The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has reaffirmed its commitment to building a new generation of ethical leaders with the inauguration of Students’ Anti-Corruption and Integrity Clubs in schools, describing integrity education as a critical tool for preventing corruption in Nigeria.
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Speaking during the inauguration ceremony, the Commission said the initiative forms part of its broader strategy to instill honesty, accountability, patriotism, and responsible citizenship among young Nigerians through value-based education.
The ICPC explained that since its establishment, it has implemented several interventions in the education sector, including the National Values Curriculum developed in partnership with the Nigerian Educational Research and career-centre-to-prepare-students-for-global-healthcare-jobs/">Development Council (NERDC). According to the Commission, the curriculum was introduced to nurture positive attitudes and behavioural change among students while promoting national values that transcend cultural and social differences.
The Commission noted that the success of the curriculum created the need for platforms where students could consistently practice and promote these values, leading to the establishment of Students’ Anti-Corruption Clubs in secondary schools and Integrity Clubs in tertiary institutions across the country.
According to the ICPC, more than 20 million Nigerian students have benefited from integrity-based education since the programme began in 2003, making it one of the country’s largest value reorientation initiatives.
Addressing the students, the Commission encouraged them to embrace integrity as a lifelong principle, urging them to respect their parents, teachers, and elders while remaining committed to acquiring knowledge and making ethical decisions.
“You are the future leaders of Nigeria. Among you are future governors, ministers, professors, engineers, doctors, and even future chairmen of the ICPC. Let integrity guide your journey, and let knowledge prepare you for the future,” the Commission stated.
The launch attracted the support of several stakeholders, including the National Association of Proprietors of Private Schools (NAPPS), which pledged to strengthen character education across private schools in the Federal Capital Territory.
Representing the National President of NAPPS, the FCT Chapter President commended the ICPC for extending the initiative to private schools, noting that the association oversees more than 5,000 private schools and tens of thousands of teachers.
He described the Integrity Clubs as a timely intervention, stressing that education should focus not only on academic excellence but also on character development.
“Our values have gradually eroded, and rebuilding them must begin with our children. Integrity should become their identity, and together we must raise students who choose honesty even when no one is watching,” he said.
The association also announced plans to introduce a Parents’ Forum focused on promoting ethical values in homes, emphasizing that the fight against corruption must begin with families and schools.
Also speaking at the event, the Women’s Aid Collective (WACOL) reaffirmed its partnership with the ICPC, encouraging students to reject corruption and become ambassadors of positive change within their schools and communities.
The organisation said it remains committed to promoting the rights of young people through legal support, counselling, and empowerment programmes while supporting initiatives that encourage responsible leadership.
Similarly, the State Democracy Centre stressed that the fight against corruption extends beyond arrests and prosecution, describing prevention, ethics, civic responsibility, and education as the foundation of sustainable national development.
Delivering a goodwill message on behalf of the organisation, its representative urged students to understand that corruption often begins with seemingly minor acts such as examination malpractice, dishonesty, and disregard for rules.
She encouraged the students to cultivate integrity through everyday actions, including telling the truth, respecting others, and making ethical choices even in difficult situations.
“Integrity begins with small decisions. You are not too young to change Nigeria. One student can inspire an entire classroom, one classroom can transform a school, and one school can influence a community,” she said.
The event concluded with a renewed commitment from the ICPC and its partners to strengthen integrity education across Nigerian schools, with stakeholders expressing confidence that the initiative will help raise a generation of young Nigerians who value honesty, accountability, service, and responsible leadership.
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