Abstract

A goat, a hyena and grass are dangerous bedfellows and thus cannot be friends. This analogy is similar to when one asks whether criminality in the education sector can enable or disable graduates to earn the necessary skills needed by employers; and further if Maicibi’s formula can be a moderating variable in this relationship. Studies in Europe (most likely with similar results in Africa) have indicated that employers very much value sector – specific soft and hard skills in graduates from international ranking reputation institutions. One does not need a degree to know that where a graduate had obtained a degree certificate through fraudulent means, such a graduate does not possess the requisite quantity and quality of knowledge that the obtained certificate is expected to symbolise. Maicibi’s formula (B1-4 < C1-4) is a multi-functional and multi-generic tool that uses psychological and sociological constructs to illustrate and emphasise the need for the relevant authorities to make committing an offence/crime a prohibitive and a costly behaviour with very unfavourable least benefits. We must reverse criminality in the education sector right from employment/admission through teaching and examination to certification. It is the belief of the author that when this situation obtains, in this case in the education sector, then there is high potency of having the right lecturers and students in institutions of higher learning; the right teaching and learning experience; the right employment-oriented curriculum; the right transcript/certificates awarded, and the right graduates with pertinent competencies and competences that are ready for employment.

Key words: Criminality, Maicibi’s formula, employment, education.