The Grade points
(You will be examined at the end of each semester, usually after 12-15 weeks of course work (lectures, practical, field trips etc), examinations are usually written, though in certain situations oral tests are conducted to confirm if you have attained the minimum standard expected in a course for promotion) use for examination.
Generally, the minimum pass mark at the university is 40%, though in some cases it may be a little higher.
Credits are awarded as follows:
Marks Grade Points/Credits
70 & above A 5
60-69 B 4
50-59 C 3
45-49 D 2
40-44 E 1
0-39 F 0

The Grade Point Average (G.P.A)
Results obtained in each course offered during each semester will be cumulatively added together and averaged specially, using the Grade Point Average(GPA) also called G.P which is calculated for the semester in which examination is taken and then for the entire duration of your University career as your Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) which eventually determines the class of degree you will be awarded at the end of studies.
The GPA and CGPA are calculated thus:

Step 1
The grade points obtained in each course are multiplied by the units (weights) attached to the course and a sum of these values is obtained for all the courses taken in a semester or session.
Step 2
The sum obtained above is divided by the sum of units allotted to the courses taken.
An Example
A student obtained the following results:
Course Score Grade units (weights)
PHY 101 - 67 B4 4
PHY 103 - 72 A5 4
PHY 105 - 80 A5 4
PHY 155 - 39 F0 2
MAT 160 - 80 A5 2
CHM 101 76 A5 1
BIO 107 - 74 A5 2
The GP will be calculated thus
Total number of units offered = 4+4+4+2+2+1+2 = 19 units
Total points obtained =
Phy 101 = 4 units x 4 points = 16
Phy 103 = 4 units x 5 points = 20
Phy 105 = 4 units x 5 points = 20
Phy 155 = 2 units x 0 points = 0
Chm 101 = 1 unit x 5 point = 5
Bio 107 = 2 units x 5 points = 5
76
G. P. = 76/19 = 4. 0
For the second semester the same student obtained the following results
Course Score Grade Units
PHY 102 52 C3 4
PHY 104 61 B2 2
PHY 156 47 D2 2
CHM 102 38 F0 2
BIO 104 78 A5 3
The GP calculated as outlined above is : 2.69
The CGPA will be calculated thus:
Total points obtained for both semesters /total units taken for both semesters,
First Second Total units offered 19 13 32
points obtained 76 35 111
CGPA = 111 / 32
= 3.47
It is wrong to calculate the CGPA by adding the GPAs together and finding their average.

The CGPA and The class of degree
0.0– 0.99 = failed
1.00 – 1.49 = passed
1.50 – 2.39 = 3rd class
2.40 – 3.49 = 2nd class (lower division)
3.50-4.49 = 2nd class (upper division)
4.50-5.00 = First class
NOTE: Examination procedures and regulations will be issued by each faculty and/or department, and the provisions contained in them must be strictly adhered to.
Here at the Olabisi Onabanjo University, all forms of examination malpractice are frowned at and may lead to expulsion from the University.

YOUR STUDY AREA


AN IDEAL LOCATION
A good location for studying must be a place to which you have unrestricted access at all times of the day, so as to accommodate changes in your study plan/schedule.
The location must have a comfortable desk/table and chair (a straight back wooden chair is ideal), a good light source and good ventilation. Your book rack/shelf should be located close to your study area so you will have easy access to your reference materials in the course of your studying.
You should endeavor to keep your study area free of clutter and all materials not connected with your study, e.g. pictures of loved ones, radio, novels, mobile phones (or any telephone at all) and all other things that are capable of diverting your attention away from studying. You should not use your study area for other purposes (e.g. playing games, eating etc) besides reading this will help your mind settle down quickly to your study immediately you.
You should also ensure the following:

