Utilization of Public Relations Strategies in Strengthening Examination Integrity in South-South Nigeria

Egwurugwu; Barikuma Chike; Prof. R. N. Amadi; Prof. B. G. Nsereka; S. C. Joe PhD

doi:10.56201/rjmcit.vol.12.no7.2026.pg72.83

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Utilization of Public Relations Strategies in Strengthening Examination Integrity in South-South Nigeria

Egwurugwu, Barikuma Chike, Prof. R. N. Amadi, Prof. B. G. Nsereka, S. C. Joe PhD

Abstract

This study examined the utilisation of public relations strategies in strengthening examination integrity in Rivers State University, South-South Nigeria. The study was guided by two objectives among which were to determining the PR strategies employed by the university and assess the influence of these strategies on students’ awareness of examination malpractice. The study was anchored on the excellence theory of public relations and theory of planned behaviour. These theories were used to explain how institutional communication strategies may influence students’ ethical decisions regarding examination integrity. The study adopted a descriptive survey research design complemented with qualitative interviews. The population of the study consisted of 31,500 individuals, comprising students and staff of Rivers State University. A sample of 395 students was used for the questionnaire, while 20 lecturers and public relations staff were scheduled for the interview from which 8 lecturers were interviewed. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and thematic analysis. The questionnaire and interview guide were used as instruments for data collection. Findings revealed that the university employs several public relations strategies such as awareness campaigns, social media engagement, orientation programmes, lecturer reinforcement of ethics and institutional communication channels. These strategies moderately enhance students’ awareness of examination malpractice consequences and influence perceptions E-ISSN 2545-529x of academic integrity. It was concluded that while public relations play a significant role in promoting examination integrity, its effectiveness depends on integration, consistency and institutional commitment. The study recommends improved funding, stronger stakeholder collaboration, sustained communication and stricter enforcement of examination policies.

Keywords

Examination MalpracticePerceptionPublic Relations (PR) StrategiesRivers State University (RSUStudents

References

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Utilization of Public Relations Strategies in Strengthening Examination Integrity in South-South Nigeria

Abstract

Keywords

References

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