Student participation in decision - making process at Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi

Abstract

Academic democracy as a tenet of University governance in African universities has generated a lot of concern and debates in recent years. The issue of student involvement in decision-making has manifested in these concerns and debates especially in sub-Saharan African countries. The study was undertaken to find out the level of student involvement in decision-making in tertiary institutions and the benefits it has for both students and university authority. The study was to determine those factors that prevent students from participating fully in decision-making at Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST). The target population was 21,000 persons and 150 formed the sample size. A descriptive survey was employed in the study. A written questionnaire was used to gather relevant data for the study. The data were analysed by using SPSS Software and summarised into percentages and frequency tables. Students have very little or no involvement in university decision-making except in the areas of hall administration, student welfare and student discipline. For example, fear of victimisation was found to be a factor that prevents students from participating in the decision-making processes in the university. Student participation in university governance has positive linkages to effective university management in areas where student participation takes place. It is therefore recommended that students and administrators should critically examine the existing governance structures at KNUST in a bid to identifying core places where student participation in decision-making would be very beneficial to the institution. The SRC needs to re-examine its functions and roles in the light of current global trends. Where necessary, changes should be instituted to improve student contribution to university decision-making.