Academic performance of students in other university courses after dropping out of pharmacy school

Abstract

Background: Students drop out of pharmacy school for reasons that are not fully explored and are then enrolled in other courses. The college achievement of these students in their new courses will be relevant to curriculum review. Aim: To determine the reasons for students’ drop out from pharmacy school and evaluate the academic competence of such students in their new undergraduate courses. Method: This was a cross-sectional study comprising 49 students who dropped out of the Faculty of Pharmacy, Obafemi Awolowo University. The study used descriptive and inferential statistics to explore perceived reasons for pharmacy students’ drop out and their performance in new courses. Result: The results showed that the major reasons for students’ drop out were excessive workload (Weighted Average [WA]=4.43/5.0), poor time management (WA=4.16/5.0) and inadequate learning facilities (WA=4.04/5.0). The students performed relatively better in their new courses. Conclusion: The study identified the reasons for pharmacy students’ drop out as excessive workload, poor time management among others. Pharmacy student who dropped out performed better academically in other university courses.