Tag Archives: Corruption

Corruption on Educational Service Delivery

The Effect of Corruption on Educational Service Delivery in Kaduna State: 2011 – 2019

ABSTRACT

This research work appraises “the effect of corruption on educational service delivery in Kaduna State: 2011 – 2019”. This study therefore looks at what authors and scholars have said concerning the subject matter as discussed in the literature review. It identifies corruption as an obstacle to the set objectives of the educational sector in service delivery as well as the attainment of the nation’s desire for manpower and national development especially in this period of global competition. It also stressed the various links through which corruption is perpetuated in the educational sector with its impact and consequences. The researcher used survey designs to carry out the study. The sample size of the population was 80. So 80 questionnaires were administered to 80 respondents in Kaduna State. But, sixty-six (66) usable questionnaires provided the database (given an 82.5% response rate) in this study. The data obtained was analysed using frequencies and simple percentage. The data collected from Kaduna State being the case study were analysed in chapter four. The work makes recommendation on some measures to check the corrupt practices giving that the phenomenon of corruption in the Nigeria educational system remains one of the greatest obstacles to the nation’s aspirations and realization towards human capacity building for national development.

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1     Background of the Study

Education is the process of facilitating learning, or the acquisition of knowledge, skills, values, beliefs, and habit in an individual so that he/she becomes useful to him/herself and to the society at large. This education can take place in formal or informal settings and any experience that has a formative effect on the way one thinks, or acts may be considered educational. Formal education takes place in the school system under the guidance of educators. The invaluable roles and contributions of education in the development of individual and society cannot be overemphasized. Advancement in modern world is impossible without investment in human capital. Investment in human capital precipitates increase in knowledge gotten through training and education which have positive effect on the economy. Education therefore, begets development. Education increases the production of productive labours as it leads to high output in the economy thereby bringing about economic growth in the nation. It is stated in the National Policy on Education that education is an instrument that fosters the worth development of the individual’s sake, and for general development of the society. It favours the training of the mind in the understanding of the world around. It advocates the acquisition of appropriate skills and competencies in equipping the individual for the development of the country.

From the aforementioned goals, it could be seen that educational institution is an industry where future leaders, workers, doctors, lawyers, politicians, teachers, thinkers etc are produced. Any taint on this institution endangers the future and development of individuals and the nation at large.

Corruption and management of education with respect to the leadership and management of our education system hamstring the goals of National Policy on Education. The rate of corruption, bad leadership and mismanagement of educational resources is alarming.

Corruption is seen as a psychosocial beast that has been attacking different sectors of the society.  Education having been described by the National Policy on Education (2004) as an instrument of Par Excellence is an effective tool for economic, social, cultural and political transformation and national development. It encourages social and cultural integration by inculcating an attitude of social cooperation of consciousness. The Nigerian educational system has made provision of various levels of education from the primary school level (basic education secondary school to the tertiary education , Universities inclusive) in order to service the entire populace for manpower and national development. The role of education to any nation or society especially in this Age of Globalization cannot be overemphasized. The deeming effect of corruption on the educational sector cannot be underestimated. Corruption is the abuse of public power for private gain. Bribery, misappropriation of public fund, nepotism and favouritism the formulation of laws or regulations for private gain are common examples of corruption. To fight corruption the past government particularly Olusegun Obasanjo’s administration between 2000 and 2003 introduced several measures such as the establishment of the Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC) and Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC).

It is therefore in the light of the foregoing that this study seeks to appraise on the effect of corruption on educational service delivery in Kaduna State from 2011 to 2019.

1.2       Statement of the Problem

Presently, there is no doubt to say that schools in Nigeria has been regarded as the most patronized sector by parents as a result. This perhaps may be due to the fact that it is the foundation of the whole educational pursuit, which is expected to provide literacy and enlightenment to the citizens. The importance of education can therefore be seen in the sense that parents have chosen to send their children to private schools in other to pass examinations so as to meet up with their counterparts. (Oni, 2008). What this means is that private schools have become a special centre where parents can register their children in other to write their final examinations without stress and reading, which most of the private schools have been involved without respect to policies on educational service delivery.

Corruption, as an ethical and social problem which varies from one secondary school to another, ministry to ministry, place to place, time to time, culture to culture and with the level of economic development, is a global phenomenon that affects especially private secondary schools in Nigeria. Corruption is one of the major causes of examinational malpractices in secondary schools today using Kaduna as a case study, (Aluko, 2008). It occurs at all levels of schools in Kaduna both directly and indirectly. All over Nigeria, the perception of corruption especially in private schools is very high and uncontrollable. This is because, corruption undermines every aspect of the educational system among which are, political development, economic development, social development and so on.

It therefore in the light of the above that the study seeks to appraise the effect of corruption on educational service delivery in Kaduna State from 2011 to 2019.

1.3     Objectives of the Study

The main objective of the study is appraise the effect of corruption on educational service delivery in Kaduna State from 2011 to 2019.

