Students of tertiary institutions in Nigeria have been told to be wary of corruption as its existence on campuses and the society at large kills their dreams.
The Chairman of Nigeria’s Anti-graft Agency, the Independent Corrupt Practices, and other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), Professor Bolaji Owasanoye gave the charge in Abuja at the inter-school debate for Tertiary institutions organized by the Anti-graft Agency.
Owasanoye urged the students to face corruption in all ramifications by being transparent in their dealings and with integrity.
Represented by a Board member, Goni Ali Gujba, Owasanoye said corruption should not be viewed as an adult problem alone, but the students’ involvement in the fight will champion a greater future and success in the crusade.
He explained that the inter-school debate is one of many platforms the commission created to build the capacity of students on “ethical re-orientation, behavioural change and positive value rejuvenation among youths.”
The ICPC boss called on teachers to take advantage of the initiatives of the commission such as “the National Ethics and Integrity Policy, the National Values Curriculum, Students Clubs and Vanguard platforms to add moral values to students.”
Also, the Chairman of Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Abdulrasheed Bawa, while urging the students to desist from cybercrime, described them as the needed ambassadors to inculcate the right virtues.
“Institutions of learning are the fertile ground where students nurture and imbibe the virtues of integrity, honesty, punctuality and decency as future leaders.”
Bawa, represented by head of Media, EFCC Academy, Mrs. Chidimma Amanambu urged members of the Anti-Corruption to contribute their quota towards a Nigeria free of economic and financial crimes.
Various stakeholders and anti-Corruption Non-governmental organisations expressed commitment to building an environment that fosters transparency, accountability and integrity.
The debate featured various topics on anti-Corruption, where Federal Polytechnic Nasarawa came first, University of Abuja second, and Baze University third.
