Influence of Corrupt Practices on Students’ Moral and Spiritual Development in Taraba State Institutions of Higher Learning

چکیده

  Objective: Corruption in higher education institutions poses a significant threat to students' ethical standards and spiritual well-being. In Taraba State, Nigeria, concerns have been raised about increasing incidences of unethical behaviors among academic staff and students. The study aimed to examine the influence of corrupt practices on the moral and spiritual development of students in tertiary institutions in Taraba State. Methods: A descriptive survey research design was employed. The study population consisted of approximately 17,000 students. Using purposeful sampling, 200 students were selected based on their accessibility, willingness to participate, and relevance to the study’s focus. Data were collected using a structured instrument titled Corrupt Practices, Students’ Moral and Spiritual Development Questionnaire (CPSMDQ) , which demonstrated a reliability coefficient of 0.69 based on the Cronbach alpha method. Descriptive statistics (mean and standard deviation) were used to address the research questions, and the Chi-square test was applied to test the hypothesis at the 0.05 level of significance. Results: Findings indicated a high prevalence of corrupt practices such as examination malpractice and sexual harassment. These behaviors significantly compromised students’ moral and spiritual development, contributing to the erosion of traditional values, reduced appreciation for diligence and creativity, and increased involvement in prostitution and sexual exploitation. Conclusion: Corruption has a detrimental impact on the moral and spiritual growth of students in higher institutions. The study recommends that SERVICOM and institutional anti-corruption units be empowered and supported to investigate, monitor, and sanction corrupt practices within academic environments