The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has urged tertiary institutions to tighten checks on Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) spending and improve project supervision.
ICPC Chairman Musa Adamu Aliyu warned that weak controls could undermine education investments. He spoke at the opening of a two-day integrity-management programme in Abuja, according to a commission statement published on November 2.
The Anti-Corruption Academy of Nigeria (ACAN), ICPC’s training and research arm, organised the programme for officials of TETFund beneficiary institutions. TETFund supported the training.
Stronger checks on spending
Aliyu identified poor procurement practices, weak project supervision and conflicts of interest as risks to intervention funds.
He urged institutional leaders to make accountability part of their daily work and ensure that public spending delivers value.
The statement warns about corruption risks. It does not announce a new corruption case against any institution.
Better records and independent project checks
Voice of Nigeria’s report lists several recommended safeguards. They include regular assessments of corruption risks, better financial records and independent project checks.
The recommendations also call for separating responsibilities so that one person does not control every stage of a financial process.
Institutions were encouraged to strengthen reporting channels and protect people who report misconduct from retaliation.
Funding must produce results
TETFund Executive Secretary Sonny Echono said funding alone could not guarantee results. He was represented by Kolapo Okunlola, the fund’s Director of Human Resources and General Administration.
According to ICPC’s account, Echono urged institutional heads to follow procurement laws, financial regulations and TETFund guidelines.
He also called on them to take responsibility for project outcomes and protect people who report wrongdoing.
He said interventions should be judged by how responsibly funds are managed and the improvements they bring to infrastructure, research and learning.
Reforms beyond the training room
ACAN Provost Sheriff Ghali Ibrahim said institutional leaders, staff and students all had a role in promoting integrity.
Aliyu urged institutions to turn the training into practical reforms. He called for clear responsibilities, implementation timelines and measurable indicators of progress.
IDNN has not reviewed participating institutions’ action plans or project-verification reports. It has not independently assessed whether the programme has improved spending controls or project delivery.
