Academic corruption and sexual misconducts: implications for Nigeria’s tertiary institutions of learning

Abstract

Quality tertiary education is at the heart of the development of any nation. This paper examined academic corruption and sexual misconducts in Nigeria’s tertiary institutions of learning with the aim of detecting their root causes, negative effects and providing panacea to them. It reviewed existing literature and adopted a deterrence approach as its theoretical framework of analysis while using desk analysis technique. The paper, through the use of secondary sources of data discussed in details the manifestations of academic corruption such as plagiarism, admission fraud, cheating and causes of academic corruption and sexual misconducts. The study revealed that students and teaching and non-teaching staff of tertiary institutions of learning in Nigeria are deeply involved in academic corruption and sexual misconducts. The implications of Academic Corruption and Sexual Misconducts effects of these corrupt practices include diminished global competitiveness, stunted technological innovations, ridiculed professional excellence, inability to launch into global scientific map, bastardisation of educational standards, emergence of intellectuals with the burden of character deficits and relegation of academic certificates issued by Nigeria’s tertiary institutions of learning amongst others. It concluded by stating the stark reality of compromised academic integrity in Nigeria’s tertiary institutions of learning. It recommended value reorientation, appointment of professors and senior non-academic staff with uncompromising integrity as Certificates Screening Committee Members, use of preventive technology and dispassionate enforcement of global academic standards amongst others.