The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has sounded the alarm on the devastating impact of corruption on Nigeria’s education sector.
This revelation was contained in a statement released on Wednesday and signed by Demola Bakare, the commission’s Director of Public Enlightenment and Education.
The ICPC Chairman, Dr. Musa Adamu Aliyu, represented by Mrs. Grace Agha-Ibe, described corruption as a “cancer” that has severely affected the sector’s performance.
At a 3-day workshop organized by the Anti-Corruption Academy of Nigeria (ACAN) in Abuja, Dr. Aliyu emphasized that corruption has compromised every level of education, from enrollment to project execution.
He attributed the problem to a lack of transparency and accountability, which has far-reaching consequences for access to and quality of education.
The workshop aimed to promote transparency and accountability in basic education management. Dr. Aliyu expressed optimism that participants would gain valuable knowledge to discharge their duties more effectively and become more transparent and accountable.
His statement, “The lower end of the education ladder has witnessed more of its impact… from enrollment, to the provision of textbooks and equipment, appointment and management of teachers, assessment of teaching and learning processes, supervision, monitoring and evaluation of schools, as well as monitoring of projects execution, tales of unpalatable experiences abound.’’
He added that, ‘’Corruption is at the heart of these experiences, a huge chunk of which may be attributed to lack of transparency and accountability, and the direct and indirect impact of this on access to and quality of education cannot be overemphasized.’’
Prof. Olatunde Babawale, ACAN Provost, highlighted the critical outcome of the training: promoting transparency and accountability in the Universal Basic Education Board and developing skills to safeguard against corruption and fraud.
Dr. Hamid Bobboyi, Executive Secretary of UBEC, stressed the importance of positively impacting students, the future leaders of Nigeria. He warned that failing in this responsibility would jeopardize the future.
With this workshop, the commission aims to tackle corruption head-on and ensure a brighter future for Nigeria’s education sector.
Corruption Killing Nigeria’s Quality of Education Like Cancer – ICPC Chairman
