Academic Performance Prediction for Success Rate Improvement in Higher Institutions of Learning: An Application of Data Mining Classification Algorithms

Abstract

The abolition of pass grade for any degree course and the consequent change in cumulative grade point for any student to remain within an academic system at University level in Nigeria has led to withdrawal of many students. Thus, it becomes imperative for academic institutions managements to ensure that all necessary steps are taken to enable student graduate successfully. This study explores the usefulness of data mining in unravelling hidden knowledge in students’ academic record, particularly the students’ specific characteristics which managements or decision makers can leverage upon to ensure improvement in academic success rate of the students. In addition, the study provides a guide through which predicting algorithms can be used by senior academics to predict the performances of students in their respective classes. The conclusion of the study advocates for the use of data mining as decision making tool in academic institutions.