Mathematical interpretation of students’ indices of performance and its implications on students’ performance in the award of certificate at Nigerian tertiary institutions

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Since the introduction of credit unit system in our tertiary institutions, indices of performance (Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) has been used as an instrument of assessing students’ performance from one semester to another. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to interpret mathematically the meaning of “up to date total credits units registered” as in the definition of CGPA and its implications on students’ performance in the award of certificate. METHODOLOGY: The study adopted the comparative research method, the student information book (student Handbook) of various institutions were used as guide on how these institutions defined CGPA. Example was given to illustrate how calculations are done based on the definition given using a Diploma program which is a two years’ program. RESULTS: The up - to - date total credit units registered may include the carry – over courses which will be included in computing the CGPA of that semester. However, when this method was applied to two students who had scored the same grades, one graduating in normal two years of the program and the other one in three years of the same program due to carry – overs, their final CGPAs were not the same even though they had the same grades in all the courses (see Tables 2, 4, 6 & 7). But when “the up – to - date total credit units prescribed” was used, their final CGPAs were the same (see Tables 8 & 9). RECOMMENDATIONS: Since the graduates from the various institutions do vie for the same openings on the job market even though different methods were used in computing their CGPA which determined the class of certificate they hold, it is necessary therefore, that the method of computing the CGPA be standardized in this country. This can only be achieved if explicit definition of CGPA is given