You've finished your undergraduate degree and you're thinking about what comes next — a Masters, a PhD, or maybe a Postgraduate Diploma. But before you fill out any application, you need to know one thing: does your CGPA qualify you? This guide breaks down the exact CGPA requirements for every type of postgraduate programme in Nigerian universities, including what to do if your CGPA is lower than you need.
Quick answer: Most Nigerian universities require a minimum of Second Class Lower (CGPA ≥ 2.40) for Masters admission. Competitive programmes and top universities prefer Second Class Upper (CGPA ≥ 3.50). PhD requires a Masters with strong grades.
1. The Three Types of Postgraduate Programmes in Nigeria
Before we talk about CGPA requirements, it helps to understand the three levels of postgraduate study available in Nigerian universities:
Postgraduate Diploma (PGD)
One-year programme. Open to graduates of all degree classes including Third Class and Pass. Gateway to Masters for lower-class graduates.
Masters Degree (M.Sc / MBA / LLM / M.A)
One to two years. Requires minimum Second Class Lower for most programmes. Competitive schools prefer Second Class Upper.
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
Three or more years. Requires a Masters degree with strong results plus a research proposal and undergraduate Second Class Upper or above.
2. CGPA Requirement for Masters in Nigeria
The official NUC standard for Masters admission in Nigerian universities is a minimum of Second Class Lower Honours — meaning a CGPA of 2.40 or above on the 5.0 scale. However, the practical reality is more nuanced:
The Official Minimum
- CGPA ≥ 2.40 (Second Class Lower) — meets the minimum requirement at most NUC-accredited universities
- Applicants with 2:2 are typically admitted into less competitive programmes or state universities
- Some professional Masters programmes (MBA, MPA) may accept 2:2 with relevant work experience
What Competitive Programmes Actually Want
- CGPA ≥ 3.50 (Second Class Upper) — preferred by most federal universities and top departments
- CGPA ≥ 4.00 — required by some highly competitive programmes like Medicine, Law, and Engineering Masters
- Federal universities like UNILAG, UI, OAU, and ABU typically shortlist Second Class Upper candidates first
"Meeting the minimum CGPA gets you through the door. A strong CGPA gets you a scholarship."
Masters by Programme Type
| Programme | Typical Min CGPA | Competitiveness |
|---|---|---|
| M.Sc (Science/Engineering) | 2.40 – 3.50 | High |
| MBA (Business Administration) | 2.40 + work experience | Medium |
| LLM (Law) | 3.50 minimum | Very High |
| M.A (Arts/Humanities) | 2.40 – 3.00 | Medium |
| M.Ed (Education) | 2.40 | Lower |
| MPH (Public Health) | 2.40 – 3.00 | Medium |
| M.Eng (Engineering) | 3.50 | High |
3. CGPA Requirement for PhD in Nigeria
A PhD is the highest academic qualification you can earn. The requirements in Nigerian universities are stricter than for Masters programmes:
- Undergraduate CGPA: Minimum Second Class Upper (CGPA ≥ 3.50) at almost all Nigerian universities offering PhD programmes
- Masters result: Minimum of 60% average or GPA of 3.5/5.0 in your Masters degree
- Research proposal: A written research proposal showing your intended area of study
- Supervisor: Many programmes require you to have identified a willing supervisor before applying
- Publications: Some competitive programmes (especially at federal universities) prefer applicants with at least one published journal article
Important: If you have a Second Class Lower undergraduate degree but a very strong Masters result, some universities will still consider you for PhD — especially if you have relevant publications or research experience. Apply directly and discuss with your intended supervisor.
4. The PGD Route — What to Do If Your CGPA is Too Low
If your undergraduate CGPA is below 2.40 — meaning you graduated with a Third Class or Pass degree — you cannot apply directly to a Masters programme at most Nigerian universities. But you are not stuck. The Postgraduate Diploma (PGD) is your pathway.
Graduate with Third Class or Pass
CGPA below 2.40. Direct Masters admission is not available at most schools.
