PERCEPTION OF EXAMINATION MALPRACTICES AMONG STUDENTS IN SELECTED SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN ABEOKUTA NORTH LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA, OGUN STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

The focus of this study was to examined secondary school students’ perception of examination malpractice in Abeokuta North Local Government Area (LGA), Ogun State, Nigeria.  In order to achieve the set objectives of this study, a multistage sampling procedure was used to select one hundred (100) students from three randomly selected secondary schools in the LGA using a structured questionnaire to elicit information from the respondents about their knowledge in awareness and engagement, causes, factors and control measures of examination malpractices. Data obtained were analysed using descriptive (frequency counts, percentages and mean) and inferential (Chi-square) statistics. All (100.0%) of the sampled students were aware of examination malpractices, while half (50.0%) had engaged in examination malpractice before. All (100.0%) of the sampled students perceived that examination malpractice was caused by students’ academic laziness, fear of failure; corrupt invigilators (95.0%), congested sitting arrangements during examination (92.0%), lack of qualified and dedicated teachers (87.0%), and a quest for good results/certificates (85.0%) were other causes of examination malpractices perceived by the respondents. About (93.0%) perceived that examination malpractice has a negative effect on the educational system, (96.0%) suggested that examination malpractice could be controlled through safe keeping of examination questions and answer scripts; severe punishment of all parties involved in examination malpractice (90.0%). 78.0% mentioned reorientation of invigilators and (82.0%) mentioned teachers and adequate spacing of students during examinations. Based on the findings of this study, it was concluded that exam malpractice is common among secondary school students and it has negative effects on their academic performance. It is therefore recommended that the government and school authorities should constantly organize trainings, workshops and seminars for all stakeholders on the consequences of examination malpractices; anyone involved in any examination malpractice should be punished severely to serve as deterrent to others; over- population should be discouraged in schools to avoid congested sitting arrangements during examinations. The government should ensure regular payment of teachers’ salaries and other incentives promptly, to make teachers more comfortable economically.