Volume 2,
Number 2,
1998
NIGERIAN JOURNAL OF
DEVELOPMENT ISSUES:
EDUCATION SOCIO,
POLITICAL AND
ECONOMIC
DEVELOPMENT
ISSN 1119-5061
Content
Some Teacher-Variables as Correlates of Students’
Achievement in Secondary School Biology
Dr. (Mrs.) J. B. Bilesanmi Awoderu.......................................1
Nigerian Teachers Savings Habits Towards Cooperative Thrift
and Credit Societies and Commercial Banks in Oyo Town
Adeagbo, J. O. .........................................................................16
Towards Effective Quality Control of Productive Schools
in Nigeria: A Management Function
Mr. Adeyinka Adeniji.........................................................24
Differential Effectiveness of Systematic Desensitization
and Rational Emotive Therapy in the Reduction of Test Anxiety
Dr (Mrs.) Elizabeth Omotunde Egbochuku...........................38
Total Communication as Prophylaxy of Aphasia In Schools
Dr. Moji Oyebola............................................................ 51
Vision of Educational Leaders: A Focus on School Quality
Dr. (Mrs.) A. N. Okorie...............................................… 60
Eradicating Examination Malpractices: A Macro-Theoretical
Framework Option
Yetunde Ijaiya PhD. .................................................... 72
Teaching Skills on Videotape: A Challenge to Teacher
Educators in Nigeria
Salawu I. O................................................................... 86
The Teacher Dropout Syndrome: Implications for Educational
Planning and Management
Dr. (Mrs.) C. C. Nwagwu.................................................98
Women Productivity and It's Contributions to Better
Lining Standard of the Rural Populace
Oshati, Titilola (Mrs.).................................................
111
An Account of the Development of Geography as A Discipline
in Nigeria
Akindele, K. I................................................................... 121
Women in Conservation and Other Development Activities in
Cameroon
Ayodele, I. A. ................................................................ 133
Public Funding of Higher Education in Nigeria and Problem of
Self-Reliance
Dr. M.O. Akintayo and Dr. D.A. Olaniyan...................... 139
Relationship Between Psychopathology and Vocational Interests
Among School-going Adolescents in Nigeria
Dr. Samuel. O. Salami......................................................... 158
Secret Cult: A Threat to Universities in Nigeria
Dr. R. O. A. Aluede........................................…
176
Performance Feedback on Continuous Assessment in Oyo State
Secondary Schools
J. O. Adewuyi...................................................................... 189
Students' industrial Work Experience Scheme Programmes
(siwes): In Higher Institution in Nigeria: Emerging Issues
and Problems
Mrs. Adefunke Olaniyan...............................................… 201
Students Attitude Towards the Teaching and Learning
of Economics in Secondary School System
Ayelari Titilola Esther (Mrs.)......................................…209
Attitude of Biology Teachers Toward Ecological Fieldwork In
Secondary Schools In Kontagora Town
Okhawere, Marylilian Chidiebere (Mrs.) ................... 221
The Impact of Some Demographic Variables on Job Performance
Among Pre-primary School Teachers In Niger State
Okhawere, Paulson Young Openimu.............................… 234
Alternative Means of Secondary School Educational Funding
in Nigeria
Ayeni Abioduu Olumide ...............................................… 245
A Content Analysis of the Relationship between Biology and
Mathematics Curricular at the Nigerian Senior Secondary
School level
Friday Ehikie Eloebhose............................................. 256
ERADICATING EXAMINATION
MALPRACTICES: A MACRO-THEORETICAL
FRAMEWORK OPTION
By
Yetuude Ijaiya Ph.D.
University of Ilorin
Department of Educational Management Ilorin.
Abstract
The need to find a more effective solution to the problem of
examination malpractices was the concern of this study. In finding
accurate solution to the problem, the causes need to be properly
identified. Though sanctions and punishment have been tried, the
continued massiveness suggests that they have not worked and there
is a need to obtain better insight into the problem within the wider
framework of the society. This study examined the remote causes to
the problem. Based on the perceptions of 81 teachers and 219
students, the sample of the study, findings showed that remote causes
like teachers' low morale, moral decadence in the society and
economic depression top the list of rankings by both groups. It was
suggested that improvement of the nation's economy backed by good
management and the right political will can ensure adequate
Nigerian Journal of Devt Issues Vol. 2, No. 2, 1998
73
funding of education which can ensure adequate funding of education
which can in turn raise the level of motivation and morality in the
school and society.
