CORRUPTION AND CORRUPT PRACTICES IN NIGERIA EDUCATIONAL SYSTEM
In actual fact, education is not only the key to success but the bedrock to national development.
Corruption is a form of dishonesty undertaken by a person often to acquire personal gain. Corrupt practices has long being in the harbor of our dear country and like a fast spreading epidemic disease; it has spread through every thread and fabric of our society with the educational sector not left out.
Corruption in Nigeria educational system is the most dangerous form of corruption in the economy and has led most students to lose interest and faith in the educational system. During the sojourn of my school days I have lived to witness different corrupt practices.
Practically stating a case in my Primary school (Primary Four) to be precise, the Proprietor had officially announced that there won’t be promotion to Junior Secondary School without passing Primary Five and undergoing the common entrance examination. Numerous guardians went to see the proprietor in respect to their wards; Lo-and-behold upon resumption of the next academic session, some of my classmates were transferred to JSS 1 without going through Primary Five or writing the common entrance examination. Unknown to us, the proprietor had been bribed with huge sum of money by guardians to get their ward transferred.
Vividly recurring another case that occurred in my Junior Secondary School (Class Three), where a friend of mine who newly transferred to my school was asked to repeat (Class Two); because his name according to the principal couldn’t be added to the (Class Three) list, as the names had already been sent to the ministry of education. Surprisingly, a girly that joined (Class Three) a month later was eligible to sit for the JSSC Examination because her father has the means to by-pass protocol and see to the self-enrichment of the principal.
Cases of examination malpractice including hoarding and smuggling of materials into examination hall, having access to examination questions days or hours before the exam, having sex or paying (bribe) in exchange for marks or favors. Paying to pass an examination by students, sometimes aided by guardians has led the society to believe that engaging in corrupt practices is the way forward. The student then bribe to pass all through their higher institution days, they end up with a certificate they can’t defend, get a job, get married, have kids, teaches and support their kids to engage in corrupt practices and the circle goes on, while the society is left to bear the burden.
Embezzlement of funds meant for the development of the educational system, stealing of school property by students and teachers alike, cultism, drinking, smoking, drug abuse by students are also some of the key corrupt practices in the educational sector.
Steps should be taken to halt corrupt practices in our educational system, to save the future generation and the society at large. Guardians and students should be educated on the gravity of corruption and corrupt practices. Easy access to Guidance and Counselling programmes should be made available to students in all tiers of education.
Compiled by DPT Scholars
Class of June 2018
Edited by D Oracle
http://www.dprimeguide.com/2018/06/corruption-in-nigeria-educational-system.html?m=1