Abuja, NIGERIA – The Federal University of Petroleum Resources (FUPRE), Effurun, Delta State, has emerged as the 1st in Ethics and Integrity Compliance among Nigerian Federal Universities, according to the 2024 ranking by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC). The university also secured the 6th position in the broader scorecard for Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) of the Nigerian federal government.
The ICPC, which is Nigeria’s primary anti-corruption body, plays a pivotal role in ensuring transparency and accountability within public institutions. In a statement, the Commission emphasized the crucial role of public sector organizations in promoting good governance by efficiently implementing government policies and programs in the best interests of the citizens. However, the public sector has often been criticized for lacking transparency and accountability, which erodes public trust. Instances of wastefulness and corruption by some officials tasked with managing public resources have further fueled this lack of confidence.
The Ethics and Integrity Compliance Scorecard (EICS), introduced by the ICPC in 2019, is a key tool in addressing these concerns. The EICS evaluates the integrity and accountability of federal MDAs through a series of indicators that measure institutional strength in areas such as financial management, administrative systems, and management culture. The initiative encourages MDAs to improve their processes and adopt global best practices.
In 2024, the ICPC deployed the scorecard to assess 330 MDAs across Nigeria, evaluating their performance based on three primary Key Performance Indicators (KPIs): Management Culture and Structure (MCS), Financial Management Systems (FMS), and Administrative Systems (AS). The EICS also incorporates the role of Anti-Corruption and Transparency Units (ACTUs), which support transparency and accountability within organizations.
The deployment of the EICS revealed several notable trends. Of the 330 MDAs assessed, 91 (29.55%) achieved substantial compliance with the criteria, while 159 (51.62%) attained partial compliance. Forty-nine MDAs (15.91%) were found to have poor compliance, and 9 (2.92%) were classified as non-compliant. Furthermore, 15 MDAs (4.64%) were deemed non-responsive, categorizing them as high-risk institutions in terms of corruption.
The ICPC’s findings also revealed significant gaps in compliance across various sectors. A staggering 177 MDAs (57.47%) did not have systems in place for staff to acknowledge understanding of core values, mission, and vision, while 183 MDAs (59.42%) lacked clear policies on gifts, donations, and hospitality. Additionally, many MDAs struggled with basic governance practices, such as strategic planning, monitoring and evaluation, and corruption risk assessments.
For instance, 95 MDAs (30.84%) did not have a strategic plan, and 152 (49.35%) failed to conduct regular monitoring of their activities. Furthermore, 253 MDAs (82.14%) did not encourage corruption risk assessments, and 220 MDAs (74.35%) lacked accessible whistleblower policies.
Despite these challenges, the ICPC commended the Federal University of Petroleum Resources for its leadership in ethics and integrity compliance. The university’s performance on the EICS highlighted the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Akpofure Rim Rukeh’s commitment to transparency and accountability in its operations, setting a benchmark for other institutions in Nigeria.
In response to the findings, Dr. Musa Adamu Aliyu, Chairman of the ICPC, outlined several recommendations aimed at improving compliance across MDAs. These include providing adequate funding and manpower for monitoring compliance, enhancing the enforcement of statutory provisions related to audits and procurement, and encouraging MDAs to adopt and enforce codes of ethics.
Dr. Aliyu also urged the Nigerian government to work closely with the National Assembly and relevant agencies to ensure all MDAs have the necessary legal backing to curb the abuse of discretionary powers. He emphasized the importance of empowering ACTUs within MDAs, ensuring they receive adequate support and resources to perform their roles effectively.
As part of its ongoing efforts, the ICPC pledged to continue deploying the EICS to evaluate MDAs annually and promote integrity, accountability, and efficiency in government business. The Commission remains committed to driving the anti-corruption agenda across all sectors of Nigerian society, including both public and private institutions.
In conclusion, while some MDAs have shown impressive progress in embracing ethical practices, the ICPC’s findings serve as a reminder of the work still needed to achieve true transparency and accountability in Nigeria’s public sector. The Commission’s continued efforts, alongside the support of public institutions, are crucial in fostering a culture of integrity and good governance across the country.