ANSACS Pays Courtesy Visit to Anambra Education Commissioner, Pledges Stronger Anti-Corruption Drive - Anambra Ministry of Education

By Obiageli Nwankwo

The Anambra State Anti-Corruption Strategy (ANSACS) Committee in the Ministry of Education paid a courtesy visit to the Commissioner for Education, Dr. Ekene Longinus Ogugua, alongside the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Ifeoma Agbaizu, at the Ministry’s headquarters.

Following the introduction of members of the committee, the Chairman, Mr. Basil Ilegbunam, gave an overview of the committee’s mandate and activities. He stated that the committee is committed to identifying and addressing loopholes within the Ministry, particularly issues relating to undue delay in processing official files, lateness to work, the use of abusive language in offices, and the demand for gratification before the discharge of official duties.

Mr. Ilegbunam disclosed that the committee had successfully organised a one-day sensitisation workshop to educate staff on its mandate and the expectations of public servants in promoting transparency, accountability and ethical conduct. He also revealed that suggestion boxes had been installed within the Ministry to enable staff anonymously report cases of corrupt practices for investigation by the committee.

He further informed the Commissioner that the committee plans to extend its sensitisation campaign to primary and secondary schools across the state. According to him, the initiative will include the establishment of Anti-Corruption Clubs in schools to help reorient young people against corrupt practices and instil integrity from an early age.

Responding, the Commissioner for Education, Dr. Ekene Ogugua, commended the committee for its proactive efforts in promoting accountability within the Ministry. He emphasised the need for officers to be punctual, regular at work, and committed to their responsibilities in line with the ethics of the civil service.

The Commissioner charged the committee to intensify its efforts in ensuring that civil servants carry out their duties diligently while strengthening the fight against corrupt practices. He also directed the committee to submit monthly reports of its activities to his office, noting that such reports would assist the Ministry in addressing identified challenges promptly and effectively.

In her remarks, the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Ifeoma Agbaizu, urged the committee to be more proactive in carrying out its responsibilities. She stressed the importance of producing timely and comprehensive reports, developing effective strategies for implementing its mandate, and sustaining initiatives that promote integrity and transparency across the Ministry.

Speaking on behalf of the committee, the members expressed appreciation for the support and guidance received from the Commissioner and the Permanent Secretary. They pledged to redouble their efforts in discharging their responsibilities and assured the Ministry’s leadership of prompt submission of their monthly activity reports as directed