EFFECT OF CORRUPTION ON INFRASTRUCTURAL DEVELOPMENT IN TERTIARY INSTITUTIONS IN SOUTH WESTERN NIGERIA

Abstract

Infrastructural development is a potent tool for economic growth, and development within educational institutions is no exception. This paper examines the impact of corruption on infrastructural development in Nigerian tertiary institutions. A descriptive survey research design was adopted, utilizing a structured questionnaire as the research instrument. The questionnaire was administered to a sample of six hundred (600) respondents randomly selected from six institutions located in six states in South Western Nigeria. The data collected were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistical tools. The findings of the study revealed that corruption has a significant negative impact on infrastructural development in Nigerian tertiary institutions. Other factors inhibiting infrastructural development include inadequate funding, poor accountability, lack of transparency, and the improper prosecution of corruption offenders, among others. The study also revealed that proper infrastructural development offers great benefits to Nigerian tertiary institutions, such as enabling students to learn in a conducive environment, enhancing knowledge retention, and attracting qualified staff. The study, therefore, recommends that funds released to higher institutions and their intended purposes be made public. Anti-corruption agencies should be empowered to effectively combat corruption in the education sector. Furthermore, improved welfare packages for workers and adequate funding for Nigerian tertiary institutions should be adopted to reduce the temptation for corrupt practices.