Other specific objectives are to:

  1. Identify the causes of corruption in the educational service delivery in Kaduna State from 2011 to 2019.
  2. Find out the forms of corruption in the educational service delivery in Kaduna State from 2011 to 2019.
  3. Determine the effects of corruption on educational service delivery in Kaduna State from 2011 to 2019.

1.4       Research Questions

The following are the research questions formulated from the objectives of the study to guide the research:

  1. What are the causes of corruption in the educational service delivery in Kaduna State from 2011 to 2019?
  2. What are the forms of corruption in the educational service delivery in Kaduna State from 2011 to 2019?
  3. What are the effects of corruption on educational service delivery in Kaduna State from 2011 to 2019?

1.5       Research Hypothesis

Research hypothesis is a tentative and predictive answer to a question which is subjected to the power of verification and its formulation can be expressed as follows:

Ho = There is no effect of corruption on educational service delivery from 2011 to 2019

H1 = There is effect of corruption on educational service delivery from 2011 to 2019

1.6       Significance of the Study

The study being “Appraisal on the Effect of Corruption on Educational Service Delivery in Kaduna State: 2011 – 2019” will enable readers and future researcher to have a clear view of the effect of corruption on educational service delivery in Nigeria.

The research will assist reader and students who might want to carry out research work on the subject matter and will also act as reference material for them.

1.7       Scope and Limitations of the Study

The study examined “Appraisal on the Effect of Corruption on Educational Service Delivery in Kaduna State: 2011 – 2019”.

Most research works usually come with one challenge or the other and therefore, this will not be an exemption. In projection of this study, the research work will be constrained with time as the research work is clashing with the academic workloads of the researcher.

1.8       Definitions of Key Terms

Corruption: Dishonest or fraudulent conduct by those in power, typically involving bribery.

Education: The process of receiving or giving systematic instruction, especially at a school or university.

Educational Service Delivery: Improving access to education services and ensuring that students learn are essential to expanding opportunities for all citizens.

Effect: A change which is a result or consequence of an action or other cause.

Service Delivery: The act of providing service to people.

 

Click to: DOWNLOAD @ NGN5,000/USD20

 

Loading

THE PERCEPTION OF UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS ON CORRUPTION IN NIGERIA

THE PERCEPTION OF UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS ON CORRUPTION IN NIGERIA

ABSTRACT

The study examined the perception of undergraduate students on corruption in Nigeria. The objectives of the study include among others, to examine how undergraduate students perceive corruption. In the course of this study, the Naïve Realism theory was employed in other to give an understanding of the problematic of the study. In the course of this research, both quantitative and qualitative sources of data collection were used. Thus, the study found out among others that undergraduate student perceived corruption in Nigeria beyond bribery and embezzlement. Based on the findings of this research, the study recommends among others that the National University Commission  (NUC) should liasise with the Ministry of Education and introduce a general course on corruption into the University’s curriculum so that undergraduate student will be educated on corruption. The anti-graft agencies should be independence to fight corruption to stand still in Nigeria. And a study of this nature should e encourage in the academia to make the citizens know more about the bane of our nation today. All the materials used in this research were acknowledge in the references.

 

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1     Background of the Study

One of the greatest threats to economic and political development of any nation is corruption, therefore, the challenges of corruption remain a major devastating issue facing Nigeria since the colonial period, although, this phenomena has become a cankerworm that has eaten deep into the fabrics of our system. Nevertheless, its solution rest in our hands and cannot be put off to another day that is why many countries have put in place different mechanism to end the spate of corruption. Corruption in Nigeria has deeply entrenched in the national ethics, politics, civil society, Public and Private Sectors, and has been deeply permeated by a pervasive and debilitating culture so much that it is best regarded as been institutionalized. (Igbuzor O, 2008).

From 1st October 1960 to 2017 Nigeria had civilian and military regimes, and virtually all their inaugural speeches, addressed the fight against corruption was promised as a cardinal principle or advanced as a reasons for toppling a regime. The tough talk against corruption is followed by setting up of special committees or bodies to combat or investigate corruption charges. In 1975, Gen. Murtala regime set up an investigative panel which indicted all the twelve military governors that served under Gen. Yakubu Gowon (Akinola, 2002 cited in Danfulani, 2011).

The two military regimes of Generals Ibrahim Babangida and Sani Abacha were seen as the most corrupt in the history of the nation, yet during their combined 14 years reign, bodies like Transparency International did not rank them the most corrupt nation in the world. (Akinola, 2002). Ironically, the regime of chief Olusegun Obasanjo that resolve on set to make war against corruption a major agenda, got the worst ranking in the history of the nation. Throughout his 8 years reign from 1999-2007, Nigeria top the chat and never left the first five most corrupt nations in the world. (Akinola, 2002). One impeccable realism and feature of Nigeria is that, the more the revenue a regime has at its disposal, the more the scale of corruption. It is on record that the revenue that accrued to the nation’s coffers between 29th May, 1999 to 29th May 2000 surpasses, what accrued to Nigeria from 1st October 1960 to the day chief Obasanjo took over. (Akinola, 2002).

