1.0 Introduction
1.1 Background of Study
Corruption in Nigeria's education system has a long history, tracing back to the post-independence era when rapid expansion of educational institutions led to administrative inefficiencies and increased opportunities for corrupt practices (Adewale, 2021). Over the decades, the problem has persisted, affecting primary, secondary, and tertiary institutions, including Federal Polytechnic Nekede. As universities and polytechnics expanded, so did the incidences of bribery, examination malpractice, certificate forgery, and financial mismanagement (Okojie, 2022).
Federal Polytechnic Nekede, established to provide quality technical and vocational education, has not been immune to these challenges. According to Eze and Nwosu (2020), the institution, like many others, has witnessed cases of students engaging in academic dishonesty, lecturers demanding monetary or material favors in exchange for grades, and misallocation of school funds. These practices have led to a decline in academic standards, affecting both student learning outcomes and the institution's reputation (Eze and Nwosu, 2020).
Corruption is a pervasive issue that affects various sectors of society, including education. According to Transparency International (2023), Corruption remains a critical challenge in the Nigerian education sector, affecting the quality of learning, academic integrity, and institutional credibility. Corruption is the misuse of entrusted power for personal or institutional gain, which in the context of education includes bribery, favoritism, nepotism, examination malpractice, and financial mismanagement. Corruption is defined as "the abuse of entrusted power for private gain." In educational institutions, corrupt practices manifest in various forms such as bribery, examination malpractice, extortion, favoritism, and misallocation of resources, all of which negatively impact students' academic performance (Transparency International, 2023).
Federal Polytechnic Nekede, a prominent institution in Nigeria, is not immune to the negative effects of corruption. Various studies, including that of Adewale and Yusuf (2021), accent that corrupt practices within tertiary institutions contribute to declining academic standards, reduced student motivation, and a lack of meritocracy in grading and assessment. For instance, instances where students pay bribes for grades or where lecturers engage in favoritism compromise the integrity of academic performance. Furthermore, funds meant for educational development may be diverted, leading to inadequate facilities, poor learning environments, and a lack of necessary instructional materials (Okojie, 2022).
The prevalence of these corrupt activities not only affects students' academic performance but also has long-term consequences for national development. Adegoke (2020) argues that when institutions prioritize corrupt gains over academic excellence, the workforce is filled with incompetent graduates who lack the necessary skills and knowledge to contribute effectively to economic and technological advancement. Consequently, this creates a cycle of mediocrity, unemployment, and underdevelopment in the country (Adegoke, 2020). Federal Polytechnic Nekede, like many higher institutions in Nigeria, faces challenges related to corrupt practices, which can hinder students' ability to achieve their full academic potential. When lecturers demand bribes for grades or students engage in examination malpractice, the value of education is undermined, leading to graduates who lack the necessary knowledge and skills for the workforce. Studies, such as those conducted by Adewale and Yusuf (2021), indicate that corruption in tertiary institutions contributes to a decline in educational standards, poor student motivation, and a culture of dishonesty. Therefore, this study examines the effect of corrupt practices on the academic performance of students at Federal Polytechnic Nekede.
1.2 Statement of Problems
Investigation revealed that corruption is one of the major obstacles to quality education in Nigeria, affecting students, lecturers, and institutional management. At Federal Polytechnic Nekede, corrupt practices such as bribery for grades, favoritism, examination malpractice, and misappropriation of funds have become concerns that undermine academic integrity and performance. Transparency International (2023) defines corruption as the abuse of entrusted power for personal gain, and within educational institutions, this translates to unethical behaviors that distort learning and reward dishonesty over merit.
Additionally, students who are exposed to corrupt academic environments struggle to develop the knowledge and skills needed for success. When lecturers demand bribes for grades, students may feel discouraged from studying diligently, knowing that performance is influenced by financial transactions rather than academic effort (Adewale & Yusuf, 2021).
Furthermore, the financial mismanagement of institutional funds is another issue that affects students' academic experiences. Funds meant for infrastructure, library resources, and laboratory equipment are sometimes diverted, leading to inadequate learning facilities (Okojie, 2022). A poorly equipped academic environment reduces the quality of education, leaving students without the necessary tools to perform well in their studies. Beyond its immediate impact on students, corruption affects the credibility of the institution. Employers may begin to question the reliability of certificates issued by Federal Polytechnic Nekede if reports of corruption continue to surface (Chukwu, 2021). It is against the backdrop that this study seeks to address these problems by examining how these corrupt practices influence academic performance and explore ways to promote accountability and integrity in the institution.
1.3 Aim and Objectives of Study
The aim of this study is to examine the effect of corrupt practices on the academic performance of students at Federal Polytechnic Nekede.
