Awareness and Utilization of Anti-Plagiarism Detection Software among Academic Staff of Yusuf Maitama Sule University

The study investigates the academic staffs’ awareness and utilization of anti-plagiarism detection software in academic writing. Quantitative research methodology was used, using survey research design to collect data from the respondents. One hundred and eighty-three (183) copies of questionnaire were administered to the academic staff of Yusuf Maitama Sule University, Kano out of which one hundred and fifty-three were duly returned and found usable which represents 83.6%. Data collected were analyzed using descriptive analysis through the use of frequency and percentages. Findings revealed that, respondents were aware of anti-plagiarism detection software and they came to know about the software through their thesis/ dissertation particularly Quetext and Turnitin. Less than half of the respondents were highly aware while others are moderately aware and only few were completely not aware of anti-plagiarism detection software. It also found that, less than half of the respondents used anti-plagiarism detection software which means majority were not actively using to checkmate academic writings as the institution under study was not using or adopt any anti-plagiarism detection software for academic activities. The study finally revealed that, majority of the respondent unanimously agreed that using anti-plagiarism tools will deter learners from plagiarizing in the first place, improve students’ ability to avoid plagiarizing, it will also assist in building a community of academic integrity. However, the study recommends that here is still need for academic staff to been lighten about the existence and functions of the software, there is need for the Yusuf Maitama Sule University, Kano to adopt and implement the use of anti-plagiarism detection software to checkmate and or reduce the level of academic dishonesty and the university management need to understand that using antiplagiarism tools will deter learners from trying to plagiarized and assist in building a good community of research.

Keywords: Awareness, Utilization, Plagiarism, Anti-Plagiarism & Detection Software.