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Reasons Why Many University Students Fail to Graduate

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Reasons Why Many University Students Fail to Graduate

University life holds the promise of knowledge, personal growth, and a brighter future, yet a significant number of students find themselves falling short of the ultimate goal – graduation.

The reasons why many university students fail to graduate are complex, and addressing this issue is crucial for both students and educational institutions.

In this article, we will delve into the multifaceted factors that contribute to this problem, shedding light on the challenges that hinder students’ academic journey and proposing potential solutions.

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Understanding these issues is the first step toward empowering students and enhancing their chances of successfully earning their degrees.

Many university students in Kenya fail to graduate as a result of numerous challenges, despite the ongoing controversy over fake degrees plaguing the political class.

ALSO READ: Why Students Fail in KCSE Exams: 5 Solutions to Address Failures

Some of these difficulties are attributed to students, while others are attributed to school administrators and lecturers.

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Here are the top five reasons why students fail to graduate from colleges and universities:

Missing marks

Finding missing grades in Kenyan universities has been dubbed a “extreme sport.” Missing marks have become a common occurrence in Kenyan universities in recent years.

It has been described as a threat in some cases, preventing many comrades from graduating.

This has primarily been attributed to lecturers who fail to submit students’ results on time, as well as the large number of students enrolled for a specific course.

Furthermore, the failure to submit students’ scores has been caused by school administrations’ failure to pay lecturers on time, as some are forced to withhold students’ results in order to be paid.

Exam Failure

Many students fail to graduate from campus due to poor performance in some units, similar to missing marks.

Despite the fact that universities have different grading systems, students must meet certain marks in order to pass their courses.

Failure to meet the minimum threshold necessitates supplementary exams for some students, while others are forced to redo the unit entirely at a cost.

Furthermore, the failure of units and projects causes students to stay longer in school, which may jeopardize their desire to continue their education.

According to Prof. Maurice Amutabi, many students working on research projects were spending more time in school because of their project supervisors.

He claimed that Kenyan universities were producing fewer graduates due to strained relationships between lecturers and students.

He says students are spending far too much time in the system, far longer than is necessary, for reasons caused by supervisors.  

Some supervisors exhibit a harsh and self-centered attitude, and they retaliate against their own students when questioned or when asked for assistance.

He emphasized that the issue of supervisor misconduct is a reality in African universities, and if these institutions aim to fulfill their academic goals in graduate training, it is imperative to shield students from such behavior.

Deferring studies/ Discontinuation

Some students do not graduate because they postpone their courses due to personal reasons such as illness, pregnancy, or career demands.

Students may take longer than the intended break and face difficulties returning to school because they must start over with a new group of students.

Universities, on the other hand, may terminate the academic careers of some students due to poor performance in class.

Poor results in some courses, such as medicine and engineering, result in students’ automatic dismissal.

Students then have the choice to attend another institution to finish the course or opt for an entirely different course.

However, students should pick courses that align with their aptitude and academic capabilities.

Fee Arrears and Financial Challenges

Finances play a pivotal role in a student’s academic journey. The cost of tuition fees, textbooks, and living expenses can be overwhelming. For many, student loan debt becomes a heavy burden, leading to financial stress that hampers their academic progress.

Scholarships, grants, part-time work opportunities, and financial literacy programs are vital solutions to alleviate this burden and help students stay on the path to graduation.

With Kenyans’ current economic burden, paying fees can be a difficult task for many parents and students, particularly self-sponsored students. This is due to the fact that they pay more than their government-sponsored counterparts.

While some institutions allow students to take exams with outstanding balances, all students must pay their fees before graduating and receiving their certificates.

Unrest/Suspension/Expulsion

Student strikes also play a significant role in students failing to graduate.

Most students in universities known for their frequent incidents of unrest spend more time in school because they stay at home after strikes, depending on the extent of the damage.

Furthermore, the university imposes certain requirements on students, including the clearance of fee balances and damage fees. These requirements put students with substantial outstanding fees at a disadvantage.

ALSO READ: Ministry of Education Bans Pre-Exam University Application for KCSE Candidates

The administration takes disciplinary action against students who are responsible for such disruptions, which may include suspension or expulsion.

Lack of Academic Preparedness / Lack of Clear Educational Goals

The journey through higher education often begins with high hopes, but for some, the transition from secondary school to university can be a daunting one. Many students enter university without the necessary academic skills, leaving them ill-prepared for the rigors of higher education.

The absence of foundational knowledge and critical skills in areas like mathematics, language, and problem-solving can significantly impede their ability to succeed. Addressing this academic gap and providing support for students who lack the essential prerequisites is crucial.

Not all students enter university with a clear career path or academic goals in mind. Some may be uncertain about their future direction, which can lead to a lack of motivation and a sense of aimlessness.

Career counseling and academic advising services can guide students in finding their academic and career paths. Stories of successful individuals who initially faced setbacks can inspire students to persevere and discover their own paths.

Personal and Mental Health Issues

University life can be demanding, both academically and socially. The prevalence of mental health challenges among students, including anxiety, depression, and stress, is a significant factor in academic setbacks.

It’s imperative that universities recognize the importance of mental health support services and provide accessible resources to address the emotional well-being of their students.

Fostering a supportive and understanding environment is key to helping students overcome these obstacles.

Social and Peer Pressure

The social aspect of university life can be both enriching and distracting. Peer pressure, social expectations, and the desire to fit in can lead students astray from their academic goals.

Striking a balance between social life and academics is essential. It’s crucial for students to understand that they can enjoy a fulfilling social life while maintaining their focus on their studies.

Other noteworthy reasons include drug abuse, which has caused a number of students to lose focus on their studies and pursue interests other than academics.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the reasons why many university students fail to graduate are varied and often interconnected. Addressing these issues is a collective responsibility involving students, universities, policymakers, and society as a whole.

By recognizing and understanding the challenges that hinder students’ academic journeys, we can create an environment that fosters success and empowers students to reach their graduation goals. It is not just about ensuring the success of individual students but also about the positive impact on society when more students successfully complete their university education.

Reasons Why Many University Students Fail to Graduate

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