As Nigerian struggle to tame the psycho-social beast know as corruption, they have particularly beamed to searchlight on the behavior of public official (civil servant military and police personnel, elected official etc) and former public officials, contractors, business associates of public official. However, one sector of society that has escaped the penetrating searchlight is education. The educational sector seems to escape critical observation regarding the conduct of educational institutions and the faculties. Therefore, the war on corruption cannot be won without making a determined effort to purge the educational sector of the psycho-social beast. The world today is face with a large number of problems that threaten our survival on this planet. Not all part of the world, however, are equally hit by problems that rank among the most serious threats to the humans race; high rate of unemployment poverty, low level of education, poor technological development, level, gender discrimination, ethnic and religious inequality and high corruption etc.    

These issues are mostly related to the countries in the transition and developing parts of the world. However, in many developed countries, corruption is also endemic within educational sector. Namely, corruption entered this area and serious endangers schools, polytechnics and colleges as well as universities in Nigeria. Corruption in Nigeria’s higher institutions can be defined as “the systematic public office for private benefits, whose impact is significant on the availability and quality educational goods and services, and has impact on access, quality or equality in education” (Hallak and Poission 2002). Unfortunately, very little research has been carried out to compare the cost of corruption on education sector.

More than ever before educational institutions have become profit oriented in their struggle to survive; neglecting their basic function to train quality and adequate personnel’s capable to coping with the crisis which the modern world is facing with nowadays. Corruption is a major problem in a lot of countries, endemic in all sectors. But the one that is perhaps the most troubling is the education sector, most especial in the higher educational institutions of learning in Nigeria.

It is unfortunate the money meant for public education is delivered into the banks account of corrupt bureaucrats and lecturers are underpaid, and students end up paying high fees. Instead of lower amount as school fees, illegal charges of levied on students admission from, embezzlement of funds intended for teaching materials, school buildings, sub standard educational materials are purchased due to manufacturer’s bribe, bribe to auditors for not disclosing the misused funds which have negative effect on Nigeria socio-economy development of the nation in its entity.

1.2     Statement of the Research Problem

Corruption has remained an endemic that has undoubtedly eaten deep into the fabrics of the Nigerian society. It continues to pose greater challenge to our prolonged quest for political and socio-economic development. One of the major challenges of identifying corruption is the problem f perception. This posses a major problem to the effort to understand the causes, consequences and pattern of corruption in Nigeria. Ordinary Nigerians have their own perception on what constitutes corruption; some perceive it only in terms of embezzlement while others see it differently. Apart from the fact that corruption takes diverse forms (bribery, conflict of interest, embezzlement, fraud and extortion etc.), there is no broad consensus among undergraduate students on the meaning of corruption.      

When people talk about corruption, usually they refers to public fund siphoned or misappropriated by civil servant, contractor, politician etc. hardly do they think of the type of corruption that destroys the minds of our people and siphons the moral value of our society. This type of corruption is more dangerous and more serious threatening the feature of Nigeria. It is because of these ugly scenario that the researcher want to discuss the effect of corruption on Nigeria’s educational sector especially on the higher institution of learning in Nigeria. There is no doubt that educational institutions in any country are the industry in which future leaders, thinkers, politicians, teachers, workers and what have you are produce. In Nigeria, this industry has deteriorated to the extent that in place of being an agent of purifying the minds of our students to become usefully members of the society, the industry is now diverting the mind of the students from what education is all about.

It has long been observed that our graduates are no longer more measure up to the standards of both internal and external evaluators.

Corruption in Nigeria’s higher educational institutions of learning is very alarming and worrisome. This impediment has crumbled the country potentials. The quality education is the bedrock or channels through which every country producers her future leaders. In Nigeria, the sector has deteriorated to be an agent of purifying and sharpening the minds of the next generation to become useful members of our society has now turned to training ground for corrupt individuals.   

Corruption in Nigeria education sector (higher institutions) is the most dangerous aspect of corruption in the country. The degree of corruption that is taking place in the Nigeria’s higher institution of learning is worrisome and may collapse the country. Therefore, if urgent care is not taken the future of the country is bleak as far as any meaningful development is concern.

In most of the Nigeria’s higher institutions corruption has taken the lead in the process of admission exercises, the applicants are force to pay money before they could be offered admissions. The institution imposed all manner of illegal fees; most students do not attend lectures but bribed their ways to passed with good grade than their colleagues that attends lectures regularly. Most students in various higher institutions of learning resort to all kind of activities to ensure they make good grade in the institution. The female students brings themselves as low as going after some lecturers for marks, a good number of others engaging in their way sorting out by giving money to lecturers to pass them. Even the politicians send names of their candidates to some of the lecturers to pass them in their respective course. Some lecturers threatening the students that whoever did not buy his or her textbook, handout etc will not pass his or her examination. Some students hardly come to school yet when result is published, you will see them smiling while the few ones that study lament often get poor result or grade.   

