FCAIB INAUGURATES STUDENTS VANGUARD TO STRENGTHEN ANTI-CORRUPTION CAMPAIGN

By Ayodeji Adedokun

The Federal College of Agriculture, Ibadan (FCAIB), has inaugurated its Students Vanguard to promote integrity, transparency, accountability and strengthen the fight against corruption within the College.

The inauguration, held on Wednesday, September 9, 2026, brought together members of the College Management, the Anti-Corruption and Transparency Unit (ACTU) team, representatives of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), staff and students.

Speaking at the event, the Provost, Professor Jonathan J. Atungwu, described the initiative as a historic achievement and a collective commitment to entrench a culture of integrity and accountability at FCAIB.

Professor Atungwu appreciated the ICPC, particularly the Resident Anti-Corruption Commissioner covering Oyo and Ogun States, Mr. Chile Ogwuegbu Esq., for his technical guidