Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC) shuts down 62 illegal degree-awarding institutions, fake NYSC camp
The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) said it had closed down 62 illegal degree-awarding institutions in the country.
The commission also said it closed down a fake National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) orientation camp in its bid to tackle corruption in the Education sector.
ICPC Chairman, Prof. Bolaji Owasanoye, announced this at a youth dialogue on corruption in tertiary institutions, yesterday in Abuja.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the dialogue was organised by ICPC for members of Anti-Corruption Vanguards from five tertiary institutions in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
Owasanoye, who was represented by ICPC Board Member in-charge of Youths, Mrs. Hannatu Mohammed, said the commission had since prosecuted the perpetrators.
The ICPC chairman said corruption has a debilitating effect on the quality of education of any nation, adding that no nation would develop beyond the level and quality of its education.
He said the ICPC set up the anti-corruption vanguards in schools to push the fight against corruption in the Education sector, particularly tertiary institutions.
Owasanoye explained that the anti-corruption vanguards provided students with the needed opportunity to participate actively in the fight against corruption in their institutions.
“The vanguards equip the student members with the capacity to develop zero tolerance for corruption and to inculcate attitudinal change among their fellow students.
“The vanguards also enable the students to assist the management of their various institutions to effectively reduce corruption in the education system,” he said.
In a keynote address, Vice Chancellor of Bingham University in Abuja, Prof. Williams Barnabas, said Nigerian education system must be repositioned to contribute significantly to national development.
He called for proper scrutiny of students entering tertiary institutions to ensure that they have the right maturity and moral background as well as the willing to develop life skills, instead of cutting corners.