The specific objectives of the study are:
- To identify the common forms of corrupt practices affecting academic performance at Federal Polytechnic Nekede.
- To examine how bribery, favoritism, and examination malpractice influence students' academic achievements.
- To assess the impact of institutional financial mismanagement on the quality of education and student performance.
- To investigate students' and lecturers' perceptions of corruption and its consequences on learning.
- To explore strategies that can help reduce corrupt practices and promote academic integrity within the institution.
1.4 Research Questions
Based on the objectives of the study, the following research questions are formulated:
- What are the common forms of corrupt practices affecting academic performance at Federal Polytechnic Nekede?
- How does bribery, favoritism, and examination malpractice influence students' academic achievements?
- What is the impact of institutional financial mismanagement on the quality of education and student performance?
- How do students and lecturers perceive corruption and its consequences on learning?
- What strategies can be implemented to reduce corrupt practices and promote academic integrity within the institution?
1.5 Research Hypothesis
Based on the stated objectives, the research study formulates the following hypotheses:
- H01: There is no significant relationship between corrupt practices and the academic performance of students at Federal Polytechnic Nekede
- H02: Institutional financial mismanagement significantly impacts the quality of education and student performance
1.6 Significance of Study
The outcome of this research will provide valuable insights into how corrupt practices affect the academic performance of students at Federal Polytechnic Nekede. Also, the findings will raise awareness among students about the importance of academic integrity and ethical conduct in education.
Additionally, this study will contribute to the existing body of knowledge on corruption in Nigerian higher institutions, providing a foundation for future research on strategies to promote academic excellence and institutional integrity.
Furthermore, lecturers and academic staff will gain a deeper understanding of how corrupt practices undermine the quality of education and will be encouraged to adopt more transparent and merit-based evaluation systems. It will also serve as a call for institutional reforms that promote fairness and accountability in academic assessments.
1.7 Scope of Study
This study focuses on examining the effect of corrupt practices on the academic performance of students at Federal Polytechnic Nekede, Imo State, Nigeria. It will explore various forms of corruption, including bribery, favoritism, examination malpractice, and financial mismanagement within the institution.
The study will specifically target students, lecturers, and administrative staff at Federal Polytechnic Nekede to understand their perceptions and experiences regarding corruption in the academic environment.
1.8 Limitations of the Study
This study was limited by several factors that affected the scope and depth of the research.
- One of the primary limitations was the reluctance of some students and lecturers to provide honest responses due to fear of victimization or repercussions. Since corruption is a sensitive topic, some participants were hesitant to disclose their experiences, which may have affected the accuracy of the findings.
- Another limitation was the restricted focus on Federal Polytechnic Nekede, which meant that the findings might not fully represent the situation in other tertiary institutions in Nigeria. Although the study provided valuable insights, corruption issues may vary across different institutions, making generalization difficult.
- Time constraints were also a challenge, as the research was conducted within a specific academic session. Additionally, access to official records and data on financial mismanagement was restricted, making it difficult to obtain a comprehensive assessment of institutional corruption.
1.9 Definition of Terms
Corrupt Practices:
Corrupt practices refer to dishonest or unethical behaviors by individuals in positions of power for personal gain. In an academic setting, this includes bribery, favoritism, examination malpractice, and financial mismanagement, all of which undermine the integrity of education (Transparency International, 2023).
Bribery:
Bribery is the act of offering, giving, receiving, or soliciting something of value to influence the actions of an individual in a position of authority. In higher institutions, this occurs when students pay lecturers for grades or when administrative staff demand money for services that should be free (Adewale & Yusuf, 2021).
Examination Malpractice:
Examination malpractice involves any form of cheating or unethical behavior during assessments to gain an unfair advantage. This includes impersonation, smuggling of answer scripts, and collusion between students and invigilators, which compromises academic standards (Okojie, 2022).
Academic Performance:
Academic performance refers to a student's ability to achieve educational goals as measured by grades, coursework, and examinations. It reflects the effectiveness of teaching and learning processes and is negatively affected by corrupt practices that promote dishonesty over merit (Chukwu, 2021).
Financial Mismanagement:
Financial mismanagement in educational institutions refers to the misuse or misallocation of funds meant for academic development, infrastructure, and student welfare. When funds are diverted or embezzled, it leads to poor learning conditions, which impact students' academic outcomes (Nwachukwu, 2020).
Favoritism:
Favoritism occurs when certain individuals receive preferential treatment based on relationships rather than merit. In educational institutions, this happens when lecturers unfairly grade students or when job placements and scholarships are awarded based on personal connections rather than academic excellence (Eze & Obi, 2019).
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