As part of efforts aimed at entrenching anti-corruption culture and promoting integrity in the workplace, the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has inaugurated an Anti-Corruption and Transparency Unit (ACTU) in Kwara State Polytechnic, Ilorin.
ICPC Chairman, Prof. Bolaji Owasanoye, SAN, who was represented by the Resident Anti-Corruption Commissioner (RACC) Osun State, Mr. Demola Bakare, commended the Management of the institution on the inauguration of the Unit.
He stated that ACTU, an initiative of ICPC and approved by the Federal Executive Council, is an institutional ethics and anti-corruption instrument designed to operate as an autonomous outfit, but linked to the office of the Chief Executive in order to fight corruption and eliminate corrupt practices in the workplace.
The ICPC boss requested the full support and backing of the management of the Polytechnic for the success of the Unit, especially by providing adequate funding for its operation.
He further sounded a note of warning to ACTU members that they should not use their office as tool to witch-hunt or victimize other staff, but work hard to gain the support of both the staff and Management of the school in order to achieve positive results and to justify the trust bestowed on them.
In his welcome address, the Rector of the institution, who was represented by the Deputy Rector (Academic), Mallam Isiaka Abdulrahman, applauded ICPC for taking the initiative in setting up ACTUs which had helped in fighting corruption in government institutions.
He commended the Commission for promoting transparency and accountability in the public service and promised to continue to support the laudable efforts of the Federal Government in eliminating corruption in Nigeria.
The Rector promised to encourage already existing anti-corruption mechanisms in the institution such as the disciplinary committee, to work with and give their support to the ACTU in the fight against all forms of corruption and corrupt practices.
In the lecture delivered at the event titled, “Overview of ACTUs in Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs)”, Mr. Bakare enlightened the participants about ICPC, its activities and the concept of ACTU, and discussed the provisions of the ACTU Standing Orders.