Social Analysis of Moral Malpractice Challenging Education Sector in Nigeria

Several studies have emerged on education being adequately challenged in Nigeria, yet little is known in the literature on the social analysis of moral decadence that has become a common feature of the nation’s education system and spread to other institutions like an harmattan fire. Therefore, this article uses data from descriptive source to build upon previous studies in order to address this gap in knowledge. It delves with factors responsible for the prevailing moral dilemma in the nation’s education system and also illustrates ways in which the scourge manifests in many spheres of life. Employing a core Sociological paradigm (Functionalism) to diagnose this problem, the study highlights areas of defects and suggests the way forward for the nation’s education sector. This lies in the teaching of moral education, rooted in cultural ethics and ethos at all level of education, coupled with godly doctrines. These will not only help to produce pragmatic leaders to bail the nation’s education sector out of the current state of oblivion; they will also ensure national development in all areas of human endeavours. The paper therefore, recommends the enforcement of ethics education rooted in the traditional values of Africa in high schools and universities to enhance lost of moral character in Nigeria.