The Oyo State Anti-Corruption Agency (OYACA) has extended its anti-corruption campaign to Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH) with the launch of an Integrity Ambassador Club to promote integrity among students.

The Executive Secretary of the Agency, Dr. Folasade Ajibade, who performed the inauguration, said the initiative forms part of OYACA’s strategy to extend its anti-corruption enlightenment campaign to tertiary institutions, where future leaders are nurtured and prepared for leadership.

Dr. Ajibade explained that OYACA commenced full operations in April 2021 with the mandate to combat corruption and corrupt practices across the State.

She said the Agency recognises the pivotal role of youths in the fight against corruption, hence its decision to “catch them young” by instilling the values of integrity and anti-corruption from an early age.

“Youths are not just leaders of tomorrow. They are catalysts of change today. Their passion, creativity and determination make them essential for creating a more transparent and just world,” she said.

According to her, the Integrity Ambassadors were established across tertiary institutions in the State to strengthen youth participation in the fight against corruption and empower them to take ownership of efforts to build a corruption-free society.

Dr. Ajibade charged the newly inaugurated Ambassadors to regard their membership as a trust bestowed on them by the Oyo State Government, which they must uphold with integrity and commitment.

She listed their responsibilities to include maintaining personal integrity and clean academic records, promoting anti-corruption values among their peers through sensitisation campaigns, debates and essay competitions, and reporting acts of corruption to OYACA.

She defined corruption as abuse of a position of trust for personal gain, including demanding gratification, misuse of political power, sexual gratification, nepotism, appropriation of public funds and non-performance of Government contracts.

She assured the Ambassadors of continuous support in terms of training, materials and mentorship, adding that the goal is to make Oyo State a pacesetter and reference point for transparency and accountability in Nigeria

In his response, the Dean Students Affairs of  LAUTECH, Dr Adepoju Adewusi, thanked OYACA for choosing the institution and pledged the management’s support for the initiative

In attendance at the event were the Management staff of OYACA; Director of Finance and account Mr Tajudeen Azeez, Director Administration and Supplies Mr Wasiu Alimi, and the Chief Legal Officer Mrs Eto-Abasi Olayanju among others.