Investigation Of Students’ Dropout In Public Higher Learning Institutions In Tanzania: A Case Of Undergraduate Students At The Universitry Of Dodoma

ABSTRACT 

This study aimed to find out factors influencing students‟ drop out in higher learning institutions and its emanating consequences. It employed a cross-sectional research design, in which mixed research approaches were employed. A sample of 91 respondents which comprised 6 heads of departments, 2 academic staff, 2 deputy deans of students, 75 continuing students, and 6 students who dropped out from studies. The study had three objectives: first to find out the factors influencing students‟ dropout from studies, second to examine the consequences of students‟ dropout from studies and third to explore the strategies on reducing dropout rate of students. The findings of the study revealed that students‟ drop out from the university is attributed to factors related to social, economic, incompetence in academic matters and poor discipline among the students, lack of confidence, family separation, unemployment, perpetuation of poverty, and social evils. The study suggests that; when students join with higher education they should be thoroughly oriented with different programs of studies, the university should be directly involved in selection of students to join in, the university should strengthen guidance and counseling unit and quality assurance unit should do strict follow up of what is delivered to students. The study ends by recommending that university administration should; improve teaching and learning environment, lengthen English course for foreign students, establish a unit to deal with foreign students‟ matters, recruit professional counselors, and ensure academic staff undergo professional teaching training. vi TABLE OF CONTENTS CERTIFICATION.....................................................