The Director of the Kano Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Ibrahim Shazali, has called on institutions of higher learning across the country to introduce anti-corruption courses as a core requirement for all first-year students.
The EFCC chief stated that the introduction of such courses will equip undergraduates with the necessary knowledge and understanding about the pervasive issue of corruption in the country and the significant roles they can play in combating it.
Shazali made the call in Kano on Tuesday while receiving the Vice-Chancellor of Yusuf Maitama Sule University, Professor Mukhtar Attiku Kurawa, who paid him a courtesy visit in his office.
According to Shazali, equipping undergraduates with rightful information about the menace of corruption would empower them to join the EFCC in tackling the monster.
“Given the alarming rate of corrupt practices that continue to hinder Nigeria’s socio-economic growth and stability, the EFCC believes that the educational sector holds a vital responsibility in shaping the moral fabric of future leaders.
”An anti-corruption course will not only enlighten students about the detrimental effects of corruption but will also instill values of integrity, accountability, and patriotism,” he said.
Furthermore, the Kano Director explained the rationale of his proposal, pointing out that, “I think it is important to introduce anti-corruption studies in the university system and make it a prerequisite alongside general studies at the 100 level for every student to have an idea about corruption and what it takes to be of good character.”
He also revealed that the EFCC, in its public enlightenment and engagement campaigns, already has Integrity Clubs and Zero Tolerance for Corruption Clubs in primary, secondary, and tertiary institutions, respectively, and assured the VC that such clubs will soon be established at Yusuf Maitama University.
Speaking on the issue of corruption, Shazali enjoined the VC to be diligent, especially in the bursary and procurement departments of his university, as those two departments are more vulnerable to corruption according to facts available to the EFCC.
Earlier in his opening remark, Kurawa disclosed that his university has recently established the Department of Cyber Security to address the pressing need for skilled professionals in the ever-evolving field of information technology security.
“The proliferation of cyber threats, data breaches, and online fraud poses significant challenges to individuals, businesses, and government institutions in Nigeria and around the world,” he said.
He called for the establishment of a forensic laboratory for equipping students with practical skills and the necessary tools to combat cyber-related challenges, urging the Kano Command of the EFCC to come to the aid of the university to meet the need.
Shazali gave the assurance of possible support but urged him to reach out to international donor agencies that are keen on fighting corruption for assistance.