Obtainable in other sector in the country, that Nigeria’s education sector has continue to suffer from unending scourge of severe corruption and incompetence over the years is not a difficult things to notice in Nigeria’s higher educational institution of learning, funds meant for educational projects are been mismanage without control, corrupt politicians are appointed on universities, polytechnics and colleges of education boards, who politicize the system, learning environment remains unconducive, academicians struggles to get their entitlements among other pressing issue confronting Nigeria’s higher institutions of learning.

Adude (2014) opined that the effects of corruption on the education sector were extensive and damaging because it endangers a country’s social, economic and political future. Corruption in the education affects more people than corruption in other sector, both in rural and urban areas basically schools are breeding grounds for future generations. Corruption threatens equal access quantity and quality of education.

Mohammed (2017); said that broadly, the spectrum of corruption in academic can examined in fourfold, the act of corruption as emanating and supported by the academics themselves (lecturers), the role students plays and contribution of the larger society. The synergy of these four constitutes the formidable phenomenon called corruption in Nigeria higher institution of learning. From whatever point of view one may think about the issue under study, the situation in Nigeria higher institution of learning is alarming and endemic in Nuhu Bamali Polytechnic in which almost every academic process there appear incidences of corrupt practices in it.

1.3     Research Questions

In order to guide the study and achieve the research objectives of the study, the following research questions were formulated:

  1. How do undergraduates perceived corruption?
  2. Do undergraduates perceived corruption beyond bribery and embezzlement?
  3. How does authors and scholars perceived corruption?
  4. Can corruption be eradicated in Nigeria?
  5. Are anti-corruption agencies playing there role to curb corruption in Nigeria?

1.4     Purpose the Study

The main aim of the study is to under the perception of undergraduate student on corruption in Nigeria. However other objectives include;

  1. To look at the way undergraduates students perceived corruption.
  2. To examine what constitutes corruption from the perspective of undergraduates students
  3. To examine the perceptions of authors and scholars on corruption
  4. To determine the possible ways of eradicating corruption.
  5. The understand the role of anti-corruption agencies in fighting corruption in Nigeria.

1.5     Significance of the Study

The significance of the study cannot be over emphasis. The study will serve as reference material for further research in similar area of study. It will also add value to the bodies of existing knowledge on the subject matter under investigation. The research will also serve as a guide to the educational stake holders as well as the general public on how to prevent and resist corruption tendency in the educational sector in Nigeria. Consequently, the findings and recommendations of the study will also help in reducing the image of the educational sector in Nigeria. In the eye of international community’s which sees Nigeria as the most corrupt nation in Africa.   

1.6     Scope and Delimitations of the Study

The research limits its scope to the perception of undergraduate students on corruption in Nigeria (2017- 2018) with specific focus on Kaduna State University. However, conducting a research of this nature certainly there must be some constraints such as time factor, insufficient funds, lack of free access to relevant literatures and poor cooperation from the respondents at process of conducting interviews and questionnaires administration to the targeted population of the study.

1.7     Definition of Key Terms

  1. Corruption: Advance learning dictionary define corruption as an act of dishonest or illegal behavior especially of people in authority.
  2. Educational corruption: Is define as the systematic use of public office for private gain whose impact is significant on the availability and quality of educational goods and services (Hallak and Poission 2002).
  3. Effect: Means impact or changes that something or somebody causes on other things or persons.
  4. Perception: Means the act of understanding a phenomenon or concept.
  5. Undergraduate: Refer to student in the higher college of learning in University first degree students.
Click to: DOWNLOAD @ NGN5,000/USD20

Loading

THE IMPACT OF CORRUPTION ON DEMOCRATIC GOVERNANCE IN NIGERIA (A Case Study of Kaduna State Government, 1999 – 2015)

THE IMPACT OF CORRUPTION ON DEMOCRATIC GOVERNANCE IN NIGERIA (A Case Study of Kaduna State Government, 1999 – 2015)

ABSTRACT

This study examined “The Impact of Corruption on Democratic Governance in Nigeria: A Case Study of Kaduna State Government, 1999 -2015”. Purposefully, the study assessed the challenges the Nigerian government are facing in tackling corruption between 1999 & 2015; the effects of corruption in Nigeria between 1999 & 2015; and the causes of corruption between 1999 & 2015. The researcher used descriptive and survey designs to carry out the study. The sample size of the population was 400. So 400 questionnaires of nineteen (15) items each were administered to 400 respondents. But, three hundred and eighty (380) usable questionnaires provided the database (given an 95% response rate) in this study The data obtained was analysed using SPSS statistical program version 17. Based on the findings from the analysis, corruption is predominant in Nigeria. However, based these findings, conclusion was drawn and recommendations such as: For democratic governance to thrive in Nigeria, the people must be vigilant and demand accountability from the leaders. It has been proven that, the strength of a democracy is only as great as the will of the people to uphold it.” for all these to be possible the citizens must be politically educated and mature. This would enable the future leaders to make ethical decisions and for the people to begin to make political office holders accountable while within and outside office.

