From Adanna Nnamani, Abuja
Chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC), Dr Musa Aliyu has charged students in the nation to uphold integrity and resist corruption.
Aliyu spoke at an Anti-Corruption Debate among student members of Anti-Corruption Vanguards with the Theme: “Youths Rise Against Corruption”, in Abuja on Tuesday .
The event, which was organised by the Commission in collaboration with Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Center (CISLAC), brought together over 16 institutions and served as a crucial platform for discussing corruption and its impact on education and personal development.
In his remarks, the ICPC boss shared his personal journey, highlighting his commitment to achieving his educational and professional goals through perseverance and integrity.
He therefore advised the students to never succumb to intimidation or pressure to engage in corruption for the sake of obtaining a certificate.
Aliyu cautioned that engaging in corruption undermines one’s integrity and can lead to severe consequences, including legal trouble for one’s family.
The ICPC Chairman also addressed criticisms he has faced, reaffirming his stance on maintaining principles despite opposition. “If you rely on someone else to make you successful rather than your own hard work and God’s guidance, you are wasting your time,” he warned.
He explained that the debate is aimed at fostering public speaking skills and deepening understanding of anti-corruption issues, and is part of a broader initiative to create a national dialogue on integrity.
“So my friends, students here, I want to encourage you, never ever succumb to any intimidation or pressure to give up to corruption because you want to get a certificate. Stand firm, get your education through experience. And I want to take this opportunity to remind all of us here, that this debate is not only to improve your public speaking skills, but also to improve your knowledge based on corruption.
And more importantly, it is created for all of you to have a common platform to network, form a bond of integrity, and be enlisted into anti-corruption efforts of the ICPC and the Nigerian government. And I want to thank CISLAC for their support and partnership, and I look forward to future collaboration,” Aliyu said.
Also speaking, Chairman, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mr Olanipekun Olukoyede, praised the event’s organisers and participants, stating that such debates play a vital role in shaping Nigeria’s future.
Represented by Mrs Nwaanyimma Okeano, the EFCC boss noted that the engagement and insights shared by the debaters could profoundly influence their peers and communities, encouraging a collective stand against corrupt practices.
Olukoyede also commended the organisers for creating a platform that empowers students to voice their ideas on combating corruption, while urging participants to view the debate as a movement rather than just a competition, with the potential to drive significant change.
“The knowledge and ideas you share today will extend beyond this hall, influencing efforts to curb corruption and fostering integrity.”
“Your participation in this debate is a testament to your commitment to building a corruption-free Nigeria, a nation where anyone can thrive without compromising their integrity,” he said.