Enrollment and attrition rate of fashion and textiles students in selected technical Universities of Ghana

Abstract

This study investigated the enrollment and attrition rate of Fashion and Textiles students in selected Technical Universities of Ghana. The study employed the survey design and the mixed method approach. Questionnaire and an interview schedule were used in the data collection. Data were analysed using Factor analysis, Pearson Correlation, and Descriptive statistics. Findings from the study revealed that students had varied reasons for pursuing Fashion and Textiles in Technical University such as to improve quality of profession, to increase job opportunities etc. The study examined the number of admitted and graduated Fashion and Textiles students for three academic years. In addition, students identified the quality of education offered, the personal ambition to discover knowledge, and the availability and access to funding or financial support to aid in their training as influential factors in their decision to enroll on the programme. Nonetheless, the study established that insufficient financial aid/funding, inadequate academic support, false expectations of curriculum content, low academic performance, and the unsatisfactory students’ expectations of the Fashion and Textiles programme were the identified attrition factors. The study recommended that the Departmental Board within the Fashion and Textiles Departments of the various Technical Universities should consider modifying and improving the quality of their course content/curriculum by making it more practical, industry-centered rather than concentrating on most theory courses.