NABTEB, ICPC partner to promote accountability

The National Board for Technical Education Board and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission on Thursday partnered to eradicate corruption through the inauguration of the Anti-Corruption and Transparency Unit at the NABTEB head office in Benin, Edo State.

Speaking at the occasion, Registrar/Chief Executive Officer of NABTEB, Dr Mohammed Mohammed, said that the inauguration of the Unit was crucial considering that NABTEB activities were funded by taxpayers, noting that there is a need for accountability.

He noted that the way the board used its funds must be in line with the Procurement Act and with the financial regulations, adding that one of the major duties of the ICPC was not to punish but to ensure that the board did the right thing.

He thanked the ICPC for accepting the five members NABTEB chose to be part of the ACTU, explaining that they are people with proven character and represent eligible departments on the board.

“Funding of NABTEB comes from taxpayers. Therefore, there must be accountability. The way and manner we use the funds must be in line with the Procurement Act and must be in line with the financial regulations.

“The inauguration of ACTU is the start of a robust partnership with the ICPC, and one of the major duties of ICPC is not to punish; it’s to ensure we do what is right.

“They will guide you on what you don’t know, and they will give you a long road to play around, unless and unless you refuse to listen,” he added.

Delivering his keynote address, Edo State chairman of the ICPC, Adenekan Shogunle, who was represented by the Deputy Director, System Study and Review, Odogwu Preye, said the commission played a significant role in Nigeria’s fight against corruption, adding that its operation included investigation, prosecution, corruption prevention, system study and review, public enlightenment, and institutional strengthening.

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He said that the inauguration of the ACTU members demonstrated NABTEB’s commitment to the Federal Government’s policy of zero tolerance for corruption and to the principles of transparency and accountability in public service.

He added, “The ICPC operates primarily as an enforcement and preventive institution. Its activities include investigating complaints of corruption, prosecuting offenders, preventing corrupt practices, educating the public, and examining government systems and procedures that may encourage corruption.

“The commission’s operations are therefore both reactive and preventive. While it responds to reported cases and suspected offences, it also attempts to stop corruption before it occurs by improving institutional procedures and promoting ethical conduct.

“ICPC operations cover various sectors of Nigerian society, particularly public institutions,” he added.

In his acceptance speech, Chairman of the newly inaugurated  ACTU, Dr Emmanuel Adetunji, said under the new leadership, ACTU would serve as a strategic partner in promoting ethical standards, systemic integrity, and operational transparency.

While thanking the Registrar/CEO, management, and the ICPC for finding his team worthy, Adetunji said the team was committed to proactive prevention, systemic fairness, and collaborative engagement across all departments, zonal and state offices through continuous sensitisation and education.

Highlights of the event were the swearing-in of the members of the ACTU, NABTEB chapter, Dr Emmanuel Adetunji (Deputy Director, Registrar’s Office), Christopher Ango (Assistant Director, Internal Audit), Benedict Usiabulu (Assistant Director, Administration), Sunday Ediroro (Assistant Director, Finance and Accounts) and Deborah Oduware (Chief Procurement Officer, Procurement) by the Assistant Director, Legal Services of NABTEB, Wale Falola.