The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, ICPC, has vowed to tackle corruption in the basic education sector.
Chairman of ICPC, Musa Aliyu, made this vow at a three-day capacity-building workshop for officials of State Universal Basic Education Boards, SUBEBs, and Federal Capital Territory Universal Basic Education Board, FCT-UBEB on Tuesday in Abuja.
Represented by ICPC Director of Special Services, Mrs Grace Agha-Ibe, the anti-graft boss expressed concern over the harm corrupt practices had caused in the education sector, adding that all hands must be on deck to bring the monster under control.
While tasking officials in the sector on promoting transparency and accountability, he worried about the consequences of lack of transparency and accountability in the sector.
“Corruption is a cancer that ramifies every sector of our national life and the education sector has not been spared. Indeed the lower end of the education ladder has witnessed more of its impact.
“According to the British Council, about one-fifth of the world’s 60 million out-of school children are in Nigeria.
“Children that are able to access schools typically learn little.
“From enrolment, to the provision of textbooks and equipment, appointment and management of teachers, assessment of teaching and learning processes, supervision, monitoring and evaluation of schools,” he said.