CAUSES AND EFFECTS OF DROP-OUT RATES AMONG STUDENTS OFSA’ADUZUNGUR UNIVERSITY BAUCHI STATE, NIGERIA: (A CASE STUDY OF FACULTY OF ARTS AND EDUCATION STUDENTS).

This research examines the increasing dropout rates among students in the Faculty of Arts andEducation at Sa'adu Zungur University, with a focus on understanding the root causes, effects, and possible solutions. The study adopts a mixed-methods approach, integrating both quantitative and qualitative research methods. Surveys were administered to 96 respondents, while interviews and focus groups provided in-depth qualitative insights. These methods allowedfor a thorough exploration of the factors contributing to dropout rates and the impact on students, the institution, and the broader community. The findings indicate that the primary causes of student dropout are financial difficulties, academic challenges, personal and family issues, and institutional shortcomings. Financial hardship emerged as the most significant factor, with 78.1% of respondents identifying it as akey reason for leaving school. Academic challenges, such as poor performance and lack of academic support, followed closely, affecting over half of the respondents. Personal circumstances and institutional factors, including insufficient support services, were alsohighlighted as contributing factors. The consequences of student dropouts are far-reaching. For the students, dropping out leads tolimited employment prospects, reduced lifetime earnings, and diminished self-esteem. The university is also negatively affected by reduced funding, a tarnished reputation, and lower overall student retention rates. Furthermore, the broader community experiences a diminishedpool of educated professionals, which contributes to socio-economic challenges. To address the dropout problem, the study recommends a comprehensive approach that includesincreasing financial aid and scholarships for low-income students, enhancing academic support through tutoring, mentoring, and improved teaching quality, and expanding student services suchas counseling and mental health support. Strengthening student engagement through extracurricular activities and leadership opportunities, as well as improving institutional policiesto accommodate diverse student needs, were also proposed. Regular assessments of dropout trends and student feedback are suggested to ensure that the university adapts to emergingchallenges. The research concludes that by implementing targeted interventions in financial, academic, andinstitutional domains, Sa'adu Zungur University can significantly reduce dropout rates, improvestudent retention, and contribute positively to the nation’s educational and socio-economic development. The study also suggests further research into the long-term impact of dropouts onstudents’ career outcomes and the efficacy of specific interventions aimed at curbing dropout rates in Nigerian higher education.