Perception and attitude of secondary school students towards examination malpractices in Akure metropolis, Ondo state, Nigeria

This research explores how secondary school students in Akure Metropolis, Ondo State, Nigeria, perceive and respond to examination malpractice. The study adopts Descriptive Survey Research Design. The population comprised all senior secondary school students from where 371 students were selected through Multi-Stage sampling technique from eight secondary schools located across Akure North and South Local Government Areas. A well-structured and validated face and content validated instrument tagged Students’ Perception and Attitude towards Examination Malpractices Questionnaire (SPAEMQ) was used to collect data. The test-retest method of reliability was used to determine the consistency of the instrument. The coefficient value of 0.78 was obtained. Data was analyzed using descriptive (means, standard deviation, ranking and percentages) statistic. The results showed that the most prevalent form of malpractice was “giraffing” (looking at another student’s work) reported by 72.5% of respondents, followed by writing down pre-prepared answers in exam booklets (65.5%), having prior access to examination questions (63.6%), and bringing unauthorized materials into the examination hall (63.1%).The study identified key factors contributing to examination malpractice among students, including a lack of commitment to academic work (81.4%), low self-confidence (76.0%), ineffective study habits (75.2%), pressure from parents to achieve high grades (73.9%), and frequent absenteeism from school (73.9%). In terms of students’ perception, the majority believed that cheating during exams is wrong and could be avoided with proper preparation. However, many also acknowledged that the practice is common among students. When it came to actual behaviour, a significant number admitted to allowing classmates to copy their answers and felt that strict exam rules were too harsh. Despite understanding that exam malpractice is illegal, many students confessed to struggling with avoiding it. Based on these findings, the study suggests the need for moral and value re-orientation, continuous counseling and mentoring for students, and firm enforcement of examination rules by parents, teachers, and education authorities.