Effects of students’ absenteeism on their academic performance of undergraduate students: a case study of School of Statistics and Planning at Makerere University

Abstract

Student absenteeism in lectures has been a serious problem in Makerere University over the years and has created a great concern with its relation to the academic performance of students therefore this study aims at finding out the effects of student's absenteeism on the academic performance of undergraduate students at the School of Statistics and Planning in Makerere University. The study employed a cross-sectional research design utilizing a stratified systematic sampling technique. Data were collected by the use of questionnaires that were administered to 107 third-year undergraduate students at the school of statistics and planning. The data retrieved were subjected to univariate, bivariate, and multivariate analysis with the aid of SPSS. Findings revealed that place of residence, lecture attendance, work while studying, math background, prior knowledge were the 5 significant factors that influence academic performance. By determining how these factors affect students’ academic performance, this current study will help students to attend more lectures and avoid factors that would affect their academics. The study recommended that students must attend lectures always, stop working while studying to improve their academic performance. Also, lecturers should adopt new strategies by registering attendance on a daily basis and setting strict rules to reduce student absenteeism