Introduction
There is very little doubt if any that the intransigence of examination
malpractices has become worrisome in Nigeria not just to the
examining bodies like West Africa Examination Council (W.A.E.C.)
and Joint Admission Matriculation Board (J.A.M.B) but also to the
Government and concerned citizens. (Oyekanmi, 1998)
Education is far too important for personal and national
development to be toyed with. Examination malpractices make
nonsense of our educational system and the huge investment
committed to it annually, They tarnish the image of the nation and
constitute a disservice to the majority of serious students.
Several studies have been devoted to the problem with a view
to identifying the causes, the styles and to prefer solutions to
examination malpractices. Evidence from such studies have listed,
among others, ill-preparedness for examination leading to lack of
confidence by the students, poor facilities especially sitting
arrangement in examination hails, low morality, etc. as causes of
examination malpractices in Nigerian Institutions
Nigerian Journal of Devt Issues Vol. 2, No. 2, 1998
74
(Ugwuegbu, 1975; Aliyu and Adeloye, 1991; Omotosho, 1990;
Olasehinde, 1993). The styles adopted are equally diverse. Olasehinde
(1993) listed twenty (e.g. giraffing, "Lateral Connection", etc).
On the solutions to he problem Adekale (1993) and
Olasehinde (1993) suggested improvement on the seating
arrangement with wider .pace for examinations and greater emphasis
on continuous assessment in schools, improved preparation and
supervision of examination, on-the-job-evaluation of lecturers for
effectiveness etc. These causes and remedies however may just be
symptoms of more deep-rooted problems which when solved may
clear the symptoms. For example, factors like inadequate facilities,
poor invigilation etc. are signs of under-funding, and uncontended
staff, which are also caused by economic depression and lack of
political will to address education problems adequately.
The Macro-theoretical Framework
The intransigence of examination malpractices can be fully
understood when placed within the context of the educational crisis
that now engulfs the education system which is inturn part and parcel
of the socio-economics as well as political problems of Nigeria as a
nation. As Tahir, Umar and Junaid (1991) postulated, such
educational crisis can only be adequately explained when viewed
within the "Macro-theoretical framework which does not view the
educational system as independent of the politics and economics of
the wider society", according to them it is "the failure and inability of
the educational system to effectively meet the needs and expectations
of the society" that create educational crisis. These needs they listed
as training in basic skills of literary and numeracy, as well as
manpower in all fields of art, science and technology, inculcation of
appropriate values and attitudes and the transmission of the nation's
cultural heritage.
Nigerian Journal of Devt Issues Vol. 2, No. 2, 1998
75
When all these are done, the products of schooling should be
able to ft Ad within the wider society job opportunities, job
satisfaction, motivation, adequate remuneration for job done,
conducive living standard for himself or herself and the family etc. so
that life will be worth living. When all these fail especially on such a
magnitude as is the case in Nigeria now, the consequences are bound
to be felt in schools. The educational crises that have plaqued the
nation are many. They include conflicts in the management and
control of primary, secondary and higher institutions, crisis in the
financing of education due to the down-turn in the nation's economy,
mismanagement, poor facilities at all levels, population explosion etc.
(Adeyinka, 1993).
The Problem
In looking at the causes of problem, it is possible in most cases to
identify both immediate and remote causes. Sometimes the latter
might be more poignat than the former although immediate causes are
usually more visible. In the case of examination malpractices in
Nigeria, the literature has identified both societial influence as well as
personal and institutional factors. However much emphasis is placed
on the latter i.e. personal and institutional factor (Aliyu and Adeloye,
1991; Olasehinde, 1993). To Aliyu and Adeloye (1991) cheating
during examinations is a "three -sided enigma emanating from
"students" individual deficiencies" porous examining system" and
poor teaching. While such immediate causes are valid and must be
rectified, those factors which encourage the temptation to participate
in the crime should be explored and ameliorated. If punishment an
dsanctions have failed, it is because the pay-offs are still too strong.
The intrasigence of the problem necessitates the need to explore
further insigh into the root causes which is the main purpose of this
study.
Nigerian Journal of Devt Issues Vol. 2, No. 2, 1998
76
Null Hypotheses (Ho)
1.
Teachers and students will not be significantly different but
in their ranking of selected remote causes of examination
malpractices.
2.
