Nigerian universities.
2.0 – 2.00 CGPA attracts a ‘Lower Credit’ degree. This is synonymous with a ‘Second Class Honours’ (Lower Division) in Nigerian universities.
The same explanation goes for the ‘Pass’ and ‘Fail’ classes of degrees.
Why Understanding This Matters in 2026
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HND Admissions: In 2026, competition for HND slots is high. Maintaining an Upper Credit significantly increases your chances of getting into top-tier polytechnics like Yaba College of Technology or Federal Polytechnic, Nekede.
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University Direct Entry: If you plan to switch to a university, a Distinction (3.50+) is often required for competitive courses like Engineering or Accounting.
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Employment: Many government agencies and private firms in Nigeria specifically request “at least a Lower Credit” for entry-level positions.
Relevant External Links
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National Board for Technical Education (NBTE): The official regulatory body for technical education in Nigeria.
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NBTE Digital Curriculum Portal: Access the specific credit unit requirements for your department.
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JAMB IBASS: For checking the latest HND and Direct Entry requirements.
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