The Federal College of Education (FCE), Obudu, witnessed a significant milestone in its institutional governance as it formally inaugurated and inducted members of its Anti-Corruption and Transparency Unit (ACTU).
The ceremony, held recently at the Theatre Arts Lecture Theatre, drew participants, including management staff, academic and non-academic personnel, and officials of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).
In his welcome address, the Provost of the College, Professor (Dr.) Richard U. Utunaku, emphasised that the institution’s mandate extended beyond the production of academically competent graduates to the nurturing of individuals of unassailable integrity.
He reaffirmed the centrality of honesty, fairness, and moral rectitude in the affairs of both staff and students, and pledged the management’s unalloyed support for the ACTU in the discharge of its duties.
Delivering a goodwill message on behalf of the Honourable Chairman of the ICPC, Mr. Baba Alaro Shuaib reiterated the Commission’s steadfast commitment to strengthening the anti-corruption architecture within Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) through the ACTU mechanism. He charged the newly inducted members to carry out their responsibilities with integrity, diligence, and transparency, warning that the fight against corruption demanded exemplary conduct.
Mr. Nsuhoridem E. Akpan thereafter delivered a paper presentation on the Standing Orders governing the operation of ACTUs in MDAs. The presentation illuminated the mandate, composition, functions, and operational guidelines of the Unit. This was followed by a question-and-answer session, during which staff and ACTU members sought clarifications on the operational framework.
The high point of the ceremony was the administration of the Oath of Office on the newly constituted ACTU members by Dr. Kioba Kio Anabraba, Esq. The formal swearing-in marked the official inauguration of the reconstituted Unit and empowered members to discharge their duties under the ICPC Act.
In her acceptance speech and vote of thanks, the newly appointed Chairman of the ACTU, Dr. John Ogabor, expressed profound gratitude to the ICPC and the Institution’s Management for the opportunity to serve.
She pledged the unwavering commitment of members to the anti-corruption agenda, vowing that the Unit would justify the confidence reposed in it.
Following the general ceremony, ACTU members convened for a specialised technical session. Dr. Kioba K. Anabraba and Mr. Nsuhoridem E. Akpan facilitated paper presentations on “Preliminary Investigations” and “The Conduct of System Study within MDAs,” respectively. A further question-and-answer session allowed the newly inducted members to engage with the facilitators on practical aspects of ACTU operation.
The Inauguration and Induction Ceremony of the ACTU of the Federal College of Education, Obudu, has been described as a resounding success. The ICPC’s participation served to reinforce the Commission’s oversight role in the establishment and operationalisation of ACTUs across MDAs. With the newly inaugurated Unit now in place, the College is positioned to contribute meaningfully to the fight against corruption within its walls and beyond.