Katsina State Office of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has issued a powerful appeal to students and young people, urging them to actively join the fight against corruption, cybercrime, and examination malpractice as a cornerstone for national progress.
This call was made recently at a sensitisation Summit organised by the Katsina State Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Commission (PACACC). The event, held at the Auditorium of Umaru Musa ‘Yar’adua University in Katsina, was themed “Empowering Students and the Youths Against Corruption, Cyber Crime and Examination Malpractice” and formed part of the commemoration of this year’s United Nations World Anti-Corruption Day.
Representing the ICPC was the Resident Anti-Corruption Commissioner (RACC) for Katsina State, Mr. Samuel S. Lodam, who delivered his address through Sani Tarauni Tukur from the Commission’s Media and Public Communication Unit. In his remarks, Mr. Lodam underscored the critical role of the younger generation, describing them as the nation’s future leaders and custodians.
The Resident Commissioner emphasised that the values and behaviours cultivated by today’s youth will undeniably shape the future of the country. As such, he argued, it is imperative for young people to embody the highest standards of integrity and accountability from this formative stage.
The summit aimed to strengthen these ethical values among students and youth across Katsina State. Officials highlighted the insidious threats posed not only by traditional corruption but also by the modern scourges of cybercrime and academic dishonesty, which collectively hinder development and erode social trust.
Mr. Lodam provided practical guidance, urging students to reject shortcuts and cultivate a culture of hard work and honesty. He specifically warned against involvement in examination malpractice, internet fraud, and any form of corrupt practice, stating that personal and national advancement must be built on a foundation of merit and ethical conduct.
The event featured an interactive session where students engaged with officials from both the ICPC and PACACC, discussing the practical challenges of maintaining integrity in academic and digital spaces. This dialogue reinforced the message that combating these vices is a shared responsibility requiring vigilance and courage from the youth themselves.
In closing, the ICPC reiterated its commitment to ongoing collaboration with educational institutions and state bodies like PACACC. It further expressed its belief that empowering the youth with knowledge and a strong moral framework is the most sustainable strategy for accelerating national development and building a more prosperous future for all.