The University of Cross River State (UNICROSS), in collaboration with the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) Akwa Ibom State Office, Uyo, has held a sensitisation programme on Ethics and Anti-Corruption Compliance.
The programme targeted members of Top and Expanded Management, Deans, Directors, Deputy Deans, Deputy Directors, Deputy Registrars, Professors and other members of the university community.
It was aimed at strengthening ethical conduct, accountability and responsible leadership within the institution, while promoting the protection of public resources and effective compliance with anti-corruption regulations.
The Deputy Vice Chancellor (Administration), Prof. Thomas Ojikpong, declared the programme open on behalf of the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Francisca Bassey.
Ojikpong described the engagement as a significant and memorable development in the history of the university. He urged participants to pay close attention to the presentations and take advantage of the opportunity to deepen their understanding of ethical conduct and accountability.
He noted that the initiative formed part of the Vice Chancellor’s determination to ensure members of the university community were adequately informed and guided on issues of responsible administration.
In his goodwill message, the Head of Delegation and Resident Anti-Corruption Commissioner of the ICPC Akwa Ibom State Office, Mr. Alaro Shaiub, commended the university management for providing the platform for the engagement.
Shaiub said universities play an important role in shaping values and producing future leaders. He stressed that corruption often begins with seemingly minor compromises and encouraged participants to develop a strong culture of integrity and compliance.
Resource persons at the programme included Mr. Akpan Nsuhoridem, Head of System Service and Review Department of the ICPC; Mr. John Okokon Okam, Second-in-Command of Investigation; and Associate Prof. Bassey Anam Ekpenyong of the University of Calabar.
They addressed corruption risk areas in tertiary institutions, the protection of public funds from systemic fraud, and organisational behaviour and ethical leadership.
The Vice Chancellor, Prof. Francisca Bassey, later joined the proceedings after returning from an official trip.
She thanked the ICPC officials, members of management, participants and organisers for making the engagement successful. She expressed satisfaction with the positive response of participants and stressed that the future of UNICROSS depends on the collective actions and choices of its members.
Bassey urged staff to take personal responsibility for promoting positive change and directed that the lessons and proceedings from the programme should be made available to the wider university community, including through digital platforms such as YouTube.
The Registrar, Dr. Mrs. Catherine Ndifon, gave the vote of thanks, while Mrs. Sayara Ofem, Director and Secretary of the Postgraduate School, conducted the closing session.
The programme is scheduled to continue today at the university’s New Cafeteria with teaching and senior non-teaching staff.
