UI Hosts One-Day Code of Conduct Bureau Advocacy, Sensitisation Workshop for Public Officers

The University of Ibadan in collaboration with the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB) has held an advocacy and sensitisation workshop for Public Officers to strengthen ethical standards, promote accountability and improve compliance with public service regulations.

The 13th Vice-Chancellor, Professor Kayode O. Adebowale, mni, FAS, fspsp, called on academics, administrators and technical staff to uphold the highest standards of ethical conduct in the discharge of their official responsibilities, describing the workshop as an important partnership between the university and the Bureau. 

Professor Adebowale noted that institutions of higher learning must demonstrate that academic excellence goes hand in hand with integrity and responsible leadership to reaffirm the commitment of the university to working with the CCB to promote accountability, ethical leadership and the prevention of corruption.

He assured the CCB delegation at the workshop that the university was ready to go beyond hosting the workshop saying that the University of Ibadan actively supports efforts to strengthen integrity and accountability in public service.

He added that a sound understanding of the Code of Conduct would help protect individual staff members while safeguarding the collective reputation of the institution.

According to ProfessorAdebowale, public officers have a duty to manage public resources judiciously, discharge their responsibilities transparently and serve as role models for future generations.

Professor Adebowale restated that asset declaration is a statutory accountability measure intended to promote transparency and help prevent the abuse of public office and urged staff to submit accurate and up-to-date declarations as required by law, noting that compliance protects public officers from avoidable legal consequences and helps preserve the institution’s reputation.

He encouraged participants to take advantage of the Bureau’s digital transition to understand and comply with the applicable asset declaration procedures and leave the workshop with a renewed determination to uphold honesty, transparency and accountability in their official duties.

Rt. Hon. Taofiq Abdulsalam Olawale, a member of the Board of the Code of Conduct Bureau, who represented the Chairman of the Board, Dr. Abdullahi Usman Bello in a keynote address, urged staff members of the University of Ibadan to handle their asset declaration forms carefully, comply with statutory requirements and take advantage of ongoing reforms aimed at strengthening accountability among public officers.

He explained that the Bureau was established to regulate the conduct of public officers, particularly regarding asset declaration and the prevention of conflicts of interest, stressing that its mandate was not intended to witch-hunt public servants, but protect them.

Hon. Olawale disclosed that the current management of the Bureau was intensifying public awareness to improve understanding of its mandate and encourage compliance, reiterating that the Bureau has a constitutional foundation and plays a distinctive role in promoting accountability and ethical standards among public officers.

He warned staff members against handing their forms over to unauthorised persons for photocopying or processing, stressing that sensitive information could be duplicated or exploited for financial gains.

Hon. Olawale also disclosed plans of the CCB to expand its public awareness initiatives by engaging students and young people on the importance of integrity, accountability and responsible public service.

The erstwhile State Director of the CCB in Oyo State, Mr Amao Bolaji said the workshop would deepen the understanding of participants on the operational requirements of the Code of Conduct Bureau, relevant tribunal procedures and public service rules governing the conduct of public officers.

He noted that participants were expected to become more familiar with the applicable regulations, service conditions and legal provisions guiding ethical conducts in the public sector.

According to him, another key objective of the workshop was to strengthen the capacity of the participants to identify and manage conflicts of interest in the course of their official duties.

He stated that public officers and decision-makers must be equipped with the tools to identify, declare and appropriately manage situations in which personal interests could conflict with institutional responsibilities.

Earlier in his welcome address, the Focal Officer, UI SERVICOM and Convener of the CCB Collaboration Committee, Professor O. E. Awe, acknowledged the importance of the workshop in addressing issues surrounding CCB and strengthening participants’ understanding of the subject.

He expressed optimism that the sessions would provide an opportunity for meaningful discussions and help participants develop a clearer understanding of the mandate of the Bureau 

Papers presented and the resource persons at the training were:

1. “The Legal & Constitutional Framework” by Mrs O. K. Popoola, the Code of Conduct Bureau South West Zonal Director.

2. “Assets & Liability Declaration Mapping” by Mr. A. J. Bolaji, the Former State Director, CCB, Oyo State.

3. “Emerging Anti-Corruption Legal Frameworks (POCA)” by Mrs Sadiat O. Sambo, Head of Legal Team and Mr Tosin Owojori, Zonal Legal Officer.

The workshop which was attended by Provosts, Deans, Heads of Departments, Directors, Deputy Registrars, Faculty Officers and Administrators also featured a question-and-answer session, compliance check lists and a walkthrough on how to fill out the CCB form.

A Memorandum of Understanding had earlier been signed by UI and the CCB during a courtesy call on the Vice-Chancellor before the workshop commenced.

Courtesy: UI DIRECTORATE OF PUBLIC COMMUNICATION