Ethics and Accountability in Education: Tackling Corruption and Cultivating Integrity Through Values-Based Education

Corruption and a lack of integrity pose significant challenges to the credibility and effectiveness of educational institutions. These issues undermine academic standards, erode public trust, and can have long-term negative effects on societal development. In response to these pervasive problems, this study investigated the effectiveness of values-based education and ethics-focused curricula as tools for tackling corruption and fostering integrity in tertiary institutions in Anambra State. The study used a quantitative survey to examine the impact of values-based education on ethics and corruption within tertiary institutions in Anambra State. A sample of 140 students was selected through stratified random sampling. Data was collected using a structured questionnaire with a 4-point Likert scale. The survey measured perceptions on the role of values-based education, the manifestation of corruption, and the influence of ethics curricula and policies. Statistical analysis was conducted using SPSS, employing the Chi-Square Test of Independence, directional measures like Lambda, and symmetric measures like Cramer's V to determine associations between variables. Findings revealed a significant, positive relationship between values-based education and promoting ethical behavior among students. However, the study failed to find a statistically significant association between corruption's direct impact on teaching or the influence of broad ethical policies. The results suggest that while direct educational interventions are effective, the implementation and enforcement of institutional policies may require further investigation. The study recommends that future research use mixed-methods to gain a more comprehensive understanding of these dynamics.