ICPC says plans underway to monitor Borno education projects

The Independent Corrupt Practices and other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) is preparing to monitor education-related projects in Borno State. This initiative aims to guarantee transparency and enhance the quality of service delivery in primary and secondary schools across the state.

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the aim is to sensitise the management and staff of Borno state universal basic education on the core values of national ethics and integrity policy of the federal government. And also, to inculcate transparency, integrity and professionalism in the delivery of services in the educational sector in Borno State.

Linus Gubbi, the ICPC Resident Anti-Corruption Commissioner for Borno and Yobe states, announced these plans following a sensitisation meeting with directors and staff of the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) in Maiduguri. The meeting focused on sharing knowledge about procurement rules and strengthening collaboration to promote whistleblowing.

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subject to approval from headquarters, we may begin to monitor projects embarked upon by Borno SUBEB, just the way we track constituency and executive projects in the headquarters.

Gubbi stated that the objective is to instill transparency, integrity, and professionalism in Borno's educational sector. He explained that, pending headquarters approval, the ICPC may begin monitoring SUBEB projects, similar to how they track constituency and executive projects. The commission's focus will be on visible projects such as classroom construction and other learning infrastructure.

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There are several laws that protect whistle blowers and informants from keeping information. When you see something, you say something. There are several safeguards within the ICPC laws that protect people that volunteer information that will lead to recovery of assets

Helen Mshelia, Permanent Secretary of Borno SUBEB, described the meeting as impactful, noting that it clarified many previously overlooked regulations. She assured the ICPC that the board's staff and leadership would adhere to public service rules and correct any identified risks. The ICPC also reiterated its commitment to protecting whistleblowers' identities, emphasizing the legal safeguards in place for those who provide information leading to asset recovery.

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The interactive session was very impactful. Before now, there are so many things we take for granted that have been clearly spelt out here. That it is an offence.