ICPC and University of Ibadan Partner to Strengthen Anti-Corruption Frameworks

The management of University of Ibadan has expressed its readiness to strengthen collaborations with the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) in promoting transparency and Accountability within public institutions. 

The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ibadan, Professor K.O. Adebowale, mni, FAS, while welcoming a ICPC delegation on a courtesy call, described the visit as an important step toward strengthening collaboration between the University and the commission in the fight against corruption. He noted that the University of Ibadan, widely regarded as Nigeria’s Premier University, operates a strong administrative structure and control mechanisms that promotes transparency through a committee system of governance.

According to Prof. Adebowale, the committee-based approach ensures that no single individual takes unilateral decisions, thereby promoting accountability in the management of the institution. He also said that the University operates through a committee system which provides checks and balances in its decision-making process, going a long way in ensuring transparency and proper control in the administration of the Institution. 

Referring to the newly inaugurated Anti-Corruption and Transparency Unit (ACTU) of the University, the Vice Chancellor described it as part of efforts to strengthen institutional integrity. He explained that the University management had already provided office space for the unit and would continue to support its activities despite financial limitations associated to the challenge of low budgetary allocation to Nigerian Universities. 

Describing corruption as a global challenge, Prof Adebowale stressed that the fight against it cannot be left to Anti-Corruption Agencies alone, but requires the collective efforts of Institutions and Individuals. He noted that corruption must be addressed through strong systems, ethical leadership and continuous public enlightenment. 

He expressed the willingness of the University to collaborate with the Commission in areas such as training, research and professional development for mutual benefits.

Earlier in his remark, the new Resident Anti-Corruption Commissioner for ICPC, Oyo/Ogun states, Mr Chilezie Ogwegbu who led the team said that the visit was aimed at strengthening collaborations between the Commission and the University in promoting ethical conduct and transparency. He disclosed that the Commission had established an Anti-Corruption Academy where awareness and training programmes are organised periodically to educate people on anti-corruption practices and ethical leadership.

Mr Ogwegbu encouraged the University to nominate members of staff to participate in the academy’s training programmes, assuring that the commission would make its training timetable available to the Institution. He also revealed plans to establish an Anti-Corruption Vanguard for students within the University community to educate them on the danger of corruption and encourage them to uphold integrity in their future endeavours.

The Anti-Corruption Commissioner further informed the University management about an upcoming system study and review exercise to be conducted by the Commission, explaining that the exercise is aimed at studying institutional systems and recommending improvements where necessary, to strengthen transparency in Institutions. He solicited management cooperation and support in providing all that would be required during the exercise.

Also accompanying the 9-man team from ICPC, were members of the University of Ibadan Anti-Corruption and Transparency Unit led by the Chairman, Prof. Segun Ajiboye