A systematic review of students' support services provision in higher education (SSSPiHE) in sub-Saharan Africa

This study aimed to map the distribution of publications on student support services provision (SSSP) in higher educational institutions in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) through a systematic literature review approach. To meet its objective, the study investigated the methodological approaches, stakeholder involvement and strategies as well as challenges with SSSP discussed in related studies. The studies reviewed were based on 53 SSSP-related publications within a decade, from 2012 to 2022. Findings revealed that most articles related to student support services provision were published in 2016. Additionally, a majority of the studies (10) were from Nigeria, followed by Ghana (5) and Kenya (5). Most of the articles (21) focused on students' views about providing student support services in the SSA higher education delivery. Observably, ICT support services provision was the most extensively researched topic. Relatedly, to draw attention to the limitations in student support services provision, the need for more studies on other aspects of student support services besides ICT support services studies is reasonable. The review also showed that the enhancement of collaboration and coordination with corporate institutions, NGOs, and international organisations was the most frequently used strategy, while challenges with the provision and management of teaching and e-learning facilities were the most disturbing constraints to SSSP. We therefore suggest that SSA higher education authorities could explore innovative approaches to address challenges related to the provision of SSS, giving special attention to the management of teaching and e-learning facilities, and effective strategies for improving collaboration with stakeholder institutions, in the delivery of adequate student support services.