1.0 Introduction
1.1 Background of the Study
Every civilized society has its own values and norms and the aim of education is to inculcate these into their young ones. Such values include good character, integrity, honesty, hardwork, and respect for constituted authority, order etc. However, as society changes, these values are not only watered down but corrupt practices of sorts have permeated it and the educational sector is not spared.
According to Tanzi (1996), corrupt practices refer to acts of abuse of diverse forms whereby persons take advantage of their positions, to engage in illegal, dishonest, unwholesome acts while rendering services. It refers to those behaviour or actions that work towards breaking certain moral or social codes of conduct or administrative rules (Lawal, 2006).
It is no longer news that Nigeria is one of the most corrupt countries of the world but the most unfortunate consequence of this is that polytechnic system has not been spared from this corrupting influence since it is a part of the larger society (Eze, 2006). The Polytechnic is looked upon as the ivory Tower, the citadel of learning, producing men and women of integrity, worthy in character and learning.
Unfortunately, the greed, the quest for material possession and rising to the top through cutting corners plaguing the larger society have crept in slowly to this center of dignity. Odunaya & Olujunwon (2010) emphasized that the most the most disheartening of all these is that education is being perpetrated by all cadre of people involved in education sector, viz: the government, lecturers, parents and students.
Corruption in education manifests in different forms, like; examination malpractice, academic fraud, exploitation of students, certificate forgery, outright embezzlement of education funds etc. Due to corruption and unethical practices, the student's academic performance is going down the drain and the Polytechnic is now seen as producing half-baked graduates.
Ojo and Ofojebe (2008) pointed out that Corruption in education increases transaction costs, reduces the quality and efficiency of service, distort the decision making process, undermines social values and has enormity of effect on the output from the system in the area of productivity and the degree of acceptance in the labour market and educational institution, especially outside the country.
1.2 Statement of the Problem
Educational Institutions are industries where future leaders, workers, doctors, lawyers, politicians, teachers, thinkers, e.tc are produced. Corrupt practices are thwarting the noble roles of educational institutions. The effects of corruption on the educational system is too alarming, that instead of education being an agent of purifying the minds of the young ones to become useful members of the society, it is rather diverting their minds away from what education is intended.
The overall academic performance of students in the School of Business and Technology, Federal Polytechnic Nekede, has been adversely affected by corrupt practices in the education sector. It is therefore necessary to find out these effects and proffer solutions to this ugly phenomenon.
1.3 Purpose of the Study
The aim of this study was to find out the effects of corrupt practices on the academic performance of students in the School of Business and Management Technology, Federal Polytechnic Nekede, Owerri.
Specifically, the study sought to:
- Identify the effects of examination malpractice on the academic performance of Federal Polytechnic Nekede students.
- Ascertain the effects of financial corruption on the academic performance of Federal Polytechnic Nekede students.
- Identify the effects of academic fraud on the academic performance of Federal Polytechnic Nekede students.
- Ascertain the effects of certificate forgery on the academic performance of Federal Polytechnic Nekede students.
1.4 Research Questions
In carrying out this research, the following questions were raised so as to form a guide for the study.
- What are the effects of Examination malpractice on the academic performance of Federal Polytechnic Nekede students?
- What are the effects of financial corruption on the academic performance of Federal polytechnic Nekede students?
- What are the effects of academic fraud on the academic performance of Federal Polytechnic Nekede students?
- What are the effects of certificate forgery on the academic performance of Federal Polytechnic Nekede students?
1.5 Significance of the Study
The study is significant in that it is hoped to expose to the ministry of education, the corrupt practices in the education sector and its effects on the academic performance of students.
The Polytechnic community will benefit from the study as it will bring to the notice of the management the corrupt practices prevalent in the institution and prompt the management to put a stop to it.
The students will also benefit from the study as it will aid in tackling the corrupt practices in the institution that has been adversely affecting their academic performance.
1.6 Scope of the Study
The study is limited to the effects of corrupt practices on the academic performance of students in the School of Business and management Technology, Federal polytechnic Nekede, Owerri, Imo state.
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