Administrative strategies for prevention of tort of malicious prosecution, nuisance, deceit and vicarious liability in unity schools in Kebbi State: implications for school administrators

Abstract

This study investigated the extent of application of administrative strategies for prevention of tort of malicious prosecution, nuisance, deceit and vicarious liability in Unity Schools in Kebbi State. Lack of clear cut strategies for prevention of acts of torts can affect the sustenance of a conducive learning environment. This study sort to fill the gap arising from scarcity of studies addressing the variables under investigation specifically in the case of Kebbi State. A descriptive survey design was used for the study. Out of the total population of 2,313 participants, a sample size of 330 respondents comprising of 30 school administrators, 60 teachers, 60 supporting staff and 180 students were selected using purposive, stratified and simple random sampling techniques. A self-designed, structured questionnaire titled: “Administrative Strategies for Prevention of Tort Questionnaire” (ASPTQ) was used to collect data. The 26-item instrument with four sections was based on a five-point scale to measure extent of performance was used. The mean of 3 points and above was used as cut-off for satisfactory performance while below 3 points was unsatisfactory. The instrument was expert validated and pilot tested. A reliability index of 0.79 was obtained using test re-test method and Pearson Product Moment Correlation Co-efficient at 0.05 alpha level. The data collected was analyzed using simple frequencies, percentages and grand mean. The study found that administrative strategies were not satisfactorily applied for prevention of tort of malicious prosecution, nuisance and deceit in unity Schools in Kebbi State. It was therefore recommended that schools should develop specific rules against tort of malicious prosecution. Staff should be accountable for tort of nuisance they caused as well as to be held responsible for their deceitful words and actions, among others.