A second class lower/lower credit grade, while considered acceptable for further education and some job opportunities, is generally less competitive compared to higher grades like first class or distinction. However, many institutions do accept these grades for postgraduate studies and certain job roles, though candidates may face more limited options and competition in the job market compared to those with higher qualifications. Nonetheless, it remains a viable foundation for pursuing career goals, especially for self-employment or sectors where specific qualifications are less critical.
Their counterparts from polytechnics will ask if a lower credit is a good grade or result too. This is because while 2nd class lower is used in the university grading system, lower credit is used in a polytechnic grading system.
This is the picture of the grading systems of a university compared to a polytechnic.
- 1st class (university) = distinction (polytechnic)
- 2nd class upper (university) = upper credit (polytechnic)
- 2nd class lower (university) = lower credit (polytechnic)
- third class (university) = no equivalence at polytechnic
- Pass (university) = Pass (polytechnic)
- Fail (university) = Fail (polytechnic)
Is Second Class Lower/Lower Credit a Good Grade?
Of course, the question at hand is if the lower credit or 2nd class lower is a better grade and recognized as being good for the job and other future pursuits.
We all know candidates asking this question are more confused about what is waiting for them in the future if they eventually come out with this grade.
As a matter of fact, it's difficult to answer that 2nd class lower or lower credit is bad or good. There is a need to bring some points into the play before we can both agree on the same or different thing.
Let's see your fate with the second class lower while searching for jobs or furthering your studies.
Using Second Class Lower/Lower Credit to Further Studies
Very many institutions accept graduates with second-class lower for postgraduate studies (e.g. Masters, PGDE, etc.). Where HND graduates are considered for admission into postgraduate courses, lower credits are equally accepted by many universities.
However, these universities may not accept this lower grade for all the advertised courses. They usually state the courses candidates can put in for if they're limited by grades.
For example, Kwara State University (KWASU), for Postgraduate Diploma in Strategic Management (PGDSM) accepts an HND certificate with a minimum of Lower Credit from recognized Institutions. It also accepts the same few other courses. Whereas, it seems those courses are not as competitive as those opened for the 1st class and upper credits applicants.
Osun State University does the same with Postgraduate Diploma in Strategic Management (PGDSM) and Postgraduate Diploma in Education (PGDE).
These are just a few examples. Lower credit or second class lower may ONLY be accepted for a very few courses.
Meanwhile, university graduates with second-class lower will still have the upper hand in competition compared to their HND counterparts. This is out of special consideration for university graduates by some universities.
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Using Second Class Lower/Lower Credit to Search for Jobs
While seeking employment, your chance with 2nd class lower/lower credit is very narrow.
It's uncommon to see organizations accepting applications from graduates with second-class lower or lower credits. A few vacancies such as graduate trainees may be opened to all.
While graduates with first-class, distinction, second-class upper, and upper credit are always favored by job adverts - be it in the public or private sectors.
It's in very limited situations that you'll see organizations seeking candidates with lower credits or second-class lower. And where is such is acceptable, they're likely to consider graduates with better grades first?
However, for certain government vacancies, such as ministries and forces, graduates with lower credit and second class lower are given the same chance as their first-class and distinction counterparts. Similar to this are the empowerment programmes (Npower, P-Yes, WorkNation, etc.) that will still consider you irrespective of your grades.
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Your Lower Grade Has No Hindrance for Self-Employment
Having said that you should still expect some limitations while trying to further your studies or seeking jobs with lower credit or second class lower, it's important to also assure you that, this grade doesn't directly impact you if you chose to start your own business.
By law, anybody can start a legitimate business without any reference to the type of degree, qualifications, or grades. Hence, if you'd chosen to pursue other dreams than furthering your education or seeking private jobs, lower grades won't pose any threats.
Conclusion
Second-class lower/lower credit is not that bad a grade. It's still acceptable (though not widely) to further education or get jobs. Moreover, it's still better than 3rd class and a pass.
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Good evening .. Pls my NCE aggregate was calculated into 11 .. Pls i want to know if us upper credit sir ?
ReplyDeleteYour information is not accurate and there's no evidence to that. Kindly broaden your explanation for us. What is your definition of second class lower? As different Universities have different grading point. Please describe in your work what CGPA is second class lower and and the exams marks that results as such.
ReplyDeleteThank you for engaging with the blog post and raising a pertinent question regarding the definition of "second class lower" in academic grading systems, which indeed can vary across universities and regions. The term "second class lower" typically refers to a specific classification of academic achievement based on a student's CGPA (Cumulative Grade Point Average).
DeleteThe post above was primary meant to address the concern in the title. Candidates who fall into the range of Lower credit or second class lower already see that on their results or certificates. What the post stands to address are the possible misconceptions about having such a grade.
However, if the full analysis is what you're here to read, you will find the following helpful.
In many educational institutions, the CGPA is the average of all the grade points obtained across various courses or modules taken throughout a program. However, the threshold for achieving a second class lower can differ between universities, and sometimes even within different programs within the same university.
To provide a more comprehensive explanation, let's consider a hypothetical scenario using a common grading system, although it's important to note that this may vary:
CGPA for Second Class Lower: In a 4.0 grading system, a second class lower could generally range between 2.00 to 2.99 CGPA. This means that a student's overall average falls within this range at the completion of their degree program.
Exam Marks Corresponding to Second Class Lower: To achieve a CGPA within the second class lower range, the corresponding exam marks for individual courses would vary. For instance, scoring between 50% to 59% on average across all courses would lead to a CGPA in the second class lower category.
However, it's crucial to emphasize that these values are illustrative and not universally applicable. Each institution might adopt a unique grading system, which could involve different CGPA scales and corresponding exam marks for classifications like second class lower. Moreover, grading might not solely rely on exam scores but also consider coursework, projects, or other assessments contributing to the final grade.
In essence, the classification of "second class lower" is contingent upon a multitude of factors and is subject to the grading policies and scales established by each educational institution. Therefore, it's advisable for students to refer to their respective university's grading scheme or handbook for accurate and specific information regarding such classifications.
I hope this explanation helps clarify the nuances of CGPA classifications and how they relate to the designation of "second class lower." Should you have further inquiries or require more detailed information, please don't hesitate to reach out.
Best regards.
Thanks for the clarity.
ReplyDelete