Journal of Social Science and Human Research Studies (JSSHRS) · Research article · Open access
Administrative Ethics and Corruption in Nigerian Tertiary Institutions: Evidence from Nnamdi Azikiwe University
Enyioko Ikechukwu Jacinta (Ph.D), Oluwatobi Kikelomo Oreofe
24 February 2026 · Vol. 2, Issue 2, pp. 153-161
DOI: 10.65150/EP-jsshrs/V2E2/2026-10
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What is this article about?
This study examined the relationship between administrative ethics and corruption in Nigerian tertiary institutions, using Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, as a case study. The research adopted a descriptive survey design, drawing data from 340 academic and non-academic staff selected through a stratified random sampling technique.
Article at a glance
- Published
- 24 February 2026
- Volume / issue / pages
- Vol. 2, Issue 2, pp. 153-161
- ISSN
- 3051-3561 (online) · 3051-3553 (print)
- Licence
- CC BY 4.0 — free to read and reuse with attribution
- Peer review
- Double-blind, at least two independent reviewers
- Publisher
- EP Journals Group
Abstract
This study examined the relationship between administrative ethics and corruption in Nigerian tertiary institutions, using Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, as a case study. The research adopted a descriptive survey design, drawing data from 340 academic and non-academic staff selected through a stratified random sampling technique. A structured questionnaire was administered, and data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics with SPSS 27.0. The reliability coefficient of the instrument was 0.87, indicating high internal consistency. The findings indicate that while a majority of respondents (77.9%) perceived administrators as acting with integrity (mean = 3.93, SD = 1.04), the survey responses also suggest the presence of specific unethical practices within the institution studied. Reported concerns included perceived nepotism in recruitment processes (mean = 3.93, SD = 1.09), embezzlement (mean = 3.99, SD = 1.06), and bribery (mean = 3.94, SD = 1.00). The regression analysis (R² = 0.520, p < 0.0001) demonstrates that the variables examined jointly explain a substantial proportion of the variation in reported unethical behaviour within the university. Among these, institutional factors (β = 0.482, p < 0.001) showed the strongest statistical association, followed by cultural factors (β = 0.326, p < 0.001) and environmental factors (β = 0.218, p < 0.001). Within the scope of this single-institution study, the results suggest that perceived weaknesses in internal control mechanisms, tolerance for preferential treatment, and unfavourable working conditions are significant predictors of unethical conduct. Although formal ethical guidelines appear to be in place, the findings imply limitations in their implementation and enforcement within the university context. It recommends strengthening ethical enforcement mechanisms, enhancing transparency through e-governance, improving staff welfare, and promoting ethical leadership to restore accountability and integrity in Nigerian tertiary institutions.
Keywords: Administrative ethics, corruption, ethical leadership, institutional governance, Nigerian tertiary institutions
Cite this article
Enyioko Ikechukwu Jacinta (Ph.D), & Oluwatobi Kikelomo Oreofe (2026). Administrative Ethics and Corruption in Nigerian Tertiary Institutions: Evidence from Nnamdi Azikiwe University. Journal of Social Science and Human Research Studies, 2(2), 153-161. https://doi.org/10.65150/EP-jsshrs/V2E2/2026-10
@article{Enyioko2026,
title = {Administrative Ethics and Corruption in Nigerian Tertiary Institutions: Evidence from Nnamdi Azikiwe University},
author = {Enyioko Ikechukwu Jacinta (Ph.D) and Oluwatobi Kikelomo Oreofe},
journal = {Journal of Social Science and Human Research Studies},
year = {2026},
volume = {2},
number = {2},
pages = {153-161},
doi = {10.65150/EP-jsshrs/V2E2/2026-10},
url = {https://doi.org/10.65150/EP-jsshrs/V2E2/2026-10}
}Questions about this article
Who wrote this article?
Enyioko Ikechukwu Jacinta (Ph.D), Oluwatobi Kikelomo Oreofe.
Where and when was it published?
In Journal of Social Science and Human Research Studies, Volume 2, Issue 2, pages 153-161, published by EP Journals Group on 24 February 2026.
Is this article free to read?
Yes. It is open access under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 (CC BY 4.0) licence, so anyone can read, share and reuse it with attribution.
What is the DOI of this article?
10.65150/EP-jsshrs/V2E2/2026-10 (https://doi.org/10.65150/EP-jsshrs/V2E2/2026-10).
How do I cite this article?
APA: Enyioko Ikechukwu Jacinta (Ph.D), & Oluwatobi Kikelomo Oreofe (2026). Administrative Ethics and Corruption in Nigerian Tertiary Institutions: Evidence from Nnamdi Azikiwe University. Journal of Social Science and Human Research Studies, 2(2), 153-161. https://doi.org/10.65150/EP-jsshrs/V2E2/2026-10
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