CURBING MALPRACTICE IN EXAMINATION; THE ANTIDOTE FOR A SANE SOCIETY

ABSTRACT: This study was carried out to examine the curbing of malpractice in examination; the antidote for a sane society. This study was carried out in Ikeja Local Government Area of Lagos State. Specifically, the study examined various school library resources available in selected secondary schools and the various areas examination malpractice has impacted selected secondary schools in  Ikeja Local Government Area, Lagos State. The study employed the survey descriptive research design. A total of 30 responses were validated from the survey. The study adopted the Interference-Deficit model by Musch & Brother (1999) theory. From the responses obtained and analysed, the findings revealed that  fear of failure is one of the factors that leads to examination malpractice as students do not want to repeat a class or be seen as failures. Also,craze for certificates is notorious in our society,as  the society believes that one without a certificate is a failure and thus the quest for certificates leads to examination malpractice. More so, other factors that leads to examination malpractice are; Pressure from teachers and lack of adequate preparation. Furthermore, the impact of  examination malpractice on the society are lack of confidence, Luring of students into other vices, Irreversible loss of credibility and discouragement of students from hardwork. The study hereby recommend that societal re-engineering and re-orientation to revamp moral values, Retraining and reassessment of teachers, appropriate recognition and remuneration of teachers , Promulgation and enforcement of examination malpractice (prohibition) laws will be able to curb examination malpractice. Also, government should give priority on provision of adequate funds necessary for the provision of current and up to date library resources and also for the employment of qualified librarians.