Evaluating Strategies for Reducing Student Attrition of Public and Private Universities in Sierra Leone

Abstract : The primary theme of the study is to evaluate strategies to reduce student attrition of public and private universities in Sierra Leone. The specific objective of the study was to identify the strategies to reduce student attrition in Sierra Leonean universities. This study examined Spady's Theory of Student Departure (1971) as a theoretical framework. A descriptive research design was employed. Data collection instruments included a structured questionnaire, a structured interview guide, campus observations, and a documentary review. The target population included 459 students. Data analysis involved frequencies and percentages, cross-tabulations, and correlation and regression analyses, using SPSS, Excel, and Organisation Network Analysis (ONA) data collection tools from 1 March 2025 to 30 September 2025. A five-point Likert scale (1932) was used during data analysis. The validity and reliability of the instruments were tested at other universities in Sierra Leone using Cronbach's Alpha, which yielded a coefficient of 0.86, indicating good validity; 5% of the questionnaires were pretested at other institutions. The key findings of the study include, among others, that the majority of respondents were enrolled in public universities, most were male students,70% of respondents are in self-employment, 85% are single, 66% consider student attrition a very significant issue in Sierra Leonean universities. The study would help the Government of Sierra Leone increase the grants-in-aid quota, fast-track undergraduate student loan schemes, and introduce stipends/allowances at universities. Future research should focus on all public and private universities, polytechnics, and Teachers Training Colleges in Sierra Leone.