AN INVESTIGATION ON THE CAUSES AND EFFECT OF EXAMINATION MALPRACTICES AMONG UNIVERSITY STUDENTS

AN INVESTIGATION ON THE CAUSES AND EFFECT OF EXAMINATION MALPRACTICES AMONG UNIVERSITY STUDENTS

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1        Background of the Study

The worth and functionality of any educational system are determined by its ability to achieve educational goals. The examination method is making a difference in educational systems all over the world. If examination ethics is not promoted and implemented, the goals of national educational systems, as well as national growth, will become a mirage (Nwadiani, Imena, 2005). Exams are still the best tool for objectively assessing and evaluating what students have learned after a period of study. As a result, any activity that weakens exams jeopardizes the legitimacy and dependability of test results and certification. Unfortunately, secondary school examinations in Nigeria have devolved into a “current humiliation” (Nwadiani Imena, 2005). This is due to the widespread problem of test malpractice in the educational system. The Examination Malpractice Act (1999) defines examination malpractice as any act of omission or commission by a person who fraudulently secures any unfair advantage for himself or any other person in anticipation of, before, during, or after any examination in a manner that violates the rules and regulations to the point of undermining the validity, reliability, authenticity, and, ultimately, the integrity of the certificates issued. Examination malpractice has increased at an alarming rate in Nigeria over the last two decades. According to evidence, exam misconduct by students, professors, and parents is on the rise (Vanguard, 2005; Weekend Pointer, 2005; Daily Independent, 2004). Exam malpractice has become so common that there are almost no exams at all levels and outside of the classroom. There is no better type of sharp practice than another in the official educational system. Exam malpractice is not a new phenomenon, nor is it limited to Nigeria or Africa (Awanbor Ejiro, 2005), but the alarming rate of growth is a global concern. All stakeholders in the education system should be concerned about the alarming rate of increase in examination misconduct in Nigerian secondary schools. It has been widely observed that parents and teachers either directly or indirectly aid and abet test misconduct. Vanguard, 2005; Weekend Pointer, 2005; Daily Independent, 2004; Nigerian Tribune, 2009). Teachers encourage test cheating because they lack motivation to work but want to be praised for a job well done, whereas parents bribe their way through.

to ensure that their children receive undeserved outcomes (Alutu & Aluede, 2006). According to Omoluabi and Uzoka (quoted in Alutu & Aluede, 2006), Nigeria’s value system has completely collapsed, and both elders and children act morally amorally. This is why, despite its disastrous consequences for the nation’s social, political, and economic institutions, examination malpractice persists. According to Shonekan Akeem (1996), the causes of test misconduct in post-primary institutions can be traced back to a number of variables, including the following:

The significance of formal qualifications cannot be overstated.

The country’s educational institutions’ overemphasis on grades and certifications has created intense rivalry and pressure for academic brilliance in order to continue their studies or find employment. Work performance is given little to no weight.

The enormous pressures placed on applicants by their parents and society to achieve high grades and certificates has resulted in a slew of desperate actions aimed at obtaining good grades and certifications at any cost (Shonekan, 1996).

Poor study habits and a lack of preparation among students

Many students have extremely high social level styles for a variety of reasons. Some attribute it to their family history. According to others, it could be due to peer pressure. Instead of studying, these students spend a significant portion of their study time planning social events. Despite these flaws, these students do not have enough time to study or prepare for exams. Regardless of their situation, they will want to pass their exams with flying colors.

They will choose to cheat rather than study hard for it (Shonekan, 1996).

There is not enough infrastructure.

One of the most fundamental prerequisites for effective teaching and learning is the availability of infrastructure in our schools. When these conveniences are available, they boost student and instructor morale, resulting in a more conducive learning environment. In the vast majority of cases, these amenities are woefully inadequate. Some students feel compelled to perch on windows while classes are in session. Several schools are forced to run two shifts due to a lack of classroom space (Shonekan Akeem, 1996). The scientific schools are merely a collection of buildings devoid of science labs or equipment. How can students of this caliber cope?

with exams without engaging in examination malpractice?

Curriculum material is not covered.

One cause of examination malpractice in our secondary schools is a lack of coverage of syllabus material as a result of frequent teacher strikes and insufficient teacher creativity. The majority of the time, this is because instructors are underpaid. This leads to frequent strikes, which have an impact on students because when the strike is called off, the substance of the school curriculum is not adequately addressed. The lost time is not refunded. As a result, a substantial amount of work remains unfinished. Exam malpractice has been a significant issue in the Emure Local Government Area (Shonekan Akeem, 1996).

Students are terrified.

Fear is a reality that holds most of us back.

globally, according to Tsumba Amana (1997). Some applicants lack confidence in what they will write in the test because they are afraid of failing due to insufficient examination preparation or a lack of academic background. The students in question believe they have not prepared adequately and, in order to avoid taking risks, decide to enter the test hall with the prohibited materials.

