The National Business and Technical Examinations Board (NABTEB) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) have launched a fresh anti-corruption drive aimed at checking staff infractions, strengthening accountability and ensuring compliance with procurement and financial regulations.
The initiative followed the inauguration of a five-member Anti-Corruption and Transparency Unit (ACTU) at NABTEB by the Registrar/Chief Executive Officer of the board, Dr Mohammed Aminu Mohammed, in collaboration with the Resident Anti-Corruption Commissioner of the ICPC in Edo State, Ebenezer Shogunle.
The committee is expected to serve as the ICPC’s monitoring arm within NABTEB and help promote transparency in the management of public funds.
Speaking at the inauguration, Mohammed said the initiative was designed to ensure that funds allocated to NABTEB by the government were judiciously spent for the purposes for which they were appropriated.
He stressed that the management of public funds must comply with the Procurement Act and relevant financial regulations.
“The way and manner we use the funds must be in line with the Procurement Act, must be in line with the financial regulation,” he said.
The NABTEB boss described members of the committee as trusted, qualified and tested personnel capable of carrying out their responsibilities objectively.
He charged them to monitor compliance among staff and assess complaints without bias or emotion.
According to him, the committee members were selected from different departments because they had demonstrated the courage to “talk true to power”, regardless of the position or status of those involved.
Mohammed also warned management staff that they were not beyond scrutiny, stressing that ACTU must be prepared to investigate complaints and infractions at every level of the organisation.
“There are some of the infractions from the management as well. Their role is advisory. There are some staff who have some complaints,” he said.
He urged managers to treat their subordinates with dignity and respect, noting that disciplinary action should only be taken when necessary and in accordance with established procedures.
ICPC: Zero tolerance for corruption
The Resident Anti-Corruption Commissioner of the ICPC in Edo State, Ebenezer Shogunle, said the inauguration demonstrated NABTEB’s commitment to the Federal Government’s zero-tolerance policy on corruption.
Shogunle, represented by Odogwu Preye, Deputy Director, System Study and Review, said the ACTU was established in line with the principles of transparency and accountability in public service.
He said effective anti-corruption interventions would contribute to better governance, strengthen public confidence and promote responsible management of national resources.
He stressed that the fight against corruption required cooperation among the ICPC, government institutions, civil society organisations, the private sector and citizens.
Giving an overview of ACTU’s responsibilities, Wale Falola, Assistant Director, Legal Services, ICPC, said the committee would monitor compliance within NABTEB and report suspected acts of corruption and other offences.
He listed the areas of concern to include suppression of records, false claims, embezzlement, dishonesty and falsification of records.
Falola said such acts constituted offences under the ICPC Act and should be properly documented and reported for appropriate action.
ACTU vows to uphold integrity
In his acceptance speech, Chairman of the NABTEB ACTU chapter, Dr Emmanuel Adetunji, said institutional integrity was fundamental to the board’s mandate of conducting credible national examinations and promoting Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET).
Adetunji said transparency and zero tolerance for corruption were essential to maintaining public confidence in NABTEB and protecting the future of Nigerian youths.
He pledged that the newly inaugurated ACTU would work as a strategic partner with management to promote ethical standards, systemic integrity and operational transparency.
He said the committee would prioritise prevention, fairness, continuous sensitisation and engagement with staff across NABTEB departments, zonal and state offices.
Adetunji appealed for the cooperation of management and staff, saying the success of the committee would depend on collective commitment to transparency and accountability.
He thanked the NABTEB management and ICPC for entrusting the committee with the responsibility and urged members to approach the assignment with courage, vigilance and dedication.
