EFCC Launches Anti-Corruption Club at UNICROSS, Encouraging Students to Reject Corruption

In a determined effort to proactively address financial crimes and promote awareness about the detrimental effects of corruption, the Acting Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Abdulkarim Chukkol, urged Nigerian students to shun corrupt practices during the launch of the EFCC Zero Tolerance Club at the University of Cross River State (UNICROSS), on July 27, 2023.

Represented by ACE Bawa Hamidu Saidu, the Commander of Uyo Zonal Command, Chukkol stressed the importance of combating corruption as it hampers progress and development within any society. He highlighted that corruption has contributed significantly to the nation’s development challenges and urged the students to take committed action against this harmful vice.

During the event held at the University’s Multipurpose Hall, Chukkol emphasized that the EFCC’s mission is to tackle economic and financial crimes, including cybercrime, money laundering, tax evasion, embezzlement, forgery, and employment scams, all of which are forms of corrupt practices. He specifically pointed out internet fraud, such as romance scams and business email compromises, as corrupt practices that should not be tolerated among students.

The establishment of the Zero Tolerance Club at UniCross aims to equip students with moral values to resist corrupt practices, create awareness about the detrimental effects of corruption, and provide a platform for students to partner with the EFCC in information gathering and sharing, among other initiatives. Chukkol urged prospective members to adhere strictly to the Club’s rules and regulations.

Professor Augustine Oko Angba, the Vice Chancellor of UNICROSS, represented by Deputy Vice-Chancellor Administration, Professor Ekeng B. Ekefre, commended the EFCC for launching the initiative, recognizing its timeliness and crucial role in shaping students’ attitudes towards corruption. He emphasized that by instilling an understanding of the dangers of corruption from the outset, the Commission would witness reduced challenges when these students enter the larger society.

The event was declared open by Mrs Aniedi Ekpenyong, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Education, Cross River State, who urged the EFCC to extend the sensitization initiative to students at all levels, including nursery school children.

In a show of dedication to the cause, a total of 269 students voluntarily joined the Zero Tolerance Club, pledging to uphold its mission and principles. The oath of service was administered by DCE T. N. Ndifon, the Head of the Legal and Prosecution Department of the Uyo Zonal Command, solidifying the students’ commitment to the fight against corruption.