As part of its strategic move to sensitize Nigeria students on the need to shun corruption and economic crimes, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission through its Enlightenment and Re-orientation Unit, on April 8, 2014 launched the Zero Tolerance for Corruption Club for the University of Ilorin, Kwara State.
Speaking at the ceremony, Aisha Larai Musa, head, E&R, said the club was a strategic response to the hydra-headed monster called corruption which is threatening the progress and development of the country.
“Against the backdrop of the high rate of criminal activities in tertiary institutions and the pervasive nature of corruption, economic and financial crimes in Nigeria, the EFCC under its prevention mandate came up with the idea of Zero Tolerance for Corruption (ZTC) in collaboration with the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) to promote awareness on corruption among students in tertiary institutions,” she said.
She said the establishment of the clubs became imperative due to the high incidence of youths involvement in advance fee fraud and internet scam
She noted that ZTC is a non-partisan and non-profit making club with the aim of imparting anti-corruption spirit and skills into its members. She listed objectives of the club to include, providing a platform for students involvement and contribution to the fight against corruption; promoting the culture of patriotism, honesty, transparency, integrity and accountability among students; make Nigeria students own the fight against corruption; collaborate with the EFCC on how best to carry out enlightenment campaigns on the adverse effects of economic and financial crimes and to compliment the efforts of the EFCC in the fight against corruption.
The Head E&R charged the students to be whistle blowers by reporting corrupt practices to the Commission. “We expect that you report to us and such reports will be treated in strict confidence,” she said.
In his remarks, Professor AbdulGaniyu Ambali, Vice Chancellor, University of Ilorin, commended the EFCC for the initiative in establishing the club. “In Nigeria rather than being pro-active, we are often reactive, wondering why things are wrong without proffering solutions… I believe the intervention by the EFCC is proactive and potentially effective. This is because peer groups and clubs are functional agents of socialization like families and schools through which human beings are moulded. Catching them young is a fair game for the country,” he said.
Professor Ambali said the establishment of the club will complement the university’s zero tolerance for indiscipline. “Our university over the years has made a reputation for being true to its motto… which is well known as “character and learning” he said. He further charged members of the club to see their membership as a responsibility. “You know what the EFCC represents and you should conduct yourselves in such a way that all your peers want to emulate you,” he said.
Media & Publicity Unit
April 10th, 2014
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