The Influence Of Examination Malpractice On The Measurement Of Students' Ability In Nigerian Universities
Keywords:
Nigeria, measurement of ability, examination malpractice, EducationAbstract
The purpose of this work was to assess the influence of examination malpractices
on the measurement of students’ ability in Nigerian universities. The design of
this research was survey. A sample of 300 students and 100 lecturers randomly
selected from four universities in North Central Nigeria was used in this study.
The instrument for data collection was a structured questionnaire developed by
the researcher. It was affirmed that examination malpractice is caused by undue
emphasis on paper qualification, fear of failure and inadequate preparation among
other factors. The results also indicated that the major types of examination
malpractice being perpetuated in Nigerian universities are bringing in foreign
materials, collusion by students to cheat in examination and continuous assessment
malpractice by lecturers. It was revealed that examination malpractice could
lead to lack of confidence in our educational products, results in half-baked
graduates, discouragement of hardwork and reduces the standard of education.
The study maintains that the calamity of examination malpractice is not just the
havoc it is wrecking in the educational system but the gradual indoctrination of
youths into the culture of fraud. It therefore recommends that laws on examination
malpractice should be implemented and that guidance and counseling services
should be adequately provided in universities to minimize the incidence of
examination malpractice.
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