EDUCATION

Is Pass a Good Result in Polytechnic? 10 Career Guides for Students/Graduates with Pass Grades

One of the major challenges faced by polytechnic students or graduates with pass grades includes academic progression and employment opportunities. This raises concerns about whether a pass is a good result and whether there is hope or career opportunities for students with pass grades. In this post, we will provide you with tips on what to do as a student or graduate with a pass grade and how to elevate yourself among your peers.

Is Pass a Good Result in Polytechnic?

Yes, a pass grade is a good result; perhaps it is better than being withdrawn due to poor academic performance. Although a pass grade is considered the lowest, it is still a valid result because your performance in the classroom does not necessarily determine how well you will perform in life. Provided you can defend your result and are ready to elevate yourself, you can still achieve your goals with a pass grade.

What to Do as a Student with a Pass Grade:

1. Put in More Effort

Do not let your academic performance weigh you down. Instead, put in more effort while you are still a student. You can still graduate with a lower or even an upper credit if you work hard. My first CGPA was 2.42, a pass grade, but I later graduated with a lower credit (2.88). When I saw my first result, I was unhappy and challenged myself to work harder. The next semester, my CGPA increased to 2.62, and I finally graduated with a strong lower credit. Never give up; you can still improve your grades if you are determined and put in more effort.

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2. Avoid Carryovers

Carryovers significantly contribute to a poor CGPA. Ensure you avoid them at all costs. Attend your lectures regularly, complete assignments and practicals, purchase the necessary textbooks, and engage with other students in your department who can help if you are struggling academically. These steps can positively impact your academic performance.

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3. Pursue Your HND Program

If you graduate with a pass in your ND, pursue a Higher National Diploma (HND) and aim for higher grades. This strategy can help you upgrade your ND result. If you put in the effort, you could achieve at least a lower credit in your HND.

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4. Enroll in an HND Top-Up Conversion Program

For HND graduates with pass grades, enrolling in a top-up conversion program is an effective way to upgrade your HND result to a BSc degree. This program allows HND graduates to convert their HND qualification into a BSc, potentially earning a higher classification, such as a first-class or second-class degree. This not only helps avoid discrimination between HND and BSc qualifications but also enhances your career prospects by providing advanced knowledge in your field.

Many universities do not accept pass grades from HND results for master’s programs. Therefore, a top-up conversion program is an excellent option to bridge this gap.

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5. Consider a Postgraduate Diploma (PGD)

A Postgraduate Diploma (PGD) is an advanced qualification that ranks higher than both HND and BSc degrees. This program provides an opportunity for graduates with pass grades to upgrade their academic credentials and improve their employment prospects. A PGD is particularly beneficial for individuals aiming to upgrade for their PASS-HND results.

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6. Prepare for Life After School

Life after school can be challenging for polytechnic students with pass grades, particularly when seeking employment. Therefore, it is crucial to plan ahead. Acquire additional skills relevant to your field of study, as these can set you apart when applying for jobs. For instance, if you studied computer science and graduated with a pass, you might consider learning programming, UI/UX design, or software engineering to enhance your employability. Mastering these skills can make your academic performance less significant in the job market. If you are good at what you do, getting jobs will be easier, and your pass grade won’t be a barrier.

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7. Hunt for Jobs with Confidence

Do not give up on your career due to your academic performance. Apply for jobs confidently, even with a pass grade. Out of every ten companies you approach, at least one or two may invite you for an interview. Additionally, build a professional network, as connections can sometimes help you secure a job when your degree alone may not.

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8. Apply for Government Jobs

Many government agencies and paramilitary organizations, such as the army, police, and navy, accept applicants with pass grades. When these organizations are recruiting, do not hesitate to apply.

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9. Explore Remedial Programs

Some polytechnics in Nigeria offer remedial programs that provide students with the opportunity to improve their academic performance. These programs, typically lasting one semester or one academic session, allow students to retake lectures and exams to achieve higher grades. However, the availability of such programs is limited, as only a few polytechnics in Nigeria offer them occasionally.

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10. Choose Polytechnics That Accept Pass Grades for HND

Although some polytechnics do not accept pass grades for HND admission, many do. Examples include polytechnics in Nigeria that accepts pass for HND and some of them includes private polytechnic, Iree Poly, Esa Oke Poly, Ado poly, RUGIPO, kaduna polytechnic, Bida polytechnic, Fedpoly Kaura Namoda, Poly, Ibadan Poly, AOPE, TOPS, Kwara Poly, Offa Poly, Oko Poly, NASPOLY LAFIA, Federal polytechnic Nasarawa, Edo state polytechnic, Auchi polytechnic, Federal polytechnic Ekowe, Federal polytechnic Ayede, Federal polytechnic Idah,Niger state polytechnic, Kogi state polytechnic, Benue state polytechnic, plateau State polytechnic, Taraba state polytechnic and Akwa Ibom State polytechnic. Additionally, some private universities in Nigeria accept pass grades for direct entry admission. Therefore, a pass grade does not necessarily prevent you from pursuing your dreams and achieving your life goals.

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