The Ibadan office of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has issued a firm charge to the reconstituted Anti-Corruption and Transparency Unit (ACTU) of the Federal College of Education, Abeokuta, emphasising the paramount importance of integrity, discipline, and ethical conduct in its operations.
The directive, which was recently delivered during the Unit’s formal inauguration and induction ceremony, Barrister Chile Ogwuegbu, the Oyo State Resident Anti-Corruption Commissioner, underscored the necessity for ACTU members to adhere strictly to international best practices.
Represented by Mr. Oscar Ndukwe of the Commission’s Systems Study and Review Department of the Commission, Ogwuegbu cautioned the ACTU against using its mandate for “witch-hunts,” instead urging collaborative work with college management to foster transparency.
“The establishment and support of ACTU strengthens institutional accountability and deepens the existing collaboration between ICPC and the College,” stated Ogwuegbu, commending the College Provost and management for their commitment to the national anti-corruption agenda.
In her acceptance, the newly appointed ACTU Chairperson, Mrs. O. O. Oresegun, considered the appointment as a solemn call to service; further pledging the Unit’s dedication to “diligence, courage, impartiality, and professionalism,” while thanking college management for its unwavering support.
The Provost of the Federal College of Education, Osiele, Mr. Rafiu Soyele, responded by pledging the institution’s full operational backing, including adequate funding.
Mr Soyele reaffirmed the College’s dedication to maintaining its standing as a centre of excellence and charged the Unit to be proactive in cultivating a corruption-free environment.
A keynote address by Mr. Akinleye Adegboyega of the ICPC Systems Studies and Research Unit clarified the Unit’s role. In his paper, titled “ACTU: Agents of Ethics and Integrity Compliance in MDAs,” he explained that ACTU serves not as a parallel authority or adversary, but as a complementary mechanism designed to assist management in mainstreaming a positive anti-corruption culture.
Adegboyega noted that ACTU reports are vital tools for assessing the unit’s effectiveness and bolstering institutional transparency.
The programme concluded with the administration of an oath of allegiance, wherein ACTU members swore to discharge their duties with integrity and in accordance with the ICPC’s mandate.