Apply for a PGD Programme
Most Nigerian universities accept Third Class and Pass graduates into PGD programmes. Duration: 1 academic year. Coursework-based.
Graduate with Credit or Distinction
Aim for a Credit (60–69%) or Distinction (70%+) in your PGD. This is your new academic record and it matters enormously.
Apply for Masters Admission
A PGD with Credit or Distinction qualifies you for Masters admission at most Nigerian universities — even if your undergraduate degree was Third Class.
Complete Your Masters Degree
With a strong Masters result, you can even apply for PhD programmes — completely erasing the impact of your undergraduate CGPA.
Pro tip: Choose a PGD in the same discipline as your intended Masters. Many departments will look favourably at applicants who have already shown commitment to the field through a PGD — even from a different university.
5. CGPA Requirements by University Type
Requirements vary depending on the type of Nigerian university you're applying to:
| University Type | Min for Masters | Preferred | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Federal Universities (UNILAG, UI, OAU, ABU, UNIBEN) | 2.40 (2:2) | 3.50+ (2:1) | High competition. 2:1 candidates get priority |
| State Universities | 2.40 (2:2) | 2.40–3.50 | Generally less competitive than federal |
| Private Universities | 2.40 (2:2) | 2.40+ | Some have flexible entry with interviews |
| Universities of Technology (FUTA, LAUTECH) | 2.40 – 3.50 | 3.50+ | Technical programmes have stricter requirements |
Always verify directly: These are general guidelines. Every department sets its own requirements which can change yearly. Always check the specific graduate school prospectus of the university you're applying to, or contact their postgraduate office directly.
6. Tips to Strengthen Your Postgraduate Application
Your CGPA is just one part of your application. Here's how to make your application stronger regardless of your degree class:
If You Have a Strong CGPA (3.50+)
- Apply to the most competitive programmes — your CGPA opens those doors
- Apply for merit-based scholarships from the school's postgraduate office
- Request a strong reference letter from a lecturer who knows your work well
- Write a compelling Statement of Purpose (SOP) — don't treat it as a formality
If You Have a Lower CGPA (Below 3.50)
- Highlight professional experience and certifications in your application
- Write an honest, self-aware personal statement that explains your undergraduate performance and what changed
- Consider starting with a PGD to rebuild your academic record
- Reach out to potential supervisors before applying — a supervisor who wants to work with you can advocate for your admission
- Include any publications, research work, or conference presentations — even student projects
Documents You'll Typically Need
- Undergraduate degree certificate and transcripts
- NYSC discharge certificate (or exemption letter)
- Two or three academic reference letters
- Statement of Purpose or Research Proposal
- Means of payment for application and school fees
- Passport photographs
- Valid means of identification
Frequently Asked Questions
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Most Nigerian universities require a minimum CGPA of 2.40 (Second Class Lower) for Masters admission. However, competitive programmes at federal universities like UNILAG, UI, OAU and ABU typically prefer applicants with Second Class Upper (CGPA ≥ 3.50). Always confirm with the specific department.
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Not directly. Most Nigerian universities do not admit Third Class graduates into Masters programmes. However, you can complete a Postgraduate Diploma (PGD) first. If you graduate with a Credit or Distinction in your PGD, you then qualify for Masters admission at most universities.
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For PhD, you typically need an undergraduate CGPA of at least 3.50 (Second Class Upper) plus a Masters degree with a minimum GPA of 3.5/5.0. Most universities also require a detailed research proposal and an identified supervisor before admission.
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A Postgraduate Diploma (PGD) is a one-year postgraduate programme open to graduates of all degree classes including Third Class and Pass. If you complete a PGD with a Credit or Distinction, most Nigerian universities will admit you into a Masters programme — making it the most reliable pathway for graduates with lower undergraduate results.
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Yes — especially for MBA and professional Masters programmes. Many Nigerian universities accept relevant work experience as a compensating factor for a lower CGPA. A well-written personal statement that highlights your experience and career motivation can significantly strengthen your application.