Abstract
This study, which was guided by three research questions, used the qualitative method of a case study to explore the level of implementation of the academic probation policy in North-Western Nigeria, and how it impacted on academic performance of students. The population for this study included examination officers. The population is not intended to statistically represent a group on campus but is instead a group of individuals who shared a specific educational experience. Data was collected through interviews with Examination officers in the selected colleges and analyzed using the thematic data analysis technique. Findings of the study revealed that the colleges are implementing probation on students whose CGPA is less than 1:00 point in line with NCCE probation policy. It further revealed that the implementation of probation has positively impacted the probating students by making them work harder to remedy their deficiencies, improve their performances and subsequently pass their examinations to meet their graduation requirements. The study also found out that most of the probating students see probation as a punishment, a very difficult process, and an unpleasant situation. The study, therefore, recommended that Guidance and Counselling Units of colleges of education should always guide probating students on the importance of the policy for the improvement of their academic performances, and colleges of education should always make sure that experienced and qualified lecturers handle students on probation.
Highlights
The constant withdrawals of students of tertiary institutions in Nigeria, especially in colleges of education as a result of poor performance informed the introduction of probation by National Commission for Colleges of Education (NCCE) in colleges of education in its minimum standard
A qualitative case study was performed in this research to explore the level of implementation of the academic probation policy in the area of study and how effective it is in enhancing the academic performance of students
This study used the qualitative method of a case study to explore the level of implementation of the academic probation policy in the area of study, but how effective it is in enhancing the academic performance of students
Summary
The constant withdrawals of students of tertiary institutions in Nigeria, especially in colleges of education as a result of poor performance informed the introduction of probation by National Commission for Colleges of Education (NCCE) in colleges of education in its minimum standard. Academic policies are introduced with the sole aim of ensuring and maintaining high academic standards in educational institutions. One of such policies is academic probation. Educational regulatory bodies are mostly saddled with the responsibility of setting up a minimum level or “cut-off” points for academic probation, but individual institutions can set up their “cut-off” points. Academic probation is a policy in which students are placed on academic probation if they fail to achieve the institution's basic academic standards. Institutions provide a number of student services to aid in institutional retention and student persistence to graduation; yet, limited study was conducted on academic policies and their impact on college student achievement [1]–[4]
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