The Academic Profile of Students Failing in the First Two Years of Medical School

The study was carried out to identify the characteristics of Medical Students who failed at 100 and 200 levels. The age, sex, 'O' level grades, University Matriculation Examination (UME) scores, Pre-Degree Science (PDS) scores, 100 level cumulative grade points average (CGPA), 200 level Physiology scores and Comprehensive Examination results of students admitted in 1999/2000 session were recorded. The results of those who passed the 100 level University Examination and the 200 level Comprehensive Examinations were compared with the results of the students that failed the examination. The results showed significantly poorer aggregate 'O' level grades, Pre-Degree scores and 100 level CGPA scores among students who failed in either 100 level or 200 level. However, the mean UME scores of students who failed were not significantly different from that of those who passed. On the basis of these findings, it is suggested that students 'O' level aggregates PDS scores and 100 level CGPA be considered in determining students eligible to proceed to the Medical programme proper in medical School.