Meaning of O-Level result, and how and why to combine them
What is the meaning of O-Level result? O-Level results refer to the grading outcomes of the Ordinary Level examinations that signify completion of secondary education. The grades, which show a student's performance in each subject, range from A1, excellent, to F9, fail. Students can combine results from two sittings to meet the requirements for a course.
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Key takeaways
- The O-Level (Ordinary Level) originated in the United Kingdom and has been adopted by several other countries, including Nigeria, often with modifications.
- The O-Level is a subject-based qualification from the General Certificate of Education (CGE).
- Combining O-Level results involves aggregating grades across several subjects to evaluate overall academic performance and readiness to advance studies.
What's the meaning of O-Level results in Nigeria?
O-Level results in Nigeria are the final results students get in the Ordinary Level or national examination after completing their education in high school. These results are given by official exam bodies like the West African Examinations Council (WAEC), National Examinations Council (NECO), or National Business and Technical Examinations Board (NABTEB).
The results show how well a student did in each subject they studied, and the grades range from A1 to F9. The O-Level results are important because they show a student's readiness to progress to the next level of education and career choices.
How to calculate O-Level results in Nigeria?
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When students apply to the Nigerian universities, they look at more than just one exam. A specific calculation determines the final O-Level score and award points. Below is a breakdown of how to calculate O-Level results in Nigeria.
| Grade | Points |
| A1 | 6 |
| B2 | 5 |
| B3 | 4 |
| C4 | 3 |
| C5 | 2 |
| C6 | 1 |
| D7, E8, F9 | 0 |
Nigerian universities look at a student's five subjects with a credit pass (C6 and above) relevant to the course of study, not a single O-Level score. For example, a student applying for an Engineering course must have credit passes in English, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, and one other relevant science subject.
The number of credit passes and the required subjects are the key criteria for admission.
Can I combine O-Level results?
Nigerian students can combine O-Level results or use two different exam results or certificates from different examination sittings. This is done to fulfil the five credit passes minimum requirement and get into a university or polytechnic.
For example, say you took your WAEC exams and passed all subjects except Maths, where you got a D7. Instead of retaking all your subjects, you can sit for the NECO exam the next year and focus on getting a credit pass in Maths.
Once you pass, you can use your good grades from the first exam and your new Maths grade from the second to meet the admission requirements.
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Most institutions in Nigeria are fine with results combinations; the following are common combinations you can use.
- WAEC and NECO.
- WAEC from two different years.
- NECO from two different years.
- GCE with WAEC.
- GCE with NECO.
If you want to pursue a competitive course like Medicine, Law, or Engineering, some universities might require all your grades to be from a single exam sitting. It is therefore advisable to check with the university or polytechnic before applying. There are also rules to be followed when combining O-Level results, as follows:
- Students can only combine results from not more than two different exams.
- The name on both certificates must match.
- Students should use the same combined results on their JAMB registration and the institution's admission portal.
Is O-Level the same as WAEC in Nigeria?
O-Level and the WAEC are not the same, but are related. O-Level is a high school or secondary school completion examination or a high school diploma.
WAEC is the body that conducts one of the main O-Level exams in Nigeria and other West African countries, known as the WASSCE (West African Senior School Certificate Examination). Other examination bodies include the NECO, NABTEB, and private GCE exams.
What is an O-Level equivalent to?
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The Nigerian O-Level acquired through WAEC, NECO, and NABTEB is equivalent to the following completion certificates for secondary education in other countries.
- General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE) in the UK and other countries.
- International GCSE (IGCSE)
- Senior Secondary Certificate (SSC) in Nigeria.
- All India Senior School Certificate Examination (AISSCE) in India.
- High school diploma in the United States.
What are O-Levels in Nigeria?
O-Levels in Nigeria are the exam results that certify the completion of secondary school and qualify students for higher education. It was part of the British education system and is used interchangeably with exams like WASSCE and SSCE.
The O-Level result in Nigeria is a crucial milestone in the Nigerian secondary education system. It serves as a requirement for further education and career opportunities. Students can combine results from two exam sittings to attain the minimum grade requirement.
Legit.ng published an article about JAMB admission status. Nigerian students make applications to get into university or polytechnics through JAMB. The students must log into the JAMB portal to determine if their application was successful.
JAMB has developed a Central Admissions Processing System (CAPS) to provide services related to higher learning. Students can check their admission status through the JAMB CAPS portal. Find out how to check your JAMB CAPS admission status in this post.
Proofreading by Kola Muhammed, copy editor at Legit.ng.
Source: Legit.ng