 

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1     Background of the Study

Nigeria’s return to democracy on May 29, 1999 was seen as an end to the torture, suffering of the military era. It was seen as the requirement for the country to develop following the triumph of democracy as system of government at the end of the cold war where democracy became new world political order. The process of democratization in Nigeria can be traced to the Ibrahim Babangida’s political Bureau in 1986 (Omotola,1997).This was a failure because of the annulment of the June 12,1993 presidential election which was rated as the freest and fairest in the annals of electoral history in Nigeria (Izah, 2003). The regime was unable to cope with the crisis that followed this annulment hence the institution of an Interim National Government headed by Chief Ernest Shonekan (Ojo, 1998). This was greeted with mass protest that it will not put things under control. This allowed for the military takeover of power by General Sani Abacha in November, 1993. However, he was not interested in any transition process. There were resistance, resentment, protests from various groups. General Sani Abacha resorted to arrest, detention, extermination and harassment of his opponents. At the demise of late Sani Abacha on June 8, 1998, this brought in General Abdulsalam Abubakar as the Head of State whose regime successfully completed a transition to civilian administration, which ended by handing over power to a democratically elected government with Chief Olusegun Obasanjo as the president on May 29, 1999.

Democracy is defined as “rule by the people”. After the prolonged military rule in Nigeria and the subsequent return to democratic rule in 1999, the Nigerian people hoped for a life much better than during the military rule.

According to Chaj (2008), democratic governments and legitimate systems all over the world concerns center around providing welfare and basic necessities that will make life easier and prepare its citizens for the challenge of nation building. Some countries even though not endowed with natural resources, have used their initiatives to guarantee that lives of their citizens are at least comfortable and satisfactory.

From the onset of the fourth republic in Nigeria, there have been repetitions via media, government officials, and populace of the slogan “dividends of democracy”. The high expectations of African leaders Nigeria inclusive to connote the slogan “dividends of democracy”. The dividend of democracy means the benefits and the advantages of democracy. These include rule of law (supremacy of the law, equality before the law and fundamental human rights), legitimacy of the state, improved standard of living for the majority of the populace, improved atmosphere of peace and stability etc. All these supposed to be prerequisite for nation’s development (Igba, 2012).

The inability of Nigeria’s past and present leadership to consolidate on the gains of democracy has been attributed to corruption. In general terms, corruption has eaten very deep and hence, found its way into the body polity of the Nigerian state so much so that virtually all spheres of the nation’s life stinks with the sores of corruption. The effects of corruption on the socio­economic, cultural and political landscape of Nigeria government can be so devastating that nothing meaningful works in the midst of this malaise. Corruption therefore becomes a clog in the wheel of progress of any nation state if the menace is not controlled.

Over the years, the Nigerian Mass Media have uncovered and revealed to the nation cases of corruption on a massive scale, a situation that is not only highly abhorred but reprehensible to well-meaning Nigerians. However, the ugly practice persisted and has steadily made very deep in-roads in every spheres of our national life (Okonkwo, 2011). Virtually all private, public and political spheres have been permeated and contaminated by corruption. This kind of development as pointed above compelled Preye and Weleayam (2011) to argue that Nigerians no longer believe that honesty and integrity are not worthy principles since one can do very little or even do nothing at all to gain so much. The school of thought of Preye and Weleayam on the high degree of ineptitude and indolence in the attitude of Nigerians further confirms the fact that corruption is not a thing of the leadership alone. The followership is also guilty as it is culpable for this misdemeanor. Thus, one finds corruption showing its face in the affairs of the family circle, schools (primary, secondary and universities and other higher structures of learning); worship places, the bureaucracy, security outfits, market places, main stream politics, village meetings, women organizations, electoral activities, appointment of persons into public offices; the manner and character in which funds are disbursed from the centre to states and local councils, rigging of elections, and many more. All of these stages and categories of corruption have over the years constituted themselves into a huge albatross bedeviling the Nigerian state. Corruption whether political, economic, judicial, familial, institutional or bureaucratic could by and large impede the progress of any society where such attitudes are widely tolerated and accommodated in the scheme of things.

In the midst of all these strands of corruption, it can be said that political corruption predominates. This is because those at the helm of affairs of government, the political elite accounts for the sharing and/or allocation of values in the society. The misallocation of these values and resources seem to be at heart of Nigeria’s socio-economic problems upon which a multidimensional social vices the country passes through today rests.

Therefore, this research seeks to appraise the impact of corruption on democratic governance in Nigeria with reference to Kaduna State (1999-2015) as a case study.

