Mathematical Analysis of the Causes of Examination Malpractices in Nigeria: An Epidemic Modelling Approach

Abstract

Examination malpractice is a social disease that derails the entire process, conduct and outcome of examinations. In this study, the entire causes of examination malpractice in Nigeria are categorised into four and a deterministic compartmental mathematical model is built around the four classes in order to identify the factors to be addressed to curb the menace of examination malpractice in the country. The solutions of the model are proved to exist, unique and positive. The equilibrium analysis is conducted and the stability theory of nonlinear differential equations is employed to show that the examination malpractice endemic equilibrium of the model is locally asymptotically stable. The societal disposition reproductive ratio, a quantity that measures the rate at which societal values influence the rate of indulgence in examination malpractices, is also derived following the approach of epidemic modelling and the results obtained from the study reveal that the causes of examination malpractice in Nigeria can be brought under control if there is a radical change in the norms and institutions of the society as well as drastic reduction in the population of examination contractors.