EFFECT OF EXAMINATION MALPRACTICE ON ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE OF STUDENTS IN TERTIARY INSTITUTIONS OF KATSINA METROPOLIS

ABSTRACT The study examined the causes and effects of examination malpractices on students’ academic performance in Katsina State tertiary institution. It identified the causes and effects responsible for the persistence of examination malpractices. The study adopted simple frequency table and percentages. The data were collected using the questionnaire as the research instrument which was titled causes and effect of examination malpractice on academic performance questionnaire (CEEMAPQ). CEEMAPQ was used to obtained data from a total of one hundred (200) respondents from the four (4) different tertiary schools in Katsina. The findings revealed that examination malpractice has many effects on students’ academic performance, these include reduction in the worth of certificates, production of low quanlity students, students are discourage from working hard among others. Also it indicated pressure/influence of parent on students, collusion from examination officials, students desire to pass at all cost, over emphasis on certificate, among others as significant factors responsible for the persistence of examination malpractices. The study recommends that only combination of several proffered solution can resolve the menace of examination malpractices, and solution should be preventive rather than curative measures. Among the recommendations made were the provision of educational facilities, harmonization of different syllabus, regular counseling of student, adequate security before, during and after examination. These proffered solutions would reduce examination malpractice to minimum level.