Corruption continues to undermine the Education system in Nigeria, creating major challenges to advancement and growth. Dr. Musa Adamu Aliyu SAN, the Chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), emphasised the damaging effects of Corruption on education, comparing its impact to a disease that has weakened the sector’s structure. These comments were expressed at a three-day seminar hosted by the Anti-Corruption Academy of Nigeria (ACAN), the ICPC’s research and training division. The session was designed to foster transparency and accountability within the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) and the Universal Basic Education Board for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT-UBEB).
Held at the ICPC headquarters in Abuja, the workshop focused on challenges facing the academic sector, particularly in basic schools. Its purpose was to provide institutional officials with the necessary skills to enhance integrity and accountability in overseeing academic resources and ensure that school services reach those they are meant for. In his opening remarks, Dr. Musa Adamu Aliyu, represented by Mrs. Grace Agha-Ibe fsi, emphasised the presence of misconduct within various aspects of the academic sector. This includes student admissions, learning materials distribution, Teacher hiring, and managing educational assets.
Poor academic quality was linked to ineffective governance in education.
He noted that the foundational levels of the academic system have suffered the most, resulting in a noticeable deterioration in quality attributed to ineffective governance. The absence of openness and responsibility has permitted Fraud to thrive, making it harder for many students to obtain good learning outcomes. He explained the pervasive nature of corruption, stating its effects on physical resources and learning practices. The integrity of supervision, monitoring, and evaluation initiatives has been undermined, leading to inadequate academic standards.
Dr. Aliyu emphasised that these challenges are intensified by ineffective project implementation, which has caused a mishandling of facilities and wasting essential resources intended to advance learning. The workshop participants were encouraged to gain important insights regarding transparency and accountability, empowering them to fulfil their duties proficiently. He emphasised that by incorporating these concepts into their operations, institutional leaders could reduce the damaging effects of misconduct and avoid legal issues. He underscored that the primary aim was to cultivate a setting where academics thrive, liberated from the constraints of corrupt behaviour.
Hamid praised the event and emphasised the importance of quality academics.
Professor Olatunde Babawale, the Provost of ACAN, emphasised that the workshop was intended to foster a commitment to integrity within academic administration. The training aimed to enhance transparency and combat fraud, which are essential measures for elevating institutions’ overall standards. He assured participants that the insights acquired from the workshop would enable them to protect the academic system against corruption and ensure the proper use of resources. Professor Babawale emphasised that improving transparency and accountability is crucial for reaching the nation’s institutional goals. He stressed the necessity of delivering quality services, advancing the academic sector, and contributing to a promising future for the nation’s children.
On his part, Dr. Hamid Bobboyi, the Executive Secretary of the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), presented a goodwill message. He commended the initiative and emphasised the importance of learning for the nation’s future. He stated that funding children’s learning is vital for sustainable success and warned that inaction today could put the nation’s future at risk. He stressed the necessity of each person taking accountability for their roles, noting that neglecting these duties endangers their current positions and jeopardises opportunities for upcoming generations. His words reinforced the vital role of teamwork in creating an academic framework that would support future leaders.
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Lastly, the workshop stressed the importance of addressing corruption at every institutional system level. Attendees were motivated to incorporate the insights gained into their everyday responsibilities, as they are crucial to the struggle against corruption and ultimately contribute to the sustainable enhancement of the academic landscape. The program launched by ICPC through its Anti-Corruption Academy signifies progress in enhancing the academic framework, ensuring that basic learning is open and clear for everyone. By tackling corruption directly, the workshop attendees and the country can anticipate an academic system promoting honesty and responsibility.