Attracting Students in a Competitive Environment in Ghana: A Case Study of Faculty of Natural Resources and Environment, University for Development Studies.

Abstract

This study investigated the causes of dwindling student numbers in
Faculty of Natural Resources and Environment (FNRE) of the University
for Development Studies, Tamale, Ghana to appreciate factors that lead
to students selecting programmes. It recommends strategies to increase
enrolment in the Faculty. A total of 72 respondents from both diploma
and undergraduate students of the 2017/18 Academic Year interviewed.
The study revealed that students came from nine out of the ten regions in
Ghana with Ashanti Region recorded the highest number of
undergraduate students, 16, while Northern Region recorded 11 diploma
students as the highest. Most respondents prefer personal visits than
social media, they select programmes based on job prospects and receive
information about their programmes from their relatives. Prospective
students want more information about the programme they desire to offer.
Hence, they make personal visits to their schools for effective interactions
to make informed decisions rather than social media can increase
enrolment in tertiary institutions. It is, therefore, recommended that staff
and Management of the University / Faculty should visit SHSs to orientate
students on the programmes, prospects and global significance of the
programmes offered. Distribution of flyers and regular advertisement
were recommended as some of the most effective means of propagating
the Faculty and its programmes. Institutions of higher learning must have
admission policy and strategies developed from the institutions’ strategic
plan