SCHOOL ADMINISTRATIVE-RELATED FACTORS RESPONSIBLE FOR THE PERSISTENT EXAMINATION MALPRACTICE IN PUBLIC SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN ABIA STATE.

Abstract

This study investigated the school administrative-related factors that are responsible for the persistent examination malpractice in public secondary schools in Abia State. The objectives were to determine the prevalence of examination malpractice in public secondary schools in Abia State, identify the school administrative-related factors that are responsible for the persistent examination malpractice in public secondary schools in Abia State, and assess the solutions proposed for the eradication of examination malpractice in public secondary schools in Abia State. A descriptive survey research design was adopted for the study. The population of study was 886 public secondary school principals, 10 head teachers, 80 Subject Heads, 240 teachers, and 1052 SS3 students, making a total of 2468 respondents. The combined sampling technique was used in the sample selection. Two research questions were answered and three null hypotheses tested. The results indicated that examination malpractice is very high in public secondary schools in Abia State. The results also revealed that examination malpractices are caused by inadequate supervision and lack of motivation of the school administrators, peer group influence, and poor school management and administration. The study concluded that effective and timely supervision of examinations and strict adherence to the laid down examination rules will go a long way in preventing examination malpractice in public secondary schools in Abia State. The study recommended that relevant stakeholders should increase awareness of the negative impacts of examination malpractice on the educational system and ensure that the administrators of public secondary schools in Abia State are properly motivated. There should also be stricter supervision of both students and teachers during examinations and at all times.