Click to: DOWNLOAD @ NGN5,000/USD20

 

Loading

AN ASSESSMENT OF THE EFFECT OF CORRUPTION AND SECURITY CHALLENGES IN NIGERIA, 2011 – 2016 (A Case Study of Kaduna South Local Government)

AN ASSESSMENT OF THE EFFECT OF CORRUPTION AND SECURITY CHALLENGES IN NIGERIA, 2011 – 2016 (A Case Study of Kaduna South Local Government)

ABSTRACT

This research work examined “An Assessment of The Effect of Corruption and Security Challenges in Nigeria from 2011 to 2016”. This study therefore critically looks into what various scholars have said about corruption and security challenges. These are discussed in chapter two of the literature review. The methodology employed in this study was derived from secondary sources of data collection, such as newspaper reports, textbooks and academic journals. The data collected from the senior civil servants in Kaduna South Local Government Headquarter being the case study were analysed in chapter four. Based on the findings, summary, conclusion and recommendations were made in chapter five.

 

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1       Background to the Study

Since Nigeria has returned to civil rule on May 29, 1999, the government has taken a number of measures to address the problems of corruption, insecurity and bad governance in the country. These measures include public service reform (monetization to reduce waste and reduction of over-bloated personnel, reform of public procurement); establishment of anti-corruption enforcement agencies (such as the Economic and Financial Crime Commission, Independent Corruption and other Practices Commission); and the sanitization of the financial services sector by the then Central Bank Governor Sanusi Lamido, which have revealed mind bulging levels of bare faced theft by the management of several banks in Nigeria.

Today, Nigerians applaud and tolerate ill-gotten wealth which in reality is money looted from public coffers. This is a pointer to the fact that corruption is endemic in Nigeria. It has permeated into every facet s of the society; the family, the church and even the traditional systems are not left out of this contagious disease. Corruption therefore, affects the developmental efforts of successive government in Nigeria. This has been responsible for the non completion of projects and programmes that would have help in alleviating the sufferings of Nigerians. Corruption has been adjudged to be responsible for Nigeria’s underdevelopment. The revelation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and Independent and Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC) concerning looted resources by private businessmen, political office holders and civil servants is alarming to the extent that one ponders whether the menace can actually be stamped out in the country.

Also, in the area of security, insurgency and its associated insecurity trouble is a global problem that has continued to challenge state authority today. Some countries have been able to effectively quell such uprising others are still grappling with the problem of how best to handle it. The inability of most countries to handle the situation effectively has in part exacerbated social disorder in those countries. Conflict is the outcome of perceived irreconcilable opposing interest, concerns, needs and positions between individuals, groups, organization/institutions and societies that have interacted whether in ad-hoc or permanent relations. It is aggravated by the desire of one group to attain its selfish interest (Nnamdi 2005 cited in Akume 2011:4) over those of the other groups. Conflict as an evident character of social interactions could be functional or dysfunctional. It is functional when the different parties to the dispute openly and sincerely engage in resolving it. It is however, dysfunctional if the process of resolving the row has an overtly coercive or contentious character (Gurr cited in Danjos 2012).

With the lingering security challenges and the inability of the security apparatus of the government to guarantee safety and security in the country, the question that borders everyone in Nigeria today is “can there be security?” Is security of lives and properties achievable? He opined that government at all levels has not done enough by not confronting frontally the situation head on and dealing with it decisively, others have argued that the situation has a political undertone or inclination calculated to serve the interest of certain political gods, who have been dissatisfied and disgruntled about the political manifestations in the country. This has been the issue Nigeria has been facing not only from 2011 but from the return of civil rule in 1999 up till this present time.

Insecurity is the greatest challenge facing the new administration of President Buhari. Since the return to democracy in 1999, security threats like violent conflicts, communal, herdsmen attacks, ritual killings, militancy, armed robbery and kidnapping have greatly increased in Nigeria. Resulting from threats such as insurgency and terrorism has further complicated the situation. Violent Conflicts and Crimes: the outbreak of violent conflict has become a major source of insecurity in Nigeria. It is estimated that Nigeria has witnessed over 300 violent ethno-religious, communal and political conflicts of varying intensity and level. For instance, clashes between farmers and pastoralists have increased in frequency in recent times, resulting in the death of about 3,732 persons between 1998 and 2014. The spate of violent crimes has become alarming. Some 262 incidence of kidnapping, about 405 cases of armed robbery and 139 cases of cultism have been recorded in the last six months in Nigeria. These violent crimes have resulted in the death of 1,113 persons between January and June 2015. This study however will throw more light on the assessment of the effect of corruption and security challenges in Nigeria from 2011-2016.

1.2       Statement of the Problem

 Corruption in Nigeria is a social risk that has been affecting the country in many areas. It has been acknowledged that corruption and its practices are both endemic and systemic in both public and private sectors of Nigerian economy. The crippling effects of corruption on the country are enormous. It affects the system of operation of governance both in public and private sectors, and it is causing pollution to the business environment generally. It also undermines the integrity of government and public institutions.

