News Review By Okee Sydney-Obiukwu
At least, it is like sweet breeze to know that; many Nigerians think the fight against corruption, is not a waste of time and resources, even if only to deter potential looters.
The recent call by the Acting Chairman of Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC) Ibrahim Magu, urging Nigerian universities to introduce anti-corruption courses for their undergraduates, is indeed a welcome a development.
The EFCC boss made the call on Tuesday during a courtesy visit to the Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission (NUC) Adamu Rasheed.
At the occasion, Mr. Magu said the EFCC has decided to sponsor over the next 10 years up to 20 Ph.D researches on any aspect of corruption, beginning from 2018.
He said tha“The EFCC wants NUC to lead in the introduction of anti-corruption curricula in all Nigerian universities to be taken by all fresh undergraduate students regardless of course or discipline,”
“Whether one is studying Accounting or Building Engineering, Food Sciences or Marine Biology, Political Science or Pharmacy, being exposed to a rigorous and evidence-based knowledge of corruption and its consequences on polity and economy, as well as individual self-esteem; would be beneficial to the nation, the community and individual” Mr. Magu said.
The anti-graft Tsar added that, his agency would also support the publication of manuscripts relevant to the teaching of the anti-corruption course, imploring Nigerians to to join in the fight against corruption, especially the university system which he says, is very important because the youth remain the commission’s target.
“We want everybody to join in the fight against corruption, because the university system is very important and we want to target the youth because they are the beneficiaries of whatever we are doing, which is better life for the next generation.
“I am not saying the NUC has not been fighting corruption but I want to us intensify the fight. Our request is course units that will address the fight against corruption,” he said reiterated..
It also heart-warming to note that Mr. Magu came away with an assurance from the Executive Secretary of the NUC, who said the commission would soon begin consultation with academics, critical stakeholders and other specialists on the best way the curriculum on fight against corruption can be put together.
This is another well thought out public relations stunt by the EFCC helmsman, whose running battle with the Nigerian Senate has nearly succeeded in taking off the shine from his many courageous strides with high profile cases, some involving members the upper chamber.
Seemingly to clip his wings, as some thought leaders opposed to some of his ways of fighting corruption would say; the senate has refused to confirm the appointment of Mr. Magu, even after the president had re-nominated him.
The Senate on her part, has argued that Magu has cases bothering on misconduct that has created a minus on his integrity, and that he has, as well, shown incompetence during his screening.
All that notwithstanding, the anti-graft boss, seem undeterred, in his resolve to make a good showing of his work station. It will be a matter of time, to determine who will have the last laugh-the senate or Mr. Ibrahim Magu.
At least, it is like sweet breeze to know that; many Nigerians think the fight against corruption, is not a waste of time and resources, even if only to deter tendentious looters.