The legal process used to punish criminals

The legal process of bringing someone to justice is lengthy and difficult. Tribunals have previously been established to try individuals who have been implicated in examination misconduct. Despite the fact that decrees have been issued to deal harshly with violators, nothing has been done so far. Tense investigations, in most cases, lose their grip over time.

Criminals are eventually released. The fifteen-year sentence is not an option (Shonekan Akeem, 1996).

There are few moral standards in today’s society.

The civilizations from which the students derive moral standards appear morally bankrupt and corrupt. While teens and adults engage in examination malpractice, they may discover similar malpractices in other areas of society and behavior, leading them to believe that everyone is involved in some sort of crime. According to Idoko (2005), candidates with poor moral judgment see nothing wrong with cheating. In light of these considerations, the researcher intends to investigate and provide an appropriate or realistic solution to the issue of examination misconduct (Shonekan Akeem, 1996).

1.2 Problem Identification

Exam malpractice appears to be widespread.

exacerbated by the widespread and despicable involvement of dishonest and self-serving instructors, school leaders, parents, and others involved in test administration (Ijaiya Aliu, 1998). Education stakeholders are concerned about the disease’s growing importance in the school system.

Exam misconduct is a blight on society that has wreaked havoc on our educational institutions. The consequences of societal vices such as Examination Malpractice have completely ruined Nigerian society now more than ever. Our educational system has been plagued by frequent student outbursts and aggressive approaches to dealing with issues that appear to harm not only students but any average Nigerian (Ijaiya Aliu, 1998). Students frequently regard this as a fashionable and up-to-date way of life in secondary school. As a

As a result, adolescents from our secondary schools are being targeted. As a result, one would expect young people to demand and jealously protect an effective educational system that will liberate the mind and nurture the intellect. They should also engage in healthy competitions in all fields of human endeavor, which will expose hidden talents. As a result, the Nigerian educational system must be safeguarded against vices like examination malpractice, which can undermine public trust in the institution. This issue calls into question our efforts to use education as a superior tool for fostering national development.

Exam malpractice is regarded as a heinous crime that must be eradicated and avoided in our educational institutions. What factors contribute to examination malpractice, and

Why is it so common in our secondary schools and by our testing bodies? As a result, the researchers intend to conduct an investigation into the causes and consequences of examination malpractice among university students.

1.3 The Study’s Purpose

The study’s overarching goal is to investigate the causes and consequences of examination malpractice among university students. The study’s specific goals are as follows:

i. To investigate the causes of exam malpractice among university students.

ii. Determine the impact of examination malpractice on the credibility of University students’ diplomas.

iii. To assess lecturers’ challenges in supervising University students’ examinations.

iv. To look into ways to reduce examination malpractice among university students.

1.4 Research Suggestions

The following questions have been prepared in advance.

the research

i. What factors contribute to examination malpractice among university students?

ii. How does examination malpractice affect the credibility of university students’ certificates?

iii. What are the difficulties that lecturers face when supervising university students’ examinations?

iv. How can examination malpractice be reduced among university students?

1.5 Importance of the Research

When completed, the findings of this research will assist the reader in understanding the factors that influence and propagate examination malpractice. As a result, it will be useful in combating examination malpractice in the following ways:

The researchers hope that this study will be useful to school principals by providing guidance on how to conduct examinations in their schools.

The research will help both students and teachers avoid engaging in examination malpractice in their schools. Because it will bring to light the ills of examination malpractice.

The study also aims to educate principals, teachers, invigilators, and supervisors about the new techniques used in examination malpractice in schools. So that they can put a stop to the threat.

The study will be helpful to WAEC, JAMB, and NECO in selecting competent invigilators and supervisors for their examinations.

The study will also be important to the academic community because it will add to the existing literature on exam malpractice.

1.6 The Study’s Scope

This study will look into the causes of examination malpractice at universities.

students. The research will also look into the impact of examination malpractice on the credibility of university students’ diplomas. The research will look into the difficulties that lecturers face when supervising university students’ exams. Finally, the research will look into ways to reduce examination malpractice among university students. As a result, this study will be limited to Ekiti State.

1.7 The study’s limitations

The researchers encountered minor constraints while conducting the study, as with any human endeavor. Inadequate funds tend to impede the researcher’s efficiency in sourcing relevant materials, literature, or information, as well as in the data collection process (internet, questionnaire, and interview), which is why the researcher chose a moderate sample size. Furthermore, the researcher will be involved in

This research should be combined with other academic work. As a result, the time spent researching will be reduced.

1.8 Definitions of terms

Examination malpractice: a deliberate violation of official examination rules intended to give a candidate an unfair advantage or disadvantage.