Anambra intensifies anti-corruption drive in schools in commemoration of 2025 International Anti-Corruption Day
As part of activities marking the 2025 International Anti-Corruption Day, the Anambra State Anti-Corruption Strategy (ANSACS) Secretariat has taken its anti-graft campaign to schools within the state capital territory, mobilizing young people to join the fight against corruption.
The sensitization outreach covered Nnamdi Azikiwe Secondary School, Abagana (NASSA); Model Secondary School, Awka; and Anambra State Polytechnic (ANSPOLY), Mgbakwu.
The campaign was organized in collaboration with the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) and the Civil Society/Media Accountability and Anti-Corruption Initiative (CMAAI), with the theme: “Uniting with Youth Against Corruption: Shaping Tomorrow’s Integrity.”
At the secondary schools, Lilian Oguchi of ANSACS highlighted everyday corrupt practices among students.
“Stealing from classmates is corruption. Sleeping during classes is corruption. More importantly, going into examination halls with strange materials is corruption,” she said.
“You’re not here for gangsterism. Get serious with your studies so that you can excel. You must be of good behaviour.”
Corruption defined
Another ANSACS official, Rosemary Okeke, defined corruption as the abuse of entrusted power for private gain, warning students against actions that undermine integrity.
“Principals giving admission to those who don’t merit it for personal gain is corruption. Writing exams for another person is corruption. Covering your friends who have done wrong is corruption,” she said.
“Avoid getting rich quickly—ego mbute. Shun yahoo-yahoo. Speak out against corruption even if you’re standing alone.”
Addressing the students, the ICPC’s Public Enlightenment and Education Officer, Shaibu Inalegwu, emphasized the collective responsibility to curb the menace.
“Corruption hurts. Doing the right thing all the time is one way to overcome it. Nigeria, Anambra, and Njikoka will be good for us if we all work together to combat corruption,” he said.
For her part, the Coordinator, Civil Society/Media Accountability and Anti-Corruption Initiative, Ugochi Freeman, condemned the growing preference for special exam centres, describing it as a form of corruption.
“Not giving your parents their correct balance after running errands is corruption,” she added, urging the students to uphold truth and integrity.
Accountability in all things
“Accountability means being responsible for all your actions. You must be accountable in everything you do.”
During the sensitization, students displayed placards bearing messages such as “Empowering citizens helps to fight corruption,” “Say no to corruption, yes to transparency,” and “Unite against corruption, build a better future.”
At ANSPOLY, campaigners urged young people to key into government-led anti-corruption efforts, stressing that corruption has long robbed the country of meaningful development.
The event, supported by the Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption (RoLAC) programme, ended with the establishment of anti-corruption clubs in all three institutions.
