ICPC urges scholars to include integrity, shun corruption, social vices

Editor-in-chiefJanuary 23, 20265 Mins read38

ICPC urges scholars to include integrity, shun corruption, social vices

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ICPC Urges Scholars to Include Integrity and Shun Corruption and Social Vices

Introduction

The fight against corruption is a critical component of national development, and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has recognized that the foundation for a corrupt-free society begins with the youth. In a recent sensitization program held in Akure, Ondo State, the ICPC called on students and young people to embrace integrity and reject corruption in their daily lives. This initiative underscores the importance of moral education alongside academic excellence.

This comprehensive guide explores the details of the ICPC’s National Ethics and Integrity Policy (NEIP) sensitization program, the role of educational institutions in fostering moral values, and practical steps students can take to uphold integrity. By understanding these principles, scholars can contribute to a more transparent and ethical society.

Key Points

**Call to Action:** The ICPC is urging scholars and teenagers to embody integrity and reject corrupt practices.
**The NEIP Framework:** The National Ethics and Integrity Policy serves as the blueprint for fostering honesty, responsibility, and patriotism.
**Comprehensive Education:** The program was a five-day event designed to embed moral awareness in secondary school students.
**Beyond Academics:** The ICPC emphasized that academic excellence must be paired with strong ethical principles.
**Integrity Clubs:** Approximately 160 schools in Ondo State have already formed ICPC Integrity Clubs to sustain these values.

Background

The ICPC’s Mandate and the Ondo State Initiative

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) is the primary agency in Nigeria tasked with enforcing the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000. While its mandate includes investigation and prosecution, a significant part of its strategy is preventive. This involves public education and sensitization to change societal norms and behaviors.

In Ondo State, the ICPC’s Public Education Unit, led by Mr. Ganiu Jenmi (Assistant Chief Superintendent), recently organized a high-profile sensitization program. The event was held in Akure and ran for five days, concluding on a Friday. It was a collaborative effort between the ICPC and the Ondo State Ministry of Education, highlighting a unified governmental approach to tackling ethical decay.

The National Ethics and Integrity Policy (NEIP)

Central to the discussion was the National Ethics and Integrity Policy (NEIP). This policy was established to institutionalize core national values. According to Mr. Jenmi, the NEIP is not merely a document but a living framework designed to foster:

* **Honesty:** Being truthful in all dealings.
* **Responsibility:** Owning one’s actions and duties.
* **Self-discipline:** Controlling impulses and adhering to rules.
* **Patriotism:** Demonstrating love and commitment to one’s country.

The program aimed to translate these abstract concepts into tangible behaviors for students, ensuring they understand the long-term impact of their daily choices.

Analysis

The Pedagogical Approach: Why Start Early?

The ICPC’s focus on secondary school students is a strategic pedagogical decision. Adolescence is a critical period for moral development and identity formation. During these years, peer influence is at its peak, and habits—both good and bad—are solidified.

Mr. Jenmi’s statement, “Combating corruption must begin early,” reflects a psychological understanding of habit formation. If a student learns to condone exam malpractice or bullying, they are more likely to view petty corruption as acceptable in adulthood. Conversely, students trained in integrity are better equipped to resist negative peer pressure and make value-driven decisions.

The Holistic View of Corruption

The sensitization program broadened the definition of corruption beyond financial embezzlement. By highlighting “social vices” such as bullying and exam malpractice, the ICPC contextualized corruption as a behavioral issue. This is a vital distinction for scholars to understand:

1. **Academic Dishonesty:** Exam malpractice is the first step in a cycle of deceit that can lead to professional fraud.
2. **Interpersonal Violence:** Bullying is a form of abuse of power, mirroring the dynamics of corruption where the strong exploit the weak.
3. **Theft:** Stealing, regardless of the value, erodes the foundation of trust required in a functional society.

