Abuja: The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has inaugurated Students Anti-Corruption Clubs (SAC) in 40 private secondary schools in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), marking a significant shift in the Commission’s anti-corruption strategy. The initiative aims to engage students in the fight against corruption and other anti-social behaviors.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, ICPC Chairman Dr. Musa Aliyu (SAN) announced the initiative during the inauguration ceremony, emphasizing the importance of involving youths in anti-corruption efforts. He noted that this development represents a departure from previous years, where the focus was primarily on government-owned schools. The chairman highlighted that engaging youths is a key strategy under Section 6 (e-f) of the ICPC Act 2000, which mandates the Commission to educate and mobilize young people against corruption.
Dr. Aliyu recalled that since the Commission’s establishment in 2000, it has introduced various interventions in the education sector, such as Values Based Education through the National Values Curriculum (NVC). Developed in collaboration with the Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council (NERDC), the curriculum aims to instill positive values in youths. The NVC is currently under review after its initial implementation phase, which led to the creation of SACs in secondary schools and Students Anti-Corruption Vanguards (SAV) in tertiary institutions nationwide.
Highlighting the impact of these initiatives, Dr. Aliyu noted that approximately 20 million Nigerian youths have participated in the integrity reorientation program since 2003. He encouraged the students present at the event to understand that integrity is crucial for societal development and expressed hope that their engagement would enhance their knowledge of anti-corruption efforts in Nigeria.
The ICPC Chairman also acknowledged the contributions of various partners, including Gender Mobile Initiative, Women Aid Collective, Step-Up Nigeria, Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC), and the National Association of Proprietors of Private Schools in the FCT. He commended teachers for their dedication to shaping young minds and wished the newly inaugurated clubs success.
Mr. Demola Bakare, Director of the Public Education Department, revealed a new strategic direction approved by the ICPC Chairman to increase the Commission’s engagement with educational institutions. As part of this strategy, the Chairman and Education Department officials will conduct impromptu school visits to hold interactive sessions with students on values that can transform Nigeria’s developmental path. Additionally, the Commission’s engagements with schools will be integrated into Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) meetings to create a collaborative platform for parents, teachers, and students.
Development partners at the event praised the ICPC for its commitment to combating corruption through values-based education. They encouraged students to reject unethical practices such as examination malpractice and dishonesty, urging them to embrace integrity, accountability, and responsible citizenship.
Students interviewed at the event expressed their determination to combat corruption within their schools. Tiamiyu Rilwan from Adeola International School, Kubwa, emphasized the importance of exhibiting integrity, while Toona Obinna highlighted the need to report any corrupt activities to school authorities and educate peers on fighting corruption.