By BANNERNEWS Reporter, Calabar
The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has cautioned that what is often termed minor financial compromises are often the starting point of corruption.
The Head of Delegation and Resident Anti-Corruption Commissioner of the ICPC in Akwa Ibom State Office, Mr. Alaro Shaiub spoke at the just-concluded sensitisation programme on Ethics and Anti-Corruption Compliance, organised by the management of University of Cross River State, UNICROSS, for all categories of management personnel, teaching and senior non-teaching staff.
The programme was aimed at strengthening ethical conduct, accountability and responsible leadership within the University.
Shaiub noted that universities play an important role in shaping values and producing future leaders, stressing that corruption often begins with seemingly minor compromises.
He charged participants to develop a strong culture of integrity and compliance.
Invited Resource Persons addressed a range of issues relating to corruption risks and ethical responsibilities in tertiary institutions.
Mr. Akpan Nsuhoridem, Head of System Service and Review Department, examined corruption risk areas and compliance obligations in public tertiary institutions, identifying procurement, payroll, revenue collection, project execution, grants and asset management as areas requiring strong internal controls, monitoring and accountability.
Mr. John Okokon Okam, Second-in-Command of Investigation, focused on protecting public funds from systemic fraud.
He explained that public resources are held in trust and must therefore be managed with a high level of responsibility. He identified weaknesses in processes, internal controls, organisational culture and technology as factors that can create opportunities for systemic fraud, and emphasised the importance of prevention, effective systems review and the protection of whistle-blowers.
The interactive session also provided participants with an opportunity to seek clarification on practical ethical issues. A question on whether accepting gifts from individuals connected to official duties could constitute wrongdoing generated further discussion on the distinction between genuine goodwill and inducement, with the ICPC resource persons emphasising the importance of transparency, caution and compliance with established regulations.
Deputy Vice Chancellor (Administration), Prof. Thomas Ojikpong, described the engagement as a significant and memorable development in the history of the University.
Vice Chancellor, Prof. Francisca Bassey expressed satisfaction with the positive response of participants and stressed that the future of UNICROSS depends on the collective actions and choices of its members.
Bassey directed that the lessons and proceedings from the programme should be made available to members of the University community, including through digital platforms such as YouTube, to ensure that the knowledge gained extends beyond those physically present at the event.
She said the programme is to strengthen institutional awareness and equipping members of the University community with the knowledge required to identify and prevent practices that could undermine the University’s integrity and resources.
