The Chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, Musa Adamu Aliyu (SAN), has described corruption as a cancer that has severely affected the performance of the education sector.
He noted that the lower levels of the education system have been the most impacted.
Aliyu, represented by Grace Agha-Ibe, made these remarks during a workshop organised by the Anti-Corruption Academy of Nigeria, according to a statement released on Wednesday by ICPC Spokesm, Demola Bakare.
Aliyu attributed corruption in the sector to a lack of transparency and accountability.
He said, “The lower end of the education ladder has witnessed more of its impact… from enrolment to the provision of textbooks and equipment, appointment and management of teachers, assessment of teaching and learning processes, supervision, monitoring and evaluation of schools, as well as monitoring of project execution—tales of unpalatable experiences abound.”
“…corruption is at the heart of these experiences, a huge chunk of which may be attributed to a lack of transparency and accountability, and the direct and indirect impact of this on access to and quality of education cannot be overemphasized.”
In his address, ACAN Provost, Prof. Olatunde Babawale, said, “We believe that at the end of this workshop, the critical outcome of this training will be the promotion of transparency and accountability in the Universal Basic Education Board, as well as the development of skills in participants to safeguard the workplace against corruption and fraud.”
Prof. Olatunde emphasized that enhancing transparency and accountability in the management of basic education is essential for achieving educational objectives and ensuring quality service delivery.
