The Chairman, Oyo State Anti-Corruption Agency (OYACA), Hon. Justice Eni Esan, has called on higher institutions of learning in the State to put in place and implement anti-corruption rules and practices for students to imbibe within and outside the school environments.
The retired Justice stated this on Wednesday during a sensitization and advocacy programme organized by the agency for the staff and students of Oyo State College of Agriculture and Technology, Igboora at the institution’s main hall.
She said academic institutions are positioned to play key roles in preventing corruption as they educate future leaders and impart values of integrity through set examples.
She added that anti-corruption education is 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 have 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 a 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 to engage in examination malpractices and should report any corrupt practices they observe to OYACA.
While responding to the address, the Provost of the College, Prof. 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 that were shown in the Chairman’s address.
He pointed out that the College have 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, led by the Chairman, board and management members paid a visit to the Olu of Igboora, Oba Jimoh Titiloye Asoroolu 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.