The “Body and Mind” Metaphor

Mr. Jenmi used a powerful metaphor: *”If the mind is corrupt, no doubt the entire body could be affected.”* This analogy serves as a pedagogical tool to explain the systemic nature of corruption. A corrupt mindset does not exist in isolation; it manifests in actions, relationships, and eventually, institutional failure. By addressing the “mind” (thoughts and values) through education, the ICPC aims to prevent the “body” (society) from suffering from the symptoms of corruption.

Practical Advice

How Students Can Uphold Integrity

Based on the directives from the ICPC, here are actionable steps scholars can take to shun corruption and social vices:

**1. Uphold Academic Honesty**
* **Avoid Exam Malpractice:** Prepare adequately for exams and refuse to engage in copying or bringing in unauthorized materials.
* **Original Work:** Ensure all assignments and projects are your own. Cite sources correctly to avoid plagiarism.

**2. Resist Negative Peer Influence**
* **Set Boundaries:** Learn to say “no” to friends who encourage dishonest behavior or bullying.
* **Choose Your Circle:** Surround yourself with peers who value hard work and ethical conduct.

**3. Participate in the ICPC Integrity Clubs**
* **Join the Movement:** If your school has an ICPC Integrity Club, join it. If not, advocate for its formation.
* **Active Engagement:** These clubs provide a safe space to discuss ethical dilemmas and reinforce the values of the National Ethics and Integrity Policy.

**4. Practice Value-Driven Decision Making**
* **The “Right Time” Rule:** As advised by Mr. Jenmi, cultivate the habit of doing the right thing at the right time, even when no one is watching.
* **Report Corruption:** If you witness corruption or social vices, report them to school authorities or trusted adults.

Tips for Educators and Schools

* **Integrate Ethics into Curriculum:** Teachers should weave discussions about integrity into various subjects, not just civic education.
* **Model Behavior:** Staff and faculty must exemplify the integrity they preach.
* **Expand Clubs:** Work with the ICPC to establish Integrity Clubs in more schools to reach the target of 160+ schools in Ondo State.

FAQ

**Q: What is the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC)?**
A: The ICPC is a Nigerian government agency established by the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000. It is responsible for enforcing laws against corruption, investigating offenses, and educating the public on the dangers of corruption.

**Q: What is the National Ethics and Integrity Policy (NEIP)?**
A: The NEIP is a policy framework designed by the Nigerian government to promote core national values. Its primary objectives are to foster honesty, responsibility, self-discipline, and patriotism among citizens.

**Q: Why is the ICPC targeting secondary school students?**
A: The ICPC targets students because they are the future leaders. Instilling ethical values at a young age helps prevent the formation of corrupt habits and prepares them to make value-driven decisions in adulthood.

**Q: What specific social vices did the ICPC mention?**
A: The ICPC mentioned exam malpractice, stealing, bullying, and other corruption-related actions. They emphasized that these behaviors are entry points to deeper corruption.

**Q: How can I join an ICPC Integrity Club?**
A: Students can join by inquiring at their school’s administration. In Ondo State, over 160 schools have already formed these clubs. If your school does not have one, you can speak with your teachers or guidance counselor about starting one.

**Q: Does the ICPC only focus on financial corruption?**
A: No. The ICPC’s mandate includes all forms of corruption. As highlighted in the Ondo State program, social vices like bullying and academic fraud are considered corrupt practices because they violate ethical standards and trust.

Conclusion

The ICPC’s call to scholars in Ondo State to include integrity and shun corruption is a vital reminder that education extends beyond textbooks and exams. The National Ethics and Integrity Policy (NEIP) provides a roadmap for building a society rooted in honesty and responsibility. By participating in initiatives like the five-day sensitization program and joining Integrity Clubs, students can actively contribute to a corruption-free future.

The message is clear: corruption is a disease that starts in the mind and spreads to the entire body of society. However, with early intervention, moral education, and a commitment to doing the right thing at the right time, the youth can become the antidote. As Mr. Ganiu Jenmi stated, the goal is a total transformation of mindset—a journey that begins with every individual scholar choosing integrity over vice.