IMPACT OF CORRUPTION ON THE QUALITY OF SCHOOL SECURITY IN PUBLIC UNIVERSITIES IN SOKOTO STATE

Abstract

This study examined the relationship between the use of corruption by bandits and the quality of school security in universities in Sokoto state. The objectives were to determine the extent to which corruption affects physical security measures and to assess its impact on the effectiveness of security personnel in maintaining campus safety. Guided by two research questions and a null hypothesis, the study adopted a descriptive survey of correlational type. A total population of 4,950 was considered, from which a sample of 346 respondents including students, security personnel, and staff was selected using purposive, proportionate, and simple random sampling techniques. Data were collected through two validated instruments: the Corruption by Bandits Rating Scale (CBRS) and the Quality of School Security Questionnaire (QSSQ), with reliability indices of 0.81 and 0.88 respectively. Findings revealed that bandits’ use of corruption had a very high influence on the quality of physical security infrastructure, with a grand mean of 5.0, reflecting significant agreement among respondents that corruption delays patrols, weakens surveillance systems, and leads to resource misallocation. The study concludes that corruption is a critical factor undermining campus safety and recommends urgent institutional reforms, establishment of external audit mechanisms, and enforcement of anti-corruption codes for security personnel. These interventions are essential to safeguarding university communities against the pervasive threats of corruption-driven insecurity.