Overstay of master of theology students at NEGST : possible factors and recommendations

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to bring to light the factors that are contributing to the overstay of M.Th students in the programme. Attempt was made to see whether the lecturers and the students agreed on the perceived factors contributing to the overstay. Based on the information gathered recommendations are made to the school and students on how the perceived factors could be minimized. In order to deal with this subject, three research questions were raised by the researcher and from these research questions ten hypotheses were developed. Data were collected by means of questionnaires from students who overstayed in the programme and lecturers who supervised them as first readers. Data were also collected from the school records. Findings of this study showed that lack of good planning by the school and students, lack of clear curriculum and lack of strict deadline by the school from the onset were the contributors to the overstay of M.Th Students. Findings also showed that both students and lecturers were not generally in agreement on the perceived factors thought to contribute to the overstay