By: Gorwe J. Waryoba
Grade Points Average
(GPA), is the average points grade acquired by a learner at a given time of
completion of a certain course of study: especially, in collages and
Universities. Where, there are different grading systems according to different
collages and / or Universities. For example, 4.4 – 5.0 GPA (70 - 100% Marks = A)
is termed as First class; 3.5 – 4.3 GPA (60 – 69% Marks = B+), is termed as the
Second Class Upper; 2.7 - 3.4 GPA (50 – 59% Marks = B), is termed as the Second
Class Lower, and 2.0 – 2.6 GPA (40 – 49% Marks = C), is termed as Pass (Third
Class): according to Tanzania grading system. However, SAUT grades differently
in terms of ‘marks’, whereby, the same GPA’s marks are graded as follow: 80 – 100%
= A, 70 – 79% = B+, 60 – 69% = B, and 50
– 59% = C.
The Ministry of
Education, Science and Vocational Training (MESVT), of Tanzania, through
Tanzania Commission for Universities (TCU): has currently put it clear, that
for one to join undergraduate degree, from a diploma level on any other
qualification; must have a minimum of 3.0 GPA. Thus, those who are under 3.0
GPA, will not excel their academic to the higher level (degree) in Tanzania.
When it comes to further
studies: different Universities have their criteria on the minimum
qualification of entry to certain degree programme. For example, in order to
pursue a certain master degree in the University of Dar es Salaam: one must have
a minimum of 3.5 GPA in his/her respective bachelor degree. Currently, in St.
Augustine University of Tanzania (SAUT), one has to be with a GPA of at least
2.7 in order to join a given master degree, and at least a GPA of 3.0 to join a
PhD as opposed to the previous criteria of 3.5 GPA. Hence, GPA counts.
Employments in
different institutions, such as Higher learning institutions: Colleges and
Universities needs and a certain minimum GPA qualification for one to be
employed in that institution. For example, most of them needs one to have 3.8
GPA 4.0 GPA and above. Thus, GPA counts in acquiring a job in these institutions.
When it comes to
leadership, and positions in the St. Augustine Universities of Tanzania
Students’ Organisation (SAUTSO); GPA counts. Since, one cannot compete or fill
on President’s position, and / or Members of Parliament (MP) from Second years
(or third years for those whose programme takes four years), and the Ministers
in respective ministries: if one does not have a minimum of 3.5 GPA. Thus, GPA
counts in here.
Still, there have been
rumours in the country, that the government will be employing only people with
the minimum qualification of 3.5 GPA starting this government year 2016/2017;
especially, in education sector: secondary schools. However, there is no
official announcement by the government of Tanzania.
However, some institutions
discourage hiring experts with high GPA like first class: since they say, that
those experts with highest GPA, are expensive, and proud of their qualification
rather than using their knowledge and skills for the company’s betterment. Thus,
they prefer workers whose GPA are at average level, as far as they are
concerned.
They argue that GPA doesn’t count when it comes to competence at
work. There are lot of graduates with high GPA whom have low performance in
their work. They are incapable of applying the knowledge their have acquired.
Mbiti (2007:5), argues that: “paper qualification without proper work attitudes
cannot yield much. Efficiency of work is a combination of both skills and
proper attitudes where employees are concerned”.
All in all, GPA matters
in many things and fields. Therefore, when you get an opportunity to study a
certain programme, in any level of education: try your best to acquire high
marks as much as you can, since GPA counts in many field, no matter what. It’s
my hope that everyone in the campus should do his or her best to earn a good
GPA in that respective programme. God bless you.
Contact:
http://gorwewm.blogspot.com
https://mytanzaniatoday.blogspo.com
