The Universal Basic Education Commission UBEC has restated commitment to collaborate with the Independent Corrupt Practices and other Related Offences (ICPC) in the fight against corruption.
The Executive Secretary of the commission, Dr. Hammid Bobboyi,who gave the indication while inaugurating the members of the Universal basic Education – Anti Corruption and Transparency Unit (UBEC ACTU) said; UBEC will continue to operate within the provision of global best practices and ensure that it’s staff continue to live above board and shun all forms of corrupt practices.
A signed statement by David E.Apeh, Head, Public Relations and Protocol UBEC indicates that the Executive Secretary represented by the Director, Finance and Accounts, Sir Mike Aule said ‘’It is no longer secret that corruption is pervasive in Nigeria. Not only do we experience poor service delivery and lack of due process in the conduct of Government Business in the Country, but we have penchant for embezzlement of public funds. It is in order to reverse these ugly trends that the Federal government though the ICPC set up the Anti- Corruption and Transparency Unit (ACTU).
He urged the ICPC to continually assist with expert advice so UBEC can stay on the path of sanity and fiscal discipline in the affairs of UBEC in particular and the basic education sub-sector.
He stated that the UBEC ACTU is charged with the responsibility of liaising with ICPC at all times for advice and direction, monitor and investigate all cases bordering on corrupt practices, in the discharge of their responsibilities, and report to the Executive Secretary for prompt action.
Members of the Unit have been carefully selected from among departments and Units and have the capacity to perform.
In his goodwill message, the Chairman ICPC, Prof. Bolaji Owasanoye SAN , who was represented by Dio Emmanuel said the ACTU is the initiative of the ICPC, approved by the Federal Executive Council to serve as an in-house mechanism for corruption prevention in line with global best practices.
The ACTU is designed to operate as an autonomous Unit with functional linkages with the office of the Chief Executive. The main duties of the ACTU are to undertake periodic sensitization of staff on and against corruption and proffer solution; develop code of Ethics/Conduct for Staff and ensure compliance with same; monitor budget implementation, and undertake preliminary investigation into complaints/reports received amongst others.
