In a decisive move to fortify institutional integrity, the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) and the Federal Polytechnic, Bali in Taraba State witnessed the formal reconstitution of the Polytechnic’s Anti-Corruption and Transparency Unit (ACTU). The ceremony, which took place recently, signals a renewed commitment to ethical governance within the tertiary education sector in Taraba State.
The reconstitution exercise was spearheaded by the ICPC’s Adamawa State office, whose officials travelled to the polytechnic campus to oversee the process. The event underscored the Federal Government’s ongoing resolve to embed accountability mechanisms directly within Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), using ACTUs as frontline watchdogs against graft.
Speaking during the inauguration, the Adamawa State Resident Anti-Corruption Commissioner (RACC), Mr. James Ulu Okoro, delivered a goodwill message on behalf of the ICPC’s Honourable Chairman; commending the polytechnic’s management and staff for their cooperation, describing the reconstitution as a model of proactive compliance.
“The ACTU remains a flagship initiative of the Commission, approved at the highest levels of government to serve as an in-house bulwark against corruption,” Mr. Okoro explained. He urged the new executives to see their roles as both a privilege and a solemn duty.
In his response, the Rector of Federal Polytechnic Bali, Dr. Mohammed Usman, expressed deep appreciation to the ICPC for its continued guidance. He charged the newly reconstituted unit to discharge their responsibilities strictly in line with the ACTU’s standing orders, without fear or favour. “Management has supported the ACTU in the past, and I give my word today that we shall continue to provide all necessary backing for you to succeed in your assigned mandate,” Dr. Usman affirmed.
The ceremony took a significant turn with the administration of the Oath of Allegiance, a moment that underscored the gravity of the task ahead. Eight members of the ACTU executive were reconstituted during the event, including the chairman, Dr. Sani Abdullahi, who is now serving his second term in the role.
In his acceptance speech, Dr. Abdullahi thanked the institution’s leadership for their continued trust and pledged to approach his duties with renewed vigour and seriousness.
Beyond the oath-taking, the ICPC team presented essential Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) materials to the Rector, designed to aid the unit’s public enlightenment campaigns and investigative protocols. The handover of these resources marked a practical step towards equipping the new team for the operational challenges ahead, from whistleblower protection to systematic compliance audits.
The event drew a respectable assembly of seventy-two senior and management staff, reflecting the institution-wide interest in transparent governance. As the Federal Polytechnic Bali looks to the future, the reconstituted ACTU is expected to work closely with the ICPC to investigate complaints, raise ethical awareness, and promote a culture of zero tolerance for corrupt practices across the campus.