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Abstract
The concept of social realism in literature is concerned with the social, economic, political, issues prevalent in a society; where literature is used as a tool for tackling those issues. Wale okediran’s ‘The Boys at the Border’ and Ngozi Chuma-Udeh’s ‘Teachers on Strike’ therefore delved into the issues of corruption among the ruling class and its reflection in the society. The novelists mirrored a society reeking in bribery and corruption, tribalism, greed, prostitution, oppression, exploitation, while frowning at how these flaws have become the bane of the society. In Wale Okediran’s ‘The Boys at the Border’, the writer creates a picture of a system filled with corrupt leaders who consciously loot and engage in illicit practices with little or no concern for the consequences of their actions. In Ngozi Chuma –Udeh’s ‘Teachers on Strike’, the insensitivity and lack of regard for the lives of teachers by the political leader, was succinctly addressed; teachers faced hardship and his excellency rather than pay them the salary being owed, chose to try to bribe the union leaders while stacking up money for his re-election plans. This paper therefore evaluates the role of literature in combating the issues that impede national development and negatively affect the lives of the people while addressing those issues in order to bring about positive change and development. Keywords: Social Realism, Literature, Bribery And Corruption, Leaders.