ICPC, NANS sign pact to tackle corruption, sexual harassment in tertiary institutions

To further check incidences of indiscipline, examination malpractice, extortion, sexual harassment and other forms of corruption in tertiary institutions, the Independent Corrupt Practices and other Reπlated Offences Commission (ICPC) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS).

Spokesperson of the ICPC, Rasheedat Okoduwa, said in a statement that the agreement was targeted at getting Nigerian students involved in the anti-corruption efforts of the commission, and to create awareness among them as to how to report cases to ICPC for prosecution. Terms of the agreement also involve encouraging students to use the ICPC training arm, the Anti-Corruption Academy of Nigeria (ACAN) for research on corruption and other related matters.

The commission’s Secretary, Elvis Oglafa, who signed on behalf of the ICPC, said at the occasion that hitherto, students have not had a platform to report corrupt practices within their school system, but that the MoU has now addressed that gap. He expressed optimism that institutions of higher learning can achieve 100 per cent discipline and zero tolerance for corruption.

Mr. Oglafa further stated that over the years NANS has not provided any platform, which could enable its members to report corrupt practices within the educational system, but that with the signing of the MOU, a new door has been opened for the reporting of such vices.

The commission’s scribe expressed optimism that since Nigerian students have now demonstrated willingness to confront this monster head on, a new vista, which has just been set would cleanse the system of the debris of corruption in the institutions, statement added.

NANS President, Comrade Tijani Usman, who led the delegation to the ceremony commended ICPC for the initiative and affirmed that Nigerian students were willing to fight corruption as they were always at the receiving end of its adverse effects.