Students’ satisfaction with academic services offered by private universities in Tanzania

The purpose of this study was to find out the level of students’ satisfaction with academic services offered by Private Universities (PRUs) in Tanzania, with specific focus on: level of students’ satisfaction with academic services. The study was conducted in six PRUs from both Tanzania Mainland and Island. A total sample of 306 respondents was involved. A descriptive survey design was employed to obtain largely quantitative data supplemented by qualitative elements. Collection of field data was done using; interviews, questionnaires, observations and documentary review. Quantitative data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS. v17) while Qualitative data were subjected to Content Analysis. The findings revealed that, majority of the respondents were not satisfied with the variables tested especially library services, internet services and availability of enough specious lecture halls just to name a few. However, students were satisfied with availability of variety courses/options and staff approachability. It was concluded that, inadequate libraries services, limited size of lecture halls and inadequacy internet services are critical issues affecting students’ academic satisfaction to some PRUs which could also jeopardize the quality of education offered. It was recommended to TCU and NACTE to consider the issues of professionalism very seriously as the majority of academic staffs to some PRUs do not have the qualifications prescribed by these institutions. Also, efforts should be done to equip PRUs’ libraries with enough current books so that students can easily supplement what they learn in class. The study suggested further research to be done on the other side of academic teaching staff as they might as well not be satisfied with their jobs, and thus affecting academic services. Also, there is a need to conduct the same study in Public Universities so as find a correlation between these sectors.