Background of the Study
Student retention remains a pivotal concern for tertiary institutions, with dropout rates posing significant challenges to academic progress and institutional reputation. At Kano University of Science and Technology, Wudil, the use of AI-based learning analytics has emerged as an innovative approach to predicting student retention. By analyzing patterns in student behavior, academic performance, and engagement metrics, AI-based systems can forecast which students are at risk of dropping out, thereby enabling timely interventions (Mustapha, 2023). These systems aggregate data from various sources, including attendance records, assignment submissions, and online learning interactions, to create predictive models that offer valuable insights into student success (Sani, 2024).
The application of AI in learning analytics is founded on the principle of proactive intervention. Early detection of potential dropouts allows educators to implement personalized support mechanisms, such as tutoring, counseling, or academic advising, tailored to the individual needs of students (Ibrahim, 2025). In the context of Kano University of Science and Technology, where resource allocation is critical, the predictive capabilities of AI-based analytics can lead to more efficient use of support services and ultimately improve student retention rates. Furthermore, the continuous evolution of AI methodologies has led to the development of increasingly sophisticated models that can adjust to changing educational environments and diverse student populations (Abubakar, 2023).
The integration of learning analytics into the university’s academic framework is also a response to the increasing digitization of education. As courses are delivered through online and blended learning modes, vast amounts of data are generated that can be harnessed to monitor student engagement and academic progress. The insights derived from these data are crucial for informing policy decisions, curriculum design, and student support initiatives (Yakubu, 2024). Despite the promise of these systems, challenges such as data quality, algorithm transparency, and privacy concerns persist, necessitating rigorous research into their effectiveness. This study, therefore, aims to evaluate the role of AI-based learning analytics in predicting student retention and to identify the factors that influence its accuracy and reliability.
Statement of the Problem
The implementation of AI-based learning analytics at Kano University of Science and Technology faces several obstacles that limit its effectiveness in predicting student retention. A primary challenge is the inconsistency in data quality and completeness across various sources. Inaccurate or incomplete data can undermine the predictive accuracy of AI models, leading to false positives or negatives in identifying at-risk students (Garba, 2023). Additionally, the integration of disparate data systems within the university remains a significant technical hurdle. The lack of a centralized data repository complicates the aggregation and analysis of data, thereby reducing the overall reliability of retention predictions (Adewale, 2024).
Another problem is the limited understanding among faculty and administrative staff regarding the interpretation and use of learning analytics. Without adequate training and support, the insights generated by AI systems may not be effectively translated into actionable interventions (Bello, 2025). There is also the issue of algorithmic transparency, where stakeholders express concerns over how predictive decisions are made and the potential for inherent biases in the models (Chinwe, 2023). Moreover, privacy and ethical considerations in the collection and analysis of student data remain a pressing issue, as the continuous monitoring of student activities could be perceived as invasive (Danjuma, 2024). These challenges underscore the need for a comprehensive evaluation of AI-based learning analytics to ensure that predictive models are both accurate and ethically sound.
This study seeks to systematically investigate these issues by analyzing the effectiveness of current AI-based systems in predicting student retention at Kano University of Science and Technology. By identifying the key factors that compromise the reliability of predictive models, the research aims to propose practical solutions that can enhance the use of learning analytics. Ultimately, addressing these problems is essential for improving student support services and reducing dropout rates, which are critical for the academic success and institutional stability of the university.
Objectives of the Study
Research Questions
Significance of the Study
This study is significant because it assesses the effectiveness of AI-based learning analytics in predicting student retention, providing a basis for improved intervention strategies at Kano University of Science and Technology. The insights garnered will guide the optimization of data systems, inform policy revisions, and enhance the ethical application of AI in higher education. By addressing technical and practical challenges, the research aims to contribute to reduced dropout rates and overall student success (Mustapha, 2023; Sani, 2024).
Scope and Limitations of the Study
This study is limited to the evaluation of AI-based learning analytics for predicting student retention at Kano University of Science and Technology, Wudil, focusing exclusively on data quality, system integration, and model accuracy.
Definitions of Terms
Predictive Model: A statistical technique using historical data to predict future outcomes.
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