By our reporter
The bid to instill the values of integrity, transparency, and accountability in young students took centre stage at an event in Abuja, the nation’s capital.
The event was the inauguration of Integrity Clubs in 10 selected public Junior Secondary Schools owned and run by Federal Capital Territory Universal Basic Education Board (FCT UBEB).
The novel initiative was done in collaboration with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
The inauguration, which took place at the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) Digital Resource Centre, Abuja, was attended by key stakeholders and development partners.
A major objective of the clubs is to shape the moral character of students, thus ensuring they grow into responsible citizens with zero tolerance for corruption.
Acting Executive Chairman of FCT UBEB, Dr. Alhassan Sule, who welcomed guests to the occasion, thumbed up the EFCC Chairman, Mr. Ola Olukoyede, for his leadership qualities and foresight in establishing the Integrity Clubs.
Dr. Sule described the initiative as a pathway to “immunizing children against corruption,” pledging to institutionalize the clubs in more FCT schools.
The Executive Chairman highlighted education as a powerful tool against corruption, expressing confidence that the clubs will spark students to reject corrupt practices and so, foster a future generation of responsible leaders.
EFCC Director of Public Affairs, Wilson Uwujaren, who represented Olukoyode, in his own speech, expressed joy at the initiative.
According to him, the Integrity Clubs would serve as platforms for enlightenment, character building, and empowerment and implored students to uphold values of honesty, diligence, and courage.
Deploring corruption, the EFCC Chair noted that the scourge threatens national development, vowing that it must be confronted collectively.
The EFCC boss urged all stakeholders to support the campaign against corruption and encouraged students to remain committed to the club’s principles.
“Keep your eyes on the light that is shining and do not look back,” he enjoined the students.
To further support the initiative, the EFCC Chair pledged to provide instructional materials, guidance, and mentorship to students even as he demanded that schools actively engage members of the clubs and submit regular reports on their activities.