There will be no correlation in the rankings by teachers and
students of the selected remote and immediate causes of
examination malpractices.
3.
There will be no correlation in the rankings of students and
teachers of the possible solutions to examination
malpractices.
Method
The Sample
The study sample consisted of one hundred and forty-eight (148)
secondary school students, seventy-one (71) undergraduates, and
eighty-one(81) teachers selected from Kwara and Oyo States by
random sampling (N = 300).
The Instrument
A researcher-made questionnaire was the instrument used for the
study. It consisted of four sections: the first section demanded for the
status and institution of the respondent; the second provided a list of
remote causes which they were to rank in order of importance as a
cause of examination malpractices; the third then presented both
immediate and remote causes selected based on the literature for
ranking by the respondents. The last section gave a list of possible
solutions both immediate and long-term, for ranking again by the
respondent. The data obtained were analysed by using Spearman rho
(r)
77
Nigerian Journal of Devt Issues Vol. 2, No. 2, 1998
Results
Ho. 1: Teachers and students will not be significantly different in
their ranking of selected remote causes of examination malpractices.
Table l: Rank order of selected remote causes of examination
malpractices by teachers and students.
(n=81)
(n=2l9)
d = x-y
d2
Teachers Students
X
Y
3
4
-1
1
1
2
-1
1
2
1
1
1
4. Lack of job opportunities.
7
6
1
1
5. Poor parental guidiance.
4
7
-3
9
6. All you need to get a job is any
6
3
3
9
5
5
0
0
8
8
0
0
9
9
0
0
d2 =
22
1. Teachers' low morale due lo poor
salary
2. Moral decadence in the society
(i.e. adults also cheat).
3. Economic depression (Poor standard of Living).
certificate and the right connection.
7. Societye prefers wealth to
education
8. Government is not serious about
eradicating malpractices.
9. Desire to be important in the
society.
r = 0.725
78
Nigerian Journal of Devt Issues Vol. 2, No. 2, 1998
As the results in. table 1 indicates, a high positive correlation
was found r the ranking of teachers and students of selected remote
causes of examination malpractices (r = 0.73). This suggests that the
two groups have similar opinions in their consideration of these
causes.
Ho. 2: There will be no correlation in the rankings by teachers and
student of the selected remote and immediate cause of
examination malpractices.
Table 2:
Ranking of immediate and remote of examination
malpractices by teachers and students.
(n=81)
(n=219)
Teachers Students
*1. Teachers' low morale due to poor
d = x-y
d2
X
Y
1
1
0
0
3
2
1
1
4
3
1
1
salary
*2. Moral decadence in the society
(i.e. adults also do it).
3.
Poor and inadequate school
facilities (over crowded classroom).
4.
Poor invigilation.
8
7
1
1
5.
Teachers cooperate with culprits.
20
18
2
4
2
4
-2
4
6
5
1
1
*8. Poor parental guidiance.
9
8
1
1
9.
Feeling of inadequacy to pass.
10
10
1
0
10. Inadequate preparation for exami-
19
11
8
64
*6. Economic depression (poor standard of living).
*7. Society prefers wealth to
education.
nation
79
Nigerian Journal of Devt Issues Vol. 2, No. 2, 1998
11.
*I2
13.
14.
*l5
16.
17.
*18
19.
20.
Desire to pass at all cost.
All you need to get a job is am
certificate and the right
connection
Opportunity to cheat presents
itself.
Difficult examination questions.
Government is not serious about
eradicating examination
malpractices.
Persistent failure on the part of
students.
Desire to be important in the
society
Unseriousness due to lack of job
opportunities. Others are doing
it, so I joined
Extra-mural centres cooperate.
* Remote factors
(n=81)
Teachers
X
14
6
(n=219)
Students
Y
N
6
15
d = x-y
d2
0
0
0
0
12
3
9
13
16
19
20
6
4
36
16
18
15
3
9
17
16
1
1
12
13
-l
1
11
5
17
9
2
4
-4
16
Σd2 =
22
r =0.0.581
A high positive correlation (0.58) was obtained in the ranking
of both immediate and remote causes of examination malpractices by
the teachers and students. 'Teachers' low morale due to poor salary'
tops the list of ranking by both groups. Second and third were 'moral
decadence in the society' and poor and inadequate facilities.
Ho. 3: There will be no correlation in the rankings of teachers and
students of the possible solutions to examination
malpractices.
