By Oluwakayode Banjo
The Chairman, Oyo State Anti-Corruption Agency (OYACA), Retired Justice Eni Esan, wants higher institutions in the state to put in place and implement anti-corruption rules and practices.
The retired Justice stated this during a sensitization and advocacy programme organized by OYACA for staff and students of Oyo State College of Agriculture and Technology, Igboora at the institution’s main hall.
Retired Justice Esan explained that students would thus imbibe the rules within and outside the school environments.
She said academic institutions were positioned to play key roles in preventing corruption as they educate future leaders and impart values of integrity through set examples.
The retired jurist pointed out that anti-corruption education was one of the most effective ways to increase public awareness and improve public attitudes towards corruption, saying that corruption is widespread in Nigeria because the majority has a poor understanding of how it could negatively impact the society.
“Anti-Corruption education is one of the most effective ways to increase public awareness and improve public attitudes towards corruption, one of the main reasons why corruption is so widespread is that most people have a poor understanding of what it means and how it can negatively impact society, by educating people about the causes and consequences of corruption, as well as preferring solutions for combating it, we can help to build a more informed and anti-corruption society.
“Academic institutions are uniquely positioned to play a key role in preventing corruption, not only do they educate future leaders, they also have a unique opportunity to impart the values of integrity through the examples they set by maintaining a high standard of transparency, accountability and ethical conduct.
“Therefore staff and students of higher institutions should abstain from unethical conducts such as sex for grades, admission racketeering, etc, by ensuring that all staff members are held to these standards, academic institutions can play an important role in creating an honest and transparent environment that discourages corruption and promotes trust among stakeholders.”
Justice Eni Esan advised students to work towards discouraging their parents from engaging in sharp practices, imbibe the values of integrity that will make them not engage in examination malpractices, and should report any corrupt practices they observe to OYACA.
Responding, the Provost of the College, Professor Akinola Akinlabi who was represented by the Registrar, Mr Rasheed Adeniji, appreciated OYACA for deeming it fit to extend the sensitization programme to the institution, while promising to imbibe the core values of morality teachings.
The Registrar pointed out that the College had imbibed precautionary steps to avoid corrupt practices by staff and students of the institution and hailed the Oyo State administration under Governor Seyi Makinde for establishing the agency.
Earlier, the OYACA team paid a visit to the Olu of Igboora, Oba Jimoh Ayinla, who was represented by the Oluaso of Iberekodo, Oba Jamiu Badmus, and members of the traditional council.
The monarch appreciated the Chairman of OYACA for the positive impacts that the agency’s activities have created in Oyo State and encouraged her to sustain the tempo of zero tolerance for corruption in and around the State.
Subscribe to our Telegram and YouTube Channels also join our Whatsapp
pub-5160901092443552
Related Posts
