In a significant move to combat corruption, the Independent Corrupt Practices and other related offences Commission (ICPC) has reaffirmed its commitment to promote transparency and accountability in Nigeria’s basic education management.
The ICPC Chairman, Adamu Aliyu (SAN), represented by Director, Special Services, Grace Agha-Ibe, stated this during a three-day capacity-building workshop for State Universal Basic Education Boards (SUBEBs) and Federal Capital Territory Universal Basic Education Board (FCT-UBEB) officials in Abuja.
The workshop was organised by the Anti-Corruption Academy of Nigeria (ACAN), in collaboration with the Foundation for Transparency and Accountability.
Aliyu, who expressed concern over the harm that corruption had caused in the education sector, said that all hands must be on deck to bring the monster under control. He tasked officials in the sector on promoting transparency and accountability.
In his welcome address, ACAN Provost, Prof. Olatunde Babawale, highlighted the workshop’s critical outcomes to include promoting transparency, among others.
“There is a critical need to expand the band of stakeholders that are dedicated to fighting the war against corruption in Nigeria.
“Given the situation of the education sector and basic education in particular, the war must be fought at every level if we are to achieve sustainable results.
“For us at the Academy, we are driven by the philosophy that corruption and related crimes can be controlled and managed through a system of training and re-training.
“This will produce sound anti-corruption policies, operational efficiency and good management culture. This is why this workshop has been put together,” he said.
Also, Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) Executive Secretary, Dr Hamid Bobboyi, stressed individual’s responsibility, urging participants to positively impact students and secure Nigeria’s future.
This initiative, according to him, marks a significant step towards combating corruption and ensuring quality education in Nigeria. Through this collaborative effort, ICPC, ACAN and UBEC are paving the way for a corruption-free education sector, and empowering future generations.