The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has told newly admitted students of Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, Imo State (MOUAU) that a certificate alone cannot guarantee success. At the university’s 2026 orientation programme recently held, the Commission stressed that education must produce people of character, competence and purpose, not merely holders of qualifications.
Delivering the address, Assistant Chief Superintendent Onakpoberuo Onoriode Victor of the ICPC Imo State Office urged the over 600 fresh students to approach university life with clear direction. Anchoring his talk on the theme “Your certificate may open doors, but your character will determine how far you go,” he said academic excellence without integrity and purposeful living is incomplete.
Mr Victor described the university as a place for developing intellectual capacity, ethical values, leadership skills and discipline. Speaking in a warm, conversational tone, he linked campus life to national development and warned against examination malpractice, bribery, cultism, sexual exploitation, financial misconduct and cybercafe.
The ICPC representative said corruption does not begin only in government offices; it grows from everyday decisions that normalise dishonesty and abuse of privilege. A student who cheats in examinations, offers bribes for marks or diverts students union funds, he said, already shows the attitudes that undermine public institutions. “The fact that everybody is doing something does not make that thing right,” he declared.
Explaining the ICPC’s mandate, he said its work goes beyond investigation and prosecution to prevention, public education and ethical conduct. He cited values reorientation, the National Values Curriculum, Students Anti-Corruption Clubs, Students Anti-Corruption Vanguards, NYSC enlightenment programmes and stakeholder engagement as practical ways of building a culture of integrity, and invited the students to participate.
Drawing inspiration from Nelson Mandela, Malala Yousafzai and Martin Luther King Jr., he said meaningful impact depends not on age or background but on courage to stand for worthwhile values. He challenged the students to see themselves as future researchers, agricultural scientists, entrepreneurs, administrators and leaders, and not to become the problems they complain about. If they want accountability, he said, they must practice it in their student associations.
In his concluding remarks, Onakpoberuo urged the students to pursue knowledge diligently, uphold integrity, reject corruption and respect the dignity of others. He reminded them: “Your certificate tells the world what you studied, your competence demonstrates what you know, but your character tells the world who you are.” The event formed part of MOUAU’s annual week-long orientation for new students.