EXPLORING THE NEXUS BETWEEN CORRUPTION AND SCHOOL VIOLENCE IN NIGERIAN SCHOOLS IN THE CONTEXT OF THE NATIONAL POLICY ON SAFETY, SECURITY, AND VIOLENCE-FREE SCHOOLS

Abstract

A worsening problem marked by rising school violence and falling educational standards has been exacerbated by corruption, which has severely damaged Nigeria's educational system.

Defined as actions taken by individuals in power for personal gain, corruption manifests in various forms within academic institutions, leading to unethical practices that compromise the integrity of education and produce low-quality graduates. This environment fosters a culture where violence is normalized, as students exposed to corrupt practices may resort to aggression to resolve conflicts, evident in the alarming incidents of physical assaults on teachers and peers. The Nigerian government’s response, encapsulated in the National Policy on Safety, Security, and Violence-Free Schools, aims to create secure learning environments by implementing comprehensive safety plans and addressing the root causes of violence. However, the interrelation between corruption and school violence remains a critical challenge, necessitating a concerted effort to combat corruption to ensure a safe and effective educational atmosphere that promotes the development of Nigeria’s human capital and aligns with global standards for education.