University of Ibadan Recommits to Ethical Purity with Reconstitution of Anti-Corruption Unit

The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ibadan, Professor Kayode Adebowale, mni, FAS, fspsp, has pledged that the university will lead by example to prove that academic excellence thrives in an atmosphere of ethical purity. 

He made this statement at the inauguration of the Reconstituted Anti-Corruption and Transparency Unit (ACTU) of the university which was presided over by the Independent Corrupt Practices and other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).

Professor Adebowale explained that the University of Ibadan, as Africa's premier institution and the birthplace of higher education in Nigeria, has always been a beacon of excellence, innovation, and moral leadership. 

He stated that in an era where corruption threatens to erode the foundations of progress in our nation, the university recognizes that true greatness demands more than academic brilliance, asserting that it requires unassailable integrity. 

The Vice-Chancellor disclosed that the original ACTU served the university well, and that the reconstitution, therefore, is not mere renewal, but a bold recommitment to transparency, accountability, and ethical stewardship.

The VC was confident that the reconstitution, with its enhanced mandate, robust framework, and dedicated leadership, will spearhead proactive measures against corrupt practices, and that it will foster a culture of openness through regular audits, whistleblower protections, public reporting mechanisms, and capacity-building programmes for staff and students. 

He affirmed that the university will continue to draw strength from the ICPC's guidance, ensure that its efforts align with national anti-corruption strategies, and that UI will collaborate with the Commission to transform potential vulnerabilities into fortresses of trust.

Professor Adebowale charged members of the ACTU to act decisively, fearlessly, and impartially.

"To our students, the future leaders of Nigeria: embrace ACTU as your ally in building a corruption-free society. Let integrity be your compass. To our staff: let this unit remind us that every action we take shapes the legacy of this university. And to our partners in the ICPC: your presence today affirms that we are not alone in this noble pursuit." the VC charged.

A goodwill message was delivered on behalf of the Resident Commissioner, Oyo State Office of the ICPC, Mr. Chile Ogwuegbu, by Mr. Tope Eegunjobi, an Assistant Chief Superintendent of the ICPC.

He noted that 

the University of Ibadan was reckoned as an institution which plays a pivotal role in shaping ethical values, civic responsibility and good governance among future leaders.

He reiterated the role of the academia in promoting transparency and accountability through research, public enlightenment and institutional reforms, asserting that this aligns with the national anti-corruption drive championed by the ICPC.

The Resident Commissioner explained that ACTU is one of the key preventive mechanisms introduced by the commission across Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) to serve as an internal integrity mechanism designed to promote ethical compliance, monitor corrupt risks, thereby supporting government in strengthening transparency and accountability within public institutions. 

Mr. Ogwuegbu explained that the role of ACTU goes beyond compliance, and highlighted its importance as an instrument for building institutional resilience against corruption.

He told members of the UI ACTU that their task is enormous and urged them to give their utmost best in terms of individual sacrifices, sincerity, integrity and dedication to the cause of anti-corruption. 

An Assistant Chief Superintendent at the System Study and Review Department of ICPC, Oyo State, Mr. Oscar Ndukwe made a presentation to give an overview of Anti-Corruption and Transparency Units, to enlighten attendees on the concept of the ACTU and to encourage the newly inaugurated members to work for the success of the Unit in the university.

Thereafter, an oath of office was administered on the new members by Miss Farida Abisola Sanusi, a Deputy Superintendent at the ICPC, Oyo State. Other officers on the ICPC team were: Mrs. Tayo Babatunde (Principal Superintendent) and Mr. Adegboyega Akinleye (Assistant Chief Investigator).