80
Nigerian Journal of Devt Issues Vol. 2, No. 2, 1998
Table 3: Teachers' and Students ranking of possible remedies to
examination malpractices.
REMEDIES
(n=8 1 )
(n=219)
Teachers Students
*l.
Immediate revitalization of the economy
d = x-y
d2
X
Y
2
1
1
1
9
8
1
1
1
2
-1
1
for better living conditions.
2.
Better security for typing of question
question Papers.
*3.
Adequate remuneration of teachers
and WAEC officers for job satisfaction.
4.
Culprits should face tribunals.
3
4
-l
1
*5.
Serious steps to be taken to arrest
4
5
-1
1
5
3
2
4
moral decadence in the society.
6.
Improved facilities for
examinations.
7.
Improved teaching.
14
10
4
16
8.
Counselling of students.
10
11
-1
1
*9.
De-emphasise certificates.
11
12
-l
1
*10
Job creation especially for young
6
6
0
0
graduates.
11.
Political stability
13
13
0
0
12.
Adequate supply of teachers
7
7
0
0
13.
Eradicate nepotism in the society
8
9
-1
1
14.
Stiff punishment for erring
15
14
1
1
12
15
-3
9
Σd2 =
38
teachers
15.
Educate society on how to use
wealth for investment.
*Long term remedies
r = 0.83
Nigerian Journal of Devt Issues Vol. 2, No. 2, 1998
81
The result in Table .3 reveals a high positive correlation
(r=0.83) in the ranking of teachers and students of possible solutions
to examination malpractices in Nigeria. Topping the teachers' list is
adequate remuneration of teachers and W.A.E.C. officials while the
students ranked "immediate revitalization of the economy for better
living" first.
Discussion
The results in the three tables indicate emphasis on the
remote causes of examination malpractices. Table 2 presented both
immediate and remote causes and the ranking by both groups were in
favour of the latter. In other words, socio-economic factors in the
society were considered stronger than institutional factors regarded as
immediate factors.
These findings tend to suggest a link between living standard
and morality not just for teachers but also for the wider society. Some
studies have confirmed a link between teachers' moral, satisfaction
and job performance (Oyedeji, 1995). Though job satisfaction is
peculiar to individuals, there are some like unprincipled teachers and
W.A.E.C. officials who could partake in such crime because their
salary cannot satisfy their needs. In Nigeria, it is common knowledge
that teachers at all levels are bitter about their salaries. While
enhanced salaries do not automatically lead to improved productivity,
poorly paid workers are however known to be dissatisfied and to
display it through lower productivity. Poor incentives and inadequate
facilities were identified as stressors among Nigerian teachers (Alege,
1998).
Nigerian Journal of Devt Issues Vol. 2, No. 2, 1998
82
Also, teachers' poor condition and low morale arc bound to
affect their students' motivation. Students have demonstrated their
solidarity for their teachers by boycotting classes for non-payments of
their salaries. So also is the plight of their poor parents. How do
principals and teachers counsel their students to study hard and sound
convincing? What reasons will they give to support their counselling?
Is it job opportunities when they all know only few jobs are available
and mostly for the privileged? Or is it fat salary when they know that
this is not correct? Many students know that the richest people are
found among illiterate and semi-illiterate traders. A classical example
is the case of the three Eastern States, Imo, Enugu and Anambra,
where many boys are dropping out of school at an alarming rate in
favour of private business.
The result in Table 3 also suggested a total revitalization of
the economy to raise the standard of living in the society as a more
effective solution to crimes such as examination malpractices.
Virtually all the identified causes whether remote or institutional are
dependent on the economy.
Conclusion
To conclude, the findings of this study appear consistent with
Tahir et al's (1991) postulation that the educational crisis in Nigeria
can be fully understood when viewed within the macro theoretical
framework of the crisis in the wider society. The findings showed that
examination malpractices as part of the educational crisis cannot be
diversed from the political and socio-economic crisis that is tearing
the nation into pieces. To find a lasting solution to the problem, the
authorities concerned must begin with a total reformation of the
economy and should put in place a serious programme to arrest the
trend of moral decadence in the society, a buoyant economy, backed
Nigerian Journal of Devt Issues Vol. 2, No. 2, 1998
83
by good management and the right political will can ensure adequate
funding of education at all levels, and can in turn help to solve many
of the institutional and personal conditions that make examination
malpractices intractable.
Nigerian Journal of Devt Issues Vol. 2, No. 2, 1998
84
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