WHISTLEBLOWING: STUDENTS RESPONSE TO EXAMINATION MALPRACTICE, IN THE DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION UNIVERSITY OF BENIN, BENIN CITY.

Abstract

This study was conducted to investigate whistleblowing: students' responses to examination malpractice in the department of public administration, University of Benin, Benin City. To investigate students' perceptions of examination malpractice, their readiness to whistleblow, and the protections in place for whistleblowers.  Primary and secondary data were utilized. The study used a survey research design. A well structured questionnaire was used to obtain data from 220 respondent in full time in the department of public administration, university of Benin. This paper analysis revealed that exam malpractice is a common occurrence in schools. This study discovered, among other things, that full time students in the department of public administration are aware of the wrongs of examination malpractice and are unwilling to engage in whistleblowing. They are also unsure of the policies and protections in place to protect whistleblowers in the University of Benin.  Conclusively, While students are aware that examination malpractice is wrong, they are not very ready to engage in whistleblowing because they feel there are too many risks involved and that there may not be a significant improvement in examination malpractice as a result of whistleblowing. Furthermore, recommendations were made which suggested among others that training seminars should be provided for students to  learn about their rights and responsibilities as whistleblowers, emphasizing the importance of their role in maintaining academic integrity.