Predictors of examination malpractice among secondary school students in Ogun State, Nigeria.

Abstract

Although examination malpractice is neither a recent phenomenon nor a peculiar thing to Nigeria or Africa, the alarming rate of increase is a global issue which calls for concern from all stakeholders in the education sector Examination malpractice has become so widespread that there is virtually no examination anywhere at all levels that there is no form of sharp practice or the other. The objective of this study is to investigate the predictors of examination malpractice among secondary school students in Ogun state, Nigeria. Using an ex post facto design and random sampling technique, 200 participants (100 males, 100 females) were drawn from four schools in Ijebu Ode. Their age range was 13-20years. Validated scales were used to collect data and SPSS was used to carry out a t-test and stepwise regression analysis that were done on the two hypotheses stated. Result revealed that gender is a significant predictor of examination malpractice as males students were significantly more involved in examination malpractice than females (df =198, t =-1.873, p < .05). and that age, gender and test anxiety significantly independently and jointly predicted examination malpractice. Deriving from above, school principals, teachers, and all stakeholders should pay more attention to the implicated variables in the study in order to reduce and eventually eradicate examination malpractice among students. More stringent measure could also be attached to examination malpractice; while more awareness is created to educate the masses on the evils of examination malpractice.

Keywords: Examination, Malpractice, Text Anxiety, Secondary School Students.