Examination malpractices and graduates’ quality in the University of Yaounde i.

Abstract

This study investigates whether examination malpractices has an influence on graduate’s quality in the University of Yaoundé I. The problem of the study emanates from the observed decrease in the value or quality of graduates grounded on their inability to acquire jobs, create jobs or become productive after graduation. To examine this influence, the main research objective was to investigate whether examination malpractices has an influence on graduate’s quality in the University of Yaoundé I. The main research question was How does examination malpractices influence quality of graduates in the University of Yaoundé I? and the main research hypothesis was; Ha: there is a relationship between examination malpractices and quality of graduates in the university of Yaoundé I. Four theories were adopted for this study; Behavioural theory of Operant Conditioning by B.F Skinner, Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) by Madara, Namango and Katana, Social Learning Theory by Albert Bandura and Psychosocial development theory by Eric Ericson. This study adopts the cross-sectional research design. The data was collected via questionnaire and interview guide. The stratified sampling techniques was use to select the number of lecturers/ administrators, and graduates and via the sample size table, we acquired a sample size of 204. The quantitative data was analysed using inferential and descriptive statistics and presented on tables and Pearson moment correlation coefficient was used to test the research hypotheses. The findings indicated that two out three specific research hypotheses have been confirmed and one rejected. RH1: correlation value r = .055, the significance level .431, greater than 0.05, and the standard error margin: r = .055, P= .431 ≥ 0,05, so Ho was retained:RH2: the correlational value r = .272, the significance level of 0.000 less than 0.05 and the standard error margin: r = .272, P= .000 ≤ 0,05, so we confirmed the Ha. RH3: The correlation value r = .176, the significance level 0.012, largely less than 0.05 and standard error margin: r = 0.176, P= 0.012 ≤ 0,05, so Ha was retained. Based on this findings, we recommend that the university should employ more methods to curb exams malpractices,