By Nkechi Eze
The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has called on Nigerian secondary school students to take an active role in the national fight against corruption by upholding the values of integrity, accountability, and ethical behavior from a young age.
This charge was made on Wednesday in Abuja during an educational visit by students and staff from three secondary schools to the ICPC headquarters. The visit forms part of the Commission’s ongoing civic engagement strategy aimed at instilling anti-corruption values in young Nigerians and nurturing a future generation committed to ethical leadership and national transformation.
Speaking on behalf of the Commission, the Director of the Public Enlightenment and Education Department, Mr. Demola Bakare, fsi, welcomed the students and emphasized the importance of character-building and value reorientation in schools as a foundation for national development.
Representing the Director, the Deputy Director of Public Enlightenment, Dr. Oluwasina Babasola, highlighted the indispensable role of youths in shaping the nation’s moral compass.
“Every time you choose to do the right thing, even when no one is watching, you are helping to build a better Nigeria. You are showing that young people can lead with values and integrity,” Dr. Babasola told the students.
He further urged the students to lead by example in their daily lives by resisting the temptation to cheat, speaking out against wrongdoing, and being truthful in all circumstances.
“You don’t have to wait to grow up before you can fight corruption. It starts now with you. By refusing to cheat in exams, by speaking up when something is wrong, and by being a good example to your friends, you are already part of the solution,” he added.
During the visit, students were briefed on the ICPC’s mandate, operational strategies, and its efforts to combat corruption at various levels of society. The event featured interactive sessions where students engaged with ICPC officials, asked questions, and participated in discussions designed to reinforce moral reasoning and civic responsibility.
The visiting schools included Government Science and Technical College, Kwali; All Girls Grammar School, Apo; and Bethel International High School, Karu. Students expressed enthusiasm over the insights gained and pledged to take the message of integrity back to their schools and communities.
The ICPC emphasized that such engagements are part of its broader commitment to preventive education, stressing that early exposure to anti-corruption ideals is key to cultivating a transparent and accountable society.
“The future of our country depends not just on the policies we create, but on the values we pass on to the next generation,” the Commission noted.
The ICPC reaffirmed its resolve to continue working with schools and stakeholders in building a value-driven, corruption-free Nigeria.
