Perception of Nigerian University Students on the Psychology of Swearing an Oath after Admission and Assessment of Improved Behaviour

The study examined the perceptions of Nigerian university students regarding the psychology of swearing an oath after admission and the assessment of improved behaviour. This study is a correlational study adopting an ex post facto research design. The researcher used a survey design because it was appropriate for obtaining information on the perceptions of Nigerian university students regarding the psychology of swearing an oath after admission and the assessment of improved behaviour. The population for this study comprised all public university students in Nigeria. The sample for this study comprised 1,000 respondents from three universities: Delta State University, Abraka; University of Nigeria, Nsukka; and University of Calabar. At the first stage, stratified random sampling was used to select 1,000 undergraduate students to participate in the study. Secondly, a simple random sampling technique (balloting) was used to select three universities. The instrument used for data collection was a self-structured questionnaire titled “Students’ Perception on the Psychology of Swearing in Oath Questionnaire – SPPSOQ). The reliability of the study was determined via a pilot study using the test-retest reliability technique with a coefficient index of 0.85 and above. The instrument was administered by the researcher and two research assistants who are familiar with the study area. 1000 copies of the questionnaire were administered, and all were retrieved and used for data analysis. Descriptive statistics of simple percentages, mean scores and standard deviations were used to answer research questions. A benchmark of 2.50 was established to accept any item with a mean rating of 2.50 or above, as agreed, while any item with a mean rating below 2.50 was regarded as disagreed for research purposes. Pearson Product-Moment Correlation Analysis was used at a 0.05 significance level. The study provides insight into the effectiveness of the oath-taking ceremony in promoting academic integrity among Nigerian university students. The Nigerian university students generally perceive the oath-taking ceremony as a positive practice that promotes academic integrity and responsibility. While it increases awareness of the consequences of indulging in social vices and malpractices, students hardly consider the significance of the oath-taking event. When students are pressured and may fall below the expected behaviour, the oath becomes a binding force from which there is no escape. Whenever the principles in the oath are enforced, behaviour improves.