GOOD LIGHTENING AND VENTILLATION
Your study area should be adequately lighted, in a way that whenever you sit to read, no shadow is cast on the book or material you are about to consider. The location should be such that, light from the Sun can reach it during the day. Make available an artificial source of light at night - a good rechargeable battery operated lamp is suggested, a table lamp that uses electricity may also be made available for those rear occasions when the public power supply is available but, candles and kerosene lanterns should be avoided for safety reasons.
Good lightening ensures you do not have to squint and strain your eyes to read and consequently, you do not get tired easily.
It is important that you locate your study area near a window and if that poses a distractive challenge then you must ensure that the area is cross ventilated, a good (working but silent) ceiling or standing fan should be made available to aid ventilation because if your study area is stuffy, you get easily fatigued.

QUIET
A quiet environment aids concentration, which is a vital necessity for effective studying, your study area must be free of noise, if however you live in a noisy environment, then you have to restrain your studying to times when there is some quiet or you may have to change your study location to somewhere relatively quiet, the Library comes to mind but you may consider other options such as a primary/secondary school in your vicinity (you are advised to return to your residence before 9:30 PM).
Studying with MUSIC is strongly discouraged; your mind is bound to wander away with the lines of the song(s) and your concentration and assimilation level would be drastically affected.

USING THE LIBRARY

The library is an ideal place to study, but so many students find it difficult to study there, they give various excuses which are largely flimsy. A Library usually affords you all of the necessary conditions for studying as highlighted above. Some of the excuses students cite for not using the library includes:
* The books are old and irrelevant
Then bring your own books, the library management allows you to bring in and take away freely your own books provided they are well labeled.
* It is difficult to read/study in a strange place
The library is only strange to those who do not frequent it, hence, get your self acquainted to the library, go there often and very soon, you’ll discover it is a delight to read in there.
* The library staffers are wicked/not nice etc
They have been trained to help you adequately use the library resources respect them, obey library rules and you and the staffers will be good friends – trust me this is from experience.
* You won’t find a space in there!
Leave early for the library and you will surely get a comfortable space to seat and do the day’s job.

DRAWING EFFECTIVE TIME PLANS
OLUWAKOREDE ASUNI
+234 805 624 9391

Time never seems to be enough, sometimes you wonder if the hour of the day is actually up to 24 or lesser. But wish as you may, you cannot push forward or backward the hands of the clock.
Bearing in mind the limited time you have within which to complete work for your bachelor’s degree, you will agree with me that there is a need to have in place a ‘time plan’ to effectively manage your time from time to time.

In evolving a practical time plan one can not overlook the need to PRIORITIZE – put first things first. It is also of note that those who plan ahead often end up far better than those who do not.
Spending some hours at the beginning of each semester to plan ahead of the semester, as boring as it sounds definitely makes life easier for one, and helps to keep your overall goal in focus…you find it easier to turn in assignments on time, you are adequately prepared for tests and examinations etc.
The following tips can help you develop, practical time plans.

1.Identify and keep in mind the goal(s) you want/need to achieve at the end of a time period (e.g. a semester, a session, a week etc).
2. Identify and draw a list of all activities necessary to achieve these goals (e.g. attending classes, tutorials etc) and other general activities (e.g. playing soccer, attending fellowship etc).
3. Compare your lecture timetable, as well as the time schedule of other productive activity(s) you are involved in.
4. Assign priority to each activity then arrange all your activities in the order of their priorities.
Place for example your lectures and other academic activities first and allot adequate time for each activity leaving enough room for REST and RELAXATION in between activities.
5. Carry a card for each day, upon which the day’s activities and the allotted time is legibly written, to serve as a reminder.
6. Review your time plan, to accommodate changes in your interests and priorities only and never for frivolous reasons.
Note: Never loose sight of the school’s calendar of events, your time plan should be based on your University’s calendar.
I hope you have learnt one or two things here. If you have comments, questions or suggestions then get in touch. Wish you the best of all times
Excerpted from the book ‘SURVIVING THE ODDS’by ME