Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has inaugurated 68 Students Anti-Corruption Clubs (SACs) in secondary schools in Osun State.
The inauguration took place at Ataoja School of Science, Osogbo Osun state.
Chairman of the ICPC, Prof Bolaji Owasanoye SAN, represented by the Head of Osun State office of ICPC, Mr Baba Alaro Shuaib, explained further that corruption, which goes beyond financial issues, also include examination malpractice, sex-for-marks and award of contracts without due process.
He said corruption can be tackled by schools through helps from the youths.
Owasanoye, who spoke while presenting his keynote address, stated that the formation of Students Anti-Corruption Clubs in secondary schools was an important strategy to engage the youths actively in the fight against corruption especially in their formative years.
He charged students and youths to always follow the path of integrity and report corrupt practices to the ICPC.
Owasanoye said, “The best way to kill corruption is to prevent corruption from happening. The ICPC, through its three-pronged mandate contained in the Section 6 of the Act, 2000, particularly 6 (e-f) is a manifestation, and in line with the inauguration of Students Anti-Corruption Clubs.
“It is expected that as they grow up and assume positions of responsibility, the youths would have imbibed zero tolerance for corruption and other social vices.”
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He concluded by appealing to all stakeholders, especially our institutions of learning and regulatory agencies to support ICPC in the implementation of the values re-orientation projects such as the National Values Curriculum, and the National Ethics and Integrity Policy towards positive transformation of our dear nation.
Also speaking at the occasion, the Commissioner for Education in the State, Mr Folorunsho Oladoyin, commended ICPC for the inauguration which he said would further encourage positive values in the students.
The Commissioner, who was represented by his Permanent Secretary, Mr Ademola Aderinola, pledged the support of the state in building a corruption-free society, and appealed to students to join the anti-corruption clubs in order to fight corruption and ensure a positive transformation of the society.
Delivering a lecture titled “Inculcating Positive Values in the Youths Using Anti-Corruption Clubs, the ICPC Perspective”, the Director of PE&E, Mr Mohammed Ashiru Baba, explained what the Anti-Corruption Clubs were all about and the roles they are expected to play as executives and members of the club.
The SACs were officially inaugurated by Mr Baba and were sworn in with the oath of membership.
The event was attended by the Director of School Services (SUBEB), Mrs Bola Adedire, the Executive Secretary, State Senior Secondary Education Board Osogbo, Dr (Mrs) T.T Adeagbo, the Senior Education Officer of Ministry of Education, Mrs V. AIshola and other dignitaries.
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