Psycho-socio factors as correlates of examination malpractices among candidates in public examinations in Benue state

Abstract

The certificates obtained from public examining bodies West African Examination (WAEC) and National Examination Council (NECO) have important roles to play in Nigerian education sector. However, examination malpractice among candidates in public examinations (WAEC/NECO) is one of the serious impediments to quality of education in Nigeria because it affects the value and integrity of certificates issued by these public examining bodies. Federal Government of Nigeria and other stakeholders have made several attempts to curb this menace, but it continues to increase. The proliferation of this phenomenon seems to relate to psychological factors (anxiety and self concept) and social factors (emphasis on certificates, University admission policies and students' attitudes towards studies). This study is therefore set to find out the relationship between psycho-socio factors and examination malpractices among candidates in public examinations in Benue State. The study is a survey research. Purposive and simple random sampling techniques were used in selecting Six-hundred (600) SS3 respondents from twelve (12) secondary schools in Benue State. Students' Examination Malpractice Questionnaire (SEMQ) was developed by the researcher to elicit data. Correlation (spearson correlation) was used at 0.05 alpha level to answer the research questions. The findings revealed that examination malpractices among candidates in public examinations are related to psychological factors [r = .160, p < 0.05) societal values (r = .169, p < 0.05) and students’ attitudes towards studies (r = .068, p < 0.05). Therefore, it is recommended that Government should ensure mastery learning, employers of labour should emphasize practical skills against emphasis on certificates, and candidates should be educated on how to balance their social life with academic activities.