Ethics in Nigerian higher education: Mirroring the dilemma in mass communication departments

Blessed F.  Ngonso; Peter E.  Egielewa; Giuseppe T.  Cirella

doi:10.59400/fes1600

Ethics in Nigerian higher education: Mirroring the dilemma in mass communication departments

Blessed F. Ngonso Department of Mass Communication, Edo State University Uzairue, Edo State 312102, Nigeria
Peter E. Egielewa Department of Mass Communication, Edo State University Uzairue, Edo State 312102, Nigeria
Giuseppe T. Cirella Faculty of Economics, University of Gdansk, 81-824 Sopot, Poland; University Center for Social and Urban Studies, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA

Article ID: 1600

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DOI: https://doi.org/10.59400/fes1600

Keywords: student ethics; lecturers; tertiary institutions; learning; rule utilitarianism; Nigeria

Abstract

This study examines the application of ethical principles within Nigerian tertiary institutions, with a specific focus on mass communication departments, including journalism, public relations, and advertising, across selected higher education institutions. Utilizing an online questionnaire distributed to students and conducting interviews with lecturers, the research assesses the extent of ethical practices and their effects on both students and staff. This study critically reviews the existing literature on Nigeria’s higher education system, ethical awareness in higher education, and ethics implementation at the departmental level, guided by rule utilitarianism. The findings indicate that despite lecturers’ repeated efforts to educate students on the importance of upholding ethical values, exam malpractice remains the most prevalent ethical issue plaguing mass communication departments. It is recommended that ethical orientation begin in adolescence to shape the development of Nigerian youth. Additionally, ethics should be incorporated into the educational curriculum at all levels, from primary to tertiary education.

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Published

2024-11-08

How to Cite

Ngonso, B. F., Egielewa, P. E., & Cirella, G. T. (2024). Ethics in Nigerian higher education: Mirroring the dilemma in mass communication departments. Forum for Education Studies, 2(4), 1600. https://doi.org/10.59400/fes1600

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