The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has inaugurated student-led Anti-Corruption Clubs in nine secondary schools, charging young Nigerians to serve as ambassadors of integrity and frontline advocates against corruption in their schools and communities.
The cluster inauguration ceremony, held on Friday at the ICPC Headquarters in Abuja, featured the administration of an anti-corruption oath to newly inducted student members, underscoring a formal commitment to ethical conduct. Speaking at the event, ICPC Chairman Dr Musa Adamu Aliyu (SAN), represented by the Director of Public Enlightenment and Education, Mr. Demola Bakare, stated that Nigerian youths must be actively engaged in the fight against corruption if lasting national change is to be achieved. “Youths are critical stakeholders in the fight against corruption. If they get it right at this stage, there is hope that Nigeria will be better,” he said.
He noted that one of the Commission’s long-running strategies for youth engagement, the National Values Curriculum (NVC), was designed to embed value-based education into the school system. The curriculum, he said, promotes uprightness and prepares students to resist corrupt practices from an early age.
Also speaking, Mr. John Odey, Deputy Director and Head of the ICPC’s Education Division, said the formation of the Anti-Corruption Clubs is grounded in Sections 6(e) and 6(f) of the ICPC Act, which empower the Commission to carry out educational campaigns and foster public support for its mission. He emphasised the long-term vision behind the initiative: “The values, choices, and actions of students today will significantly shape the nation’s tomorrow.”
A representative of Step-Up Nigeria, Mr. Joshua Odidi, hailed the initiative as a successful model of institutional collaboration. He commended the ICPC for deepening its grassroots approach through schools and affirmed Step-Up Nigeria’s commitment to expanding anti-corruption education nationwide. “Our partnership with the ICPC is producing a measurable impact. It proves that when institutions work together, we can meaningfully shape the next generation,” he said.
Participating schools included Federal Government Boys College, Doveland International School, Anglican Comprehensive Secondary School, Goshen International Academy, Perfect Success Academy, Life Gate Academy, Federal Science and Technical College Orozo, Claret International School, and Community Staff Secondary School, Asokoro.
The ICPC said the establishment of these clubs, along with symbolic practices such as the anti-corruption oath, reflects its commitment to building a generation of ethically responsible Nigerians equipped to drive change from the grassroots.
