Kaduna – The Anti Corruption Institute of Nigeria, on Thursday began the training of 114 officials of Universal Basic Education Boards (SUBEBs)from the 19 northern states on integrity and transparency in the management of finances.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the institute is an arm of the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC).
The Provost of the Institute, Prof. Sola Akinrinade, said that the training was to build the capacity of the participants towards meeting challenges in the nation’s basic education system.
He said that the training was to fast track the evolution of sound management structure that would not only address the challenges in the system, but also pass integrity test.
Akinrinade, who was represented by a Deputy Commissioner in the ICPC, Malam Ashiru Baba, stated that the basic education system must be strengthened to impact positively on other levels of education in the country.[pro_ad_display_adzone id=”70560″]
“When we consider the output of the Nigerian public education system, we all will agree that a lot of work needs to be done, most importantly at the basic education level.
“This is because of the need to get the foundation right as other levels can only build on what has been achieved at the basic education level.
“It seems we are missing it and a major instrument for taking the country back to the drawing board is the UBEC and its state counterparts, the SUBEBs.”
Akinrinade disclosed that the decision to hold the workshop in three phases across the country followed a system study and review of Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) and SUBEBs by the ICPC in 2014.
“The key findings of the study and review will soon be presented, highlighting the necessity for this engagement between ICPC and the anti corruption academy and commission.”
He commended the leadership of UBEC for demonstrating the willingness to act on the issues raised in the study in order to enhance the operations of those responsible for basic education in the country.
In his remarks, UBEC Executive Secretary, Dr Dikko Sulaiman said that the workshop would enhance the capacity of schools at the basic education level to ensure transparent handling of their finances.
He said that the commission was making efforts to enhance the quality and standard of education in the country through prudent management of resources.
Represented by a director in the commission, Mr Baba Song, the executive secretary advised the participants to utilise the knowledge they would learn into making basic education boards fraud-free and efficient.
The theme of the workshop is “ Entrenching Transparency and Integrity in Financial and Procurement Processes of SUBEBs.’’ (NAN)
