Federal University Dutse Clarifies Grading System, Debunks "25% Pass Mark" Misinterpretation

The Management of the Federal University Dutse (FUD) has issued a press release to clarify its official grading system and debunk a viral memo that was misinterpreted to suggest the university's general pass mark is 25%.

The university strongly reiterated that its grading system adheres strictly to the regulations set by the National Universities Commission (NUC) and the NUC's Core Curriculum and Minimum Academic Standard (CCMAS).

FUD follows a standard NUC grading structure, making it clear that a 25% pass mark does not apply to regular coursework or exams:

Score Range Grade

70–100 A

60–69 B

50–59 C

45–49 D

40–44 E

0–39 F

The memo that went viral referred to a rare "25% concessional pass," which is a specific, last-resort measure applicable only under highly restricted circumstances. This is not a standard pass mark for routine courses.

The conditions for this concession are strict:

It applies to a student at the last semester of "spill 2" (the end of their residency period).

The student must have only one outstanding course remaining.

The student must have met all attendance requirements (75% attendance), written all tests/CAs, and the final examination.

The university Senate may then grant a pass on that single outstanding course if the student scores at least 25%.

If a student has more than one outstanding course at that final stage, they are automatically withdrawn from the university.

Management emphasized that this concessional pass is a common practice among Nigerian universities and does not lower FUD's established standards of academic excellence.

The press release concluded with a statement from the Acting Director of Public Affairs, Abdullahi Yahaya Bello, reiterating the university's commitment to maintaining its reputation for quality academic staff and high-achieving graduates locally and internationally.