On the other hand, Nigeria in recent times has witnessed an unprecedented level of insecurity. This has made national security threat to be a major issue for the government and has prompted huge allocation of the national budget to security. In order to ameliorate the incidence of crime, the federal government has embarked on criminalization of terrorism by passing the Anti-Terrorism Act in 2011, fundamental surveillance as well as investigation of criminal related offences, heightening of physical security measures around the country aimed at deterring or disrupting potential attacks, strengthening of security agencies through the provision of security facilities and the development and broadcast of security tips in mass media. Despite these efforts, the level of insecurity in the country is still high. In addition, Nigeria has consistently ranked low in the Global Peace Index (GPI, 2012), signifying a worsened state of insecurity in the country. In spite of the efforts of many researchers to investigate corruption and security challenges in Nigeria, there seems to be none that has particularly investigated the two variables corruption and security challenges together. They are usually investigated separately. For instance, one may investigate corruption and another may investigate security challenges. Therefore, this study aimed at combining the two variables together corruption and security challenges by investigating the effect of corruption and security challenges in Nigeria starting from 2011-2016.

1.4       Objectives of the Study

The objective of this study is to find out the effect of corruption and security challenges in Nigeria starting from 2011-2016. The specific objectives are:

  1. to identify the challenges the Nigerian government facing in tackling corruption and insecurity from 2011-2016
  2. to assess the effects of corruption and insecurity  on the Nigerian economy from 2011-2016
  • to determine the effects of corruption and insecurity  on Nigerians from 2011-2016

1.3       Research Questions

These are some of the questions the study is designed to answer:

  1. What are the challenges the Nigerian government facing in tackling corruption and insecurity from 2011-2016?
  2. What were the effects of corruption and insecurity on the Nigerian economy from 2011-2016?
  • What were the effects of corruption and insecurity  on Nigerians from 2011-2016?

1.4       Research Hypothesis

Hypothesis is a tentative and predictive answer to a question which is subjected to the power of verification and its formulation can be expressed in:

  1. Null Hypothesis (Ho)
  2. Alternative Hypothesis (H1)

Since hypothesis is statistical method of testing the attributes of predictive condition, we can test the study under the following statements of hypothesis:

(i)         Ho = There is no significant effect of corruption and security challenges in Nigeria from 2011-2016. 

(ii)        H1 = There is significant effect of corruption and security challenges in Nigeria from 2011 -2016

1.5       Significance of the Study

The study will help the government and the general public to discover the strategic ways to tackle and overcome insecurity and corruption in the country. It will also serve as basis for researchers upon which further research works can be made. In addition, it will contribute more knowledge in the area of political science.

1.6       Scope of the Study

The study investigates the effect of corruption and security challenges in Nigeria starting from 2011-2016. Therefore, it will cover social scientists, government and the general public.

1.7       Limitation of the study

Most research works usually come with one challenge or the other and therefore, this will not be an exemption. In projection of this study, the research work will be constrained with time as the research work is clashing with the academic workloads of the researcher.

1.8       Definitions of Terms

The following terms were used in the course of this study:

Assessment: the evaluation or estimation of the nature, quality, or ability of someone or something.

Corruption: dishonest or fraudulent conduct by those in power, typically involving bribery.

Security Challenge:  is a possible danger that might exploit a vulnerability to breach security and therefore cause possible harm.

Click to: DOWNLOAD @ NGN5,000/USD20

Loading

ASSESSMENT OF THE IMPACT OF CORRUPTION ON THE ADMINISTRATION OF JUSTICE IN NIGERIA (A Case Study of Kaduna State Judicial Workers)

ASSESSMENT OF THE IMPACT OF CORRUPTION ON THE ADMINISTRATION OF JUSTICE IN NIGERIA (A Case Study of Kaduna State Judicial Workers)

ABSTRACT

Nigeria was recently rated the thirty-fifth most corrupt country in the world by Transparency International. Certain practices and experiences explain the perception of judiciary as a limiting factor in the country’s development process. Lack of clarity in juridical stances on effective sanctions and sustainable deterrence for corruption is perceived as systemic incentive that undermines the country’s democratic experience. This project examined “Assessment of the Impact of Corruption on the Administration of Justice in Nigeria” with reference to Kaduna State as a case study. It evaluates the dialectics of judicial administration, state and development.

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1       Background to the Study

It is the function of the judicial arm of government to interpret law and maintain law and order. However, it has taken another turn in Nigeria. Those that are supposed to fight against corruption are the ones that are involved in corruption cases here and there. It is no longer a surprise; it is part and parcel of our existence in the judicial arm of government and one can only hope that the situation will get better. A recent report from Global Corruption Barometer states that the judiciary in Nigeria is widely viewed as one of the most corrupt institutions. It has become quite “normal” for judicial officials to request for bribes so as to move cases along much faster. In fact, some of them ask for financial compensation from parties to various cases to enable them obtain a favourable ruling, or even to be granted bail. In a country where a disproportionate percentage of the citizenry can barely afford some of the basic necessities of life, legal costs are viewed as a deterrent to access to justice. The judicial arm of government has an important role to play in the impartial interpretation of the law and in keeping the other arms of government in check.

Consequently, the Judiciary has been made an unwilling accomplice in corruption in Nigeria. The judiciary no doubt has its internal challenges as indicated by the new and first female Chief Justice of the Federation during her screening at the Senate. The Chief Justice had indicated that in their earlier days at the Bench words were bonds while it was a taboo to call the integrity of a Judge to question as every Judge whether of the Lower Court or the Higher Court lived above board. The apex court justice noted with regret that allegations of corruption and bribery especially in exchange for grant of bail are almost becoming rampant. It is apparent that there is some commitment towards reversing the corrupt tendencies through appropriate sanctions on Judges found guilty of misconduct by the judiciary. The Chief Justice of Nigeria insists that judges need to reform themselves by shunning conduct that bring dishonor to the judiciary as an institution. Basic among acceptable conducts include living above bar; sitting promptly at 9am; being fair to litigants and other patrons of the courts; leading members of staff by example and promoting the image of the judiciary. With a seeming difficulty in determining what constitutes corruption, the illustration from the education sector may be instructive. It is considered that if you measure the amount of money budgeted for education at all the levels of government in the past 25 years and compare it to what is on ground, the difference is called corruption.

In an interview by Channels TV with a legal practitioner, Mr. John Oloyede, he gave more insight about corruption in the judiciary. He argued that though there are corrupt officials amongst the judges, clerks and bailiffs, about 90 per cent of them are actually clean. It just that the few ones that are bad tarnish the image of the very good ones who are more they are the silent majority. He also alleged that those engaged in the big money corruption as reported by the NBS, EFCC and UN Office for Drugs and Crimes are the secretaries and registrars adding that the average amount that is demanded is about $87 as compared to Customs, Police, Water Corporation and NEPA, where the average amount demanded is something like $80. So you are not talking about hundreds of millions. The aggregate of it is so tiny because the money is demanded by the support staff. He further noted that the few corrupt judges could either be complicit or innocent; a judge is so powerful that he can write a ruling and turn a night to day maintaining that it is only by appreciating the full extent of their powers that some of these corrupt judges will fully appreciate how much they are affecting the economic life of Nigerians.

There are high levels of corrupt practices going on and there are low level corrupt practices going on within the judiciary and known to everybody and that it is not about the judges alone. This study therefore sought to investigate the prevalence of corruption among the judiciary and give solutions on this will be totally eradicated in the country and give our dear country a good name that will always open the doors of opportunities to all the citizens just like in the case of America, United Kingdom and other nations in the world.

1.2       Statement of the Problem

The problem with the Nigerian judiciary is that some dishonourable people not cut out to be judges got into the system and after that made it to the highest level of their judicial careers. Another major factor why the problem has festered is that many Nigerians do not want the truth to be told. Whoever dares to tell the truth is marked down for persecution. Members of the Bar often narrate horrific stories or tales of certain high-ranking judicial officers who act as couriers of bribe, but, they are never ready to come out with details. Such a person is engaged at a fee to reach out to judges in order to influence decisions in certain sensitive cases. Sometimes, the bribe they collect for and on behalf of such designated judges never come to their knowledge, not to talk of its being delivered to them. The researcher will be investigating on how to curb the menace of corruption in the administration of justice.

1.3       Objectives of the Study

The main objective of this study is the assessment of the impact of corruption on the administration of justice in Nigeria with reference to Kaduna State as the case study. The specific objectives are:

  1.  to survey prevalence of corruption in the judiciary in Nigeria
  2.  to establish the reasons for corruption in the judicial system in Nigeria
  3. to assess out the possible solutions for corruption in the judicial system in Nigeria

1.4       Research Questions

The following are some of the questions which this study intends to answer:

  1.  what is the prevalence of corruption in the judiciary in Nigeria?
  2. what are the reasons for corruption in the judicial system in Nigeria?
  3. what are the possible solutions for corruption in the judicial system in Nigeria?

1.5       Significance of the Study

This study will help to guide lawyers, judges, police and other arms that make up the judiciary to understand the negative effects of corruption on the administration of justice in Nigeria. It will also serve as a guideline for the up and coming persons in the judicial arm of government.

1.6       Scope of the Study

This study will cover all the bodies that make up the judicial arm of government in Kaduna State. Findings from this study will contribute to the academic studies upon which further researcher can be made.

1.7       Limitation of the study

Apart from the time constraint, the researcher was faced with lack of capital to print as many as possible questionnaires and many respondents were not willing to respond to the questions as the researcher wanted.

1.8       Definitions of Terms

The following terms were used in the course of this study:

Assessment: The act of judging or deciding the amount, value, quality, or importance of something, or the judgment or decision that is made.

Impact: A powerful effect that something, especially new, has on a situation or person.

Corruption: This is a form of dishonest or unethical conduct by a person entrusted with a position of authority, often to acquire personal benefit.

Administration: A group of people who work together in an organized way for a shared purpose.

Justice: the system of laws in a country that judges and punishes people or a judge in a law court.

Judiciary: This is the system of courts that interprets and applies the law in the name of the state. The judiciary also provides a mechanism for the resolution of disputes.

Click to: DOWNLOAD @ NGN5,000/USD20

Loading