By Gabriella Ogbu
Prof. Michael Faborode, former Vice-Chancellor of Obafemi Awolowo University in Ile-Ife, has expressed skepticism regarding Nigeria’s ability to eradicate certificate racketeering among Nigerian students, both domestically and internationally.
Faborode’s stance is rooted in his observation that many Nigerians, particularly parents, now prioritize negative experiences over positive ones. He attributes this shift in mindset to various distractions faced by today’s youth, including a pursuit of rapid wealth and unrestricted access to the internet.
Drawing from his experience as the former secretary-general of the Committee of Vice-Chancellors of Nigerian Universities (CVCNU), Faborode highlights a departure from the past, where students diligently pursued academic excellence through hard work and dedication.
In contrast to previous generations, Faborode notes a decline in the value placed on hard work in today’s society, leading to a diminished appreciation for academic integrity and merit-based achievement.
He condemns the prevalence of parents assisting their children in examination malpractice, citing it as a stark example of the erosion of Nigeria’s value system. Faborode emphasizes the urgent need for a cultural shift towards upholding integrity and ethical conduct in academic pursuits.
