ICPC Rates FUDMA Most Compliant Institution in Anti-Corruption
By Attah Abubakar Mohammed
The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has rated Federal University Dutsin-Ma (FUDMA) as the most compliant institution in North West Nigeria in preventing corruption and promoting transparency in its dealings.
The commendation was delivered by an ICPC assessment team led by Barrister Abdullahi Alhassan to the university on an annual Assessment on Ethics and Integrity Compliance.
The ICPC assessment team
Speaking during the evaluation, Barr. Alhassan said that the university is using its Anti-Corruption and Transparency Unit (ACTU) properly to enhance transparency.
He described the ACTU as a “mini-ICPC” within the university, guiding management in following due process and tackling corruption-related activities.
He emphasised that the unit serves as a critical mechanism for improving the public sector system for the overall benefit of Nigeria.
Barrister Alhassan used the opportunity to give a run down on the responsibilities of the ICPC, which he said include investigating, prosecuting, and preventing corruption in ministries, departments, and agencies.
He said that the commission also sensitises the public to support the anti-corruption mission by exposing corrupt practices in public places.
He said gaining public support is fundamental to winning the war against corruption.
The team leader commended the work being done by ACTU as an internal integrity mechanism designed to promote ethical compliance, monitor corruption risks, and support management in enhancing transparency and accountability.
Responding, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Mohammed Khalid Othman expressed appreciation to members of the ICPC team for rating FUDMA high due to its diligence and responsiveness to the anti-graft agency’s regulations.
Prof. Othman, who spoke through the Deputy Vice-Chancellor Academics, Prof. Abubakar Sadiq Suleiman said that the university believes that “check and balance mechanism is key to accountability and transparency.”
He said any institution that ignores these fundamental tenets would end up worthless.
FUDMA VC, Prof. M.K Othman
The Vice-Chancellor assured that the university would continue to avail the ICPC with relevant documents and information required for the effective and seamless discharge of its oversight duties.
Prof. Othman also assured that all observations, suggestions, and recommendations enumerated by the team would be promptly executed in the best interest of the university and the country at large.
The ICPC Anti-Corruption and Transparency Unit serves multiple functions within Ministries, Departments, and Agencies, including spearheading anti-corruption awareness campaigns, ethics promotion, corruption risk assessments, system reviews, budget implementationmonitoring, promotion of ethics and integrity, and investigating complaints relating to unethical conduct.
The ICPC has been actively working across Nigeria to strengthen ACTUs in various institutions.
Recent initiatives include the reconstitution of ACTUs at the Federal Ministry of Education, Niger Delta Development Commission, University of Nigeria Nsukka, and University of Ibadan, demonstrating a nationwide commitment to entrenching transparency and accountability in public service.
The ACTU was established in 2001 by the ICPC in collaboration with the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation to serve as an internal mechanism for identifying and addressing systemic weaknesses that could encourage corruption in public institutions.
The unit operates in line with the 2023 Standing Order, focusing on strengthening systems rather than policing staff.
The ICPC has consistently emphasised that the fight against corruption can not be left solely to enforcement agencies but requires the collective responsibility of public institutions, public servants, and the private sector.
This recognition of FUDMA, as one of the most compliant institutions in North West Nigeria, underscores the university’s commitment to ethical governance and its proactive approach to institutional integrity in the Nigerian public sector.
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