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SPOTLIGHTS
- Increased focus on Anti-Corruption Clubs in schools is essential
- Comprehensive education on corruption is crucial for young people
- School administrators must uphold high standards and vigilance
- Collaboration between ICPC and educational institutions is vital
From Adanna Nnamani, Abuja
In a bid to combat corruption at its roots, the Chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), Dr. Musa Aliyu, has called for greater focus on Anti-Corruption Clubs in schools. He believes that increased time dedicated to these clubs will allow for more comprehensive education on the dangers of corruption and equip students with the tools to fight it effectively.
Dr. Aliyu also urged school administrators to maintain high standards in handling corruption-related issues, particularly those involving teachers, emphasising the need for vigilant oversight.
“Through reports of the Clubs’ activities in your schools, we have seen your zeal and passion towards the attainment of the club objectives. However, there is still room for improvement, which is why we have brought you all together for this important meeting; to share experiences, challenges, ideas, and, most importantly, proffer solutions that will help us all improve the functioning of the clubs to attain the overall behavioural change goal in our youth,” he stated.
Dr. Aliyu urged attendees to agree on dedicating more time for Anti-Corruption Clubs in their schools, allowing club advisors and ICPC officers to educate students on the ills of corruption and how to combat it within their school environment and beyond.
He added, “The management of the administrative boards should also be above board in handling anti-corruption matters under their purview, especially where it involves teachers. They must not relax in their supervision roles to ensure that the highest standards are upheld in their domain.”
Dr. Mohammed Sani Ladan, Director/Secretary of the FCT Secondary Education Board, echoed the importance of education in combating corruption, highlighting its pervasive nature and the threat it poses to national progress. He stressed the need for collective action to eradicate corrupt practices and instil moral values and integrity in students.
Dr. Ladan expressed gratitude to ICPC for their partnership in promoting anti-corruption initiatives in schools and urged for continued collaboration. He called on school leaders, club patrons, and patronesses to exemplify transparency and accountability.
“The time has come for all of us, especially the heads of schools and the club patrons and patronesses, to join hands together to stop the menace and the epidemic called corruption in our school system and society in general,” he said.
Dr. Ladan concluded by commending ICPC for their longstanding partnership with the FCT Secondary Education Board in combating corruption in schools and encouraged them to expand their campaign to all schools.
