THE EVIL OF EXAMINATION MALPRACTICE: A CLEAR AND PRESENT DANGER TO NIGERIA'S EDUCATIONAL SYSTEM AND SOCIETY

Abstract

The prevalence of examination malpractice poses a significant threat to the education system and
society in Nigeria. This study aimed to explore the relationship between value orientation, parental attitude,
and attitude to examination malpractice among senior secondary school students in the Southern Educational
Zone of Cross River State. Using a sample of 1000 students selected through simple random sampling, the
study tested two null hypotheses and collected data using a validated questionnaire. The study found that
parental socio-economic status, occupation, educational level, family size, value orientation, and parental
attitude significantly influence students' attitude towards examination malpractice. The study recommends
creating awareness through seminars and meetings, reducing test anxiety, emphasizing continuous
assessment, improving learning facilities, and producing and distributing an examination ethics code of
conduct to curb examination malpractice in Nigeria. The study concludes that stakeholders should focus on
promoting ethical conduct and developing effective measures to prevent and detect examination malpractice.