ABSTRACT

This study sought to examine the perceptions of staff on the extent to which ethics can serve as instruments of restraint against corruption in Nigeria tertiary institutions.  The institutions studied were Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, University of Benin, Benin City and Auchi Polytechnic, Auchi, all in Edo State, Nigeria.  Focus Group Discussion (FGD) was the method adopted.  Evidences were generated from two groups in each of the institutions.  It was found in relation to the institutions studied that: (1) Ethics is still relevant in checking corruption.  (2)  The dominant members of the discussants had no prior knowledge of ethics.  (3)  The dominant section of the discussants believe that ethics can be a more effective check on corruption than other types of ethics in Nigeria.  (4)  Faith based organizations in Nigeria themselves have been infiltrated by corruption.  (5)  Between the academic and non-academic discussants, one section accused the other as being more corrupt than itself.