Corruption in Nigeria has become a societal norm, significantly hindering national development. This persistent challenge has given rise to various theoretical explanations aimed at understanding its root causes. This paper investigates the causes of corruption in Nigeria through psychological and sociological lenses, arising in the progenitor theory of corruption. The public choice theory of corruption, institutional theory of corruption, and the principalagent theory were adopted as the main theoretical framework of analysis. Additionally, attachment theory, and Baumrind’s parenting style theory were employed to structure the study’s psychological and sociological analysis of the progenitor theory of corruption as propounded in this paper. The research utilised the qualitative approach, based on primary data sourced from semi-structured interviews, and complemented with secondary data. Findings indicate that ill parenting styles significantly contribute to the prevalence of societal corruption, thus, providing sufficient evidence for our progenitor theory of corruption. Based on these findings, the paper recommends that parents should instil moral values and ethical behaviours in their children. Furthermore, they should provide holistic care by addressing the social, spiritual, and financial needs of their wards to prevent the development of corrupt tendencies.