FACTORS INFLUENCING AND EFFECT OF EXAMINATION MALPRACTICES IN NIGERIA TERTIARY INSTITUTIONS

ABSTRACT

This research deals with the factors influencing and effect of examination malpractices in Nigeria tertiary Institutions. Federal Polytechnic Ilaro was used as a case study findings showed that the following factors were responsible for examination malpractices: Lack of preparedness, emotional stress, fear of failure , over emphasis in certificate by the society etc. appropriate recommendation were given such as enlightenment campaign that will highlight the consequences of examination malpractices. The Campaign should be mounted and sustained at all levels through the use of modern and traditional mass communication gadgets.

Fifty questionnaires were administered to a sample population among the students. Finally, the researcher assured the public that if these suggestions are been carried out the problem of examination malpractices will not only reduced but would be totally eradicated.

CHAPTER ONE

1.0              INTRODUCTION

1.1       BACKGROUND TO THE STUDY

The education system is the instrument in a society uses to equip all its people to lead productivity public lives and full personal lives according to their talent and interest. This system most be scum that gifted individual have full opportunity to develop their skills, it must give scope for the training of a leadership group and at the vocational abilities needed for the creation of a progressive and democratic society.

Educationalist may argue that this definition is not adequate. Examination can therefore be perceived in a broader sense. In this aspect, one can easily define examination as an assessment of students to ascertain to what extent they have benefited from the teachings of their teachers in a given subject.

The quality of education that we impact to our youth and priority at which we rate formation of the attitudes they carryover into public life. So what ever kind of seed we sow in the classroom, the manner in which we nature it and the strength which it imbibes in its various stages of growth will all determine the harvest that the nation will reap in the school, college and universities.

The imprints of the these institution learning will becomes indelible makes clearly visible in all field of national life be it a clerk in an office, a soldier school, a university professor, a bureaucratic running the administration in a seat of power. This great implicates of education on the national character is understandable once we recognize both the short terms  as well as long term power education wielder over all who go through its process. Historical evidence process that national were made or unmade so that entire empires collapsed or emerged due to the education, of various peoples of the world. Ancient Greece and Rome at the peak of their political glory were also the seats of learning and a source of intellectual guidance and inspiration for the entire known world, but when intellectual decadence struck, it at asked the very fabric of society and Greece and Rome were no more.

            Examination is the pivotal point around which the whole system of education revolves and the success or failure of the system of the examination is indeed an indicate of the success or failure of that particular system of education. It would be pertinent to examine the present system of examination with a view to determine as to whether it actually serves the purposes it purports to serves.

            Today, much effort is being channeled into checking fraud in condition examinations. It would be saying the obvious that examination malpractices is taking its tollon the quality of our education.

            According to Alute (2005), simply define examination as a process of measuring how much knowledge a students is an institutions of learning has acquired after exposing him/her to define courses of institution.

            According  to oxford English mini- dictionary malpractice simply mean wrong doing improper professional behaviours.

            The world bank group, 2001 sees examination malpractice as a deliberate act of wrong doing , contrary to official examination rules and is designed to place a candidate at an unfair advantage or disadvantage.

            Examination malpractice is any illegal act committed by a student single handedly or in collaboration with others like fellow students, parents, teachers, supervisors, invigilators printers and anybody or group of people before, during or after examination in order to obtain undeserved marks or grades.

            Examination malpractices is one of the academic dishonesty which has existed over the years, which is on the increase and it is dangerous.

            It is indeed frustrating and pathetic that the wave of examination malpractices continues to blow and spread like fire in the harmattan in Nigeria tertiary institutions without any controversy, examination malpractice is now full blown cancer in the tertiary institution of Nigeria .some authors explains the reason why students involve themselves in examination malpractice .

1.2              STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM

This project is interested in finding solution to the factor influencing and effect examination malpractices in Nigeria tertiary institutions, more specifically the project wants to find answers to the following:

1.                  what are the types of examination malpractices

2.                  what are the causes of examination malpractices

3.                  Doesn’t it have any effect on our education system

4.                  What are the ways in which the examination malpractices can be eradicated in our society

1.3              PURPOSE OF THE STUDY

This research is intend to uncover factors influencing and effect of examination malpractices in Nigeria tertiary institution of which federal Polytechnic Ilaro was used as a case study .The research also aimed at providing solution to the menace of examination malpractice

1.4              SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY

The researcher hopes that the result of this research will be benefit to school administrators, because the knowledge of probable reasons for examination malpractice will enable. Then determine ways to curbing such acts in the school. The findings will also assists guidance counselors to help students in their area of needs in order to discourage examination malpractices. It will also assist the teachers as well as the government in curbing examination malpractices.

1.5       RESEARCH QUESTIONS

In the research, the following are the question that research is seeking answers to

1.                  What are the factors that influence and effect examination malpractices

2.                  What are the effects of examination malpractices in tertiary institution

3.                  In what way can examination malpractices in tertiary institution be eradicated

4.                  What measures to control examination malpractices  among tertiary institution students

5.                  What group of people involve in examination malpractices.

1.6              SCOPE OF THE STUDY

This scope was limited to federal Polytechnic Ilaro Abeokuta alone because of the belief that what operates in the other institution in the country. Hence Federal Polytechnic Ilaro Abeokuta is used as a case study for the other Nigeria institution that having similar problems.

1.7       LIMITATION OF THE STUDY 

The study would be restricted only to the topic chosen because of the limited time available for the research to be conducted.

1.8       DEFINITION OF TERMS  

Malpractice is an illegal and unethical practices which is not approved by any decent society