Nigeria’s Anti graft Agency, the Independent Corrupt Practices and other Related Offences Commission, ICPC has established partnership with the Universal Basic Education Commission, UBEC in the fight against corruption.
The Executive Secretary of UBEC, Dr Hammid Bobboyi, while inaugurating the members of the Universal basic Education – Anti Corruption and Transparency Unit, UBEC ACTU said UBEC would continue to operate within the provision of global best practices.
He said they would ensure that their staffs continue to live above board and shun all forms of corrupt practices.
Dr Bobboyi lamented that corruption was pervasive in the country, and said efforts would continue to reverse the ugly trend.
‘’It is no longer secret that corruption is pervasive in Nigeria. Not only do we experience poor service delivery and lack of due process in the conduct of government business in the country, but we have a penchant for embezzlement of public funds. It is in order to reverse these ugly trends that the Federal government through the ICPC set up the Anti-Corruption and Transparency Unit ,” he said.
He urged the ICPC to continually assist with expert advice for UBEC in order for the commission to stay on the path of sanity and fiscal discipline in it affairs and that of basic education sub-sector in general.
Responsibilities
The UBEC ACTU is charged with the responsibility of liaising with ICPC at all times for advice and direction, monitor and investigate all cases bordering on corrupt practices, in the discharge of its responsibilities, and report to the Executive Secretary for prompt action.
Dr Bobboyi said members of the unit were carefully selected from among departments and units and have the capacity to perform.
The Chairman of ICPC, Professor Bolaji Owasanoye, said the ACTU was initiated by the ICPC, approved by the Federal Executive Council to serve as an in-house mechanism for corruption prevention in line with global best practices in government establishments.
He stressed that the ACTU was designed to operate as an autonomous unit with functional linkages with the office of the Chief Executive.
“The main duties of the ACTU are to undertake periodic sensitisation of staff on and against corruption and proffer solution; develop code of ethics/conduct for staff and ensure compliance with same; monitor budget implementation, and undertake a preliminary investigation into complaints/reports received amongst others,” he added.
Confidence Okwuchi
