The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has inaugurated Anti-Corruption and Transparency Unit (ACTU) of the Federal University Oye Ekiti in a ceremony held on the institution’s main campus in Oye Ekiti.

Chairman of ICPC, Prof. Bolaji Owansonye, who was represented by the ICPC Ondo/Ekiti States’ Resident Anti-Corruption Commissioner (RACC), Mr. Kupolati Kayode, eulogized the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Abayomi Sunday Fasina for a job well done since he assumed office in less than two years ago as the 4th substantive Vice-Chancellor.

In his goodwill message, the ICPC boss said “permit me to thank the Vice-Chancellor, Federal University Oye Ekiti and the staff for putting together this occasion of the inauguration and induction of the Anti- Corruption and Transparency Unit, (ACTU) of this institution.

“Today’s event demonstrates the outright commitment of this institution in domesticating the anti-corruption crusade and a further confirmation of government’s support for ACTU as a veritable instrument in fighting corruption in the public service.”

However, Owansonye further explained that the Anti-Corruption and Transparency Unit, which was birthed in 2001 in collaboration with the Office of the Head of Civil Service of the Federation ( OHCFS), would serve as an internal regulatory mechanism to undertake periodic sensitization of staff on and against corruption with a view to proffering solution and developing Code Of Ethics/ Conduct for staff and ensuring compliance, monitoring budget implementation as well as conducting preliminary investigations into complaints/reports.

Meanwhile, the Resident Anti-Corruption Commissioner appealed to the management of Federal University Oye Ekiti to give the ACTU members an enabling environment to fully carry out their duties and to assist in the funding of the activities of the unit as provided for in the extant circular of government dated 5th October, 2016.

He went on: “Let me state here that the ACTU initiatives are not intended to undermine the authority of Management but rather to complement it especially in mainstreaming a positive anti-corruption culture in the MDAs, adding that I would rather, therefore, request full support and backing of the Management for the success of the unit, especially in providing adequate funding for its duties as well as incorporating the members in various Standing Committees as provided in the extant circular of government Ref No: OHCSF/SPSO/CSTD/314/T2/61 dated 5th October, 2016.”

He, however, implored the ACTU members to work hard as a team and appealed to them not to use their positions to witch-hunt or victimize anybody but to work towards entrenching the culture of integrity, transparency, and accountability in the institution.

Earlier, the Vice- Chancellor, Prof. Abayomi Sunday Fasina, applauded the ICPC for establishing ACTU in the ivory tower.

Prof Fasina pledged the cooperation of management to the ACTU members and support for the activities of the Unit.

In his acceptance speech, the newly inaugurated ACTU Chairman, Professor Olubunmi Shittu, who doubles as Deputy Vice-Chancellor Academic said, “With a humble heart, my team and I accept the responsibility given to us as members of this noble body, ACTU FUOYE and on behalf of our Vice-Chancellor, Professor Abayomi Sunday Fasina appreciated the ICPC Chairman and his team for inaugurating the FUOYEACTU on our campus.

” Having known that we are living in a world where venality is on the high side, with help of God on our side, we are going to follow the standing order, and we will do all our possible best not to disappoint God, our families, the University and this august body that has come to inaugurate us.”

Prof. Shittu, however, assured the ICPC team that the Vice-Chancellor would give the members enabling environment to operate as he was a man with zero tolerance for corruption and “finally With God on our side, we will abide by the rules of this anti-graft agency.

“We will work assiduously with other members of the Unit in actualizing the mandates of ACTU for the mutual benefit of the institution and the society at large.”

The newly inaugurated ACTU members of FUOYE include the Chairman and Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), Professor Olubunmi Shittu, the Secretary, Mr. Olumuyiwa Ajayi, Mr. Wapji Nenmatne, Engr. Adebayo Folasade and Mr. Usman.

Highlights of the event were the administration of the oath of allegiance by Barrister Adetoye Kehinde, and the presentation of Information Education Communication, IEC materials to the ACTU member was carried out by Resident Commissioner, Mr. Kayode Kupolati.