Integrate Ethics, Anti-corruption Courses into Schools’ Curriculum, Group Urges FG

Sunday Aborisade in Abuja

The Coalition for Ethics and Anti-Corruption Education (CCEAE) has urged the federal government to integrate ethics and anti-corruption education into the core curriculum of tertiary institutions.

The group said it would promote sustainable mainstreaming of national laws, policies and values. It said the idea could be achieved through comprehensive and standardised instruction in these critical areas.

The Programme Director, Network of University Legal Aid Institutions (NULAI), Nigeria, Mrs Odinakaonye Lagi, stated this in a memorandum.

The coalition which is led by NULAI, submitted the memorandum yesterday, to the National Committee for Developing a Road map for the Education Sector in Nigeria.

President Bola Tinubu through the Minister of Education, Prof. Tahir Mamman, set up a seven-member committee to drive education road map in the country.

According to Lagi, the memorandum was for the incorporation of ethics and anti-corruption education as a compulsory multi-disciplinary course of study at the undergraduate level in Nigerian tertiary institutions.

“We believe that by investing in the moral and ethical development of our future leaders and professionals, Nigeria can pave the way for a brighter, more prosperous and corruption-free society.”

 She added that the goal of the memorandum was to make the National Ethics and Integrity Policy a core value by incorporating Ethics and Anti-Corruption Education in the curriculum of Nigerian tertiary institutions.

 This, she said was to cultivate a culture of ethics, transparency, and accountability among Nigerians.

Lagi added: “The proposed curriculum aspires to nurture ethical values and critical thinking skills among undergraduates, empowering them to identify, analyse and respond effectively to ethical dilemmas.

“It will also accord them with skills on tackling corruption issues in diverse contexts both personal and professional.

“Incorporating Ethics and Anti-Corruption Education as a compulsory course of study at the undergraduate level in Nigerian tertiary institutions is a pivotal step toward building a more ethical, transparent and corruption-resistant society.

“It will support increased awareness about the detrimental impact of corruption on society and the economy.

“It will also equip students with the tools necessary to prevent, detect and report corrupt practices while also educating them about the protection and support mechanisms available to whistleblowers.”

She also said the curriculum, when implemented, would support nation-building by contributing to a generation of ethical leaders who understand the principles of good governance and institutional building in public and private sectors.

Lagi, also acknowledged steps taken by the current administration towards reforming the education system in Nigeria.

“The proposal is to support efforts to promote good governance in line with Nigeria’s National Ethics and Integrity policy.”