By: Alhaji A.K Bangura – Senior Communications Officer, ACC.
Have you ever heard the expression "Catch them young"? This strong phrase is commonly used in advertisements aimed at presenting a notion that future leaders must buy into. By capturing young minds and instilling an ethos of integrity in them, they will not only grow with it but also live it.
This article focuses on the role of the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) in promoting educational integrity in Sierra Leone's schools and tertiary institutions, as corruption, when left unchecked, has the potential to erode a society's very foundations, particularly in the education sector, where it jeopardizes the future of a nation's youth.
Section 7(2)(o) of the Anti-Corruption Act of 2008 as amended in 2019 requires the ACC to educate the public on the dangers of corruption and the benefits of eradicating it, as well as to enlist and foster public support in the fight against the scourge.
Section 128 of the Anti-Corruption (Amendment) Act criminalizes educational malpractices and other related matters in order to reduce unethical behavior in schools and higher education. A new wave of accountability, openness, and integrity has been introduced into educational institutions in the country as a result of the Commission's proactive engagements and the introduction of decisive measures in the 2019 amendment.
The establishment of Integrity Clubs in secondary schools and Accountability Now Clubs in colleges and universities to advance the ideals of honesty and accountability is the first of the ACC's daring initiatives that have defined its presence in schools and colleges. These clubs aim to address corruption at both the systemic and individual levels. These days, students participate in outreach initiatives, discussions, and plays to raise awareness of corruption and its effects.
To educate students and staff about the dangers of bribery, exam malpractice, extortion, favoritism, and sex for grades, the Commission regularly organizes sensitization tours in schools and tertiary/vocational institutions under the name ‘Meet the School’ and ‘Meet the College’ campaigns respectively. These tours have been very successful in sending useful anti-corruption messages to young people and have had a positive impact in the fight against corruption.
Furthermore, the Commission's anonymous reporting systems, such as the ACC’s toll-free lines, now allow students and faculty members to report corrupt practices without fear of punishment.
Finally, the Commission's interventions include strong investigation and enforcement, as outlined in Section 7(1) (a, b, c, and d). The Commission has moved decisively on school-related reports, investigating malpractices and penalizing offenders where needed. This has resulted in a domino effect, reducing corruption and strengthening the rule of law.
The Commission's has been making robust interventions in schools and tertiary institutions to disrupt and curb the endemic corrupt practices that have bedeviled the country’s education sector. However, the war is far from over. The Commission's sustained cooperation with students and educators will be the foundation of a more open, accountable academic environment, one in which merit triumphs over deception and classrooms become sanctuaries of honesty.
How do you perceive your involvement in creating an academic culture free from corruption if you are a member of a Sierra Leonean school or college? You hold the power to influence the future, and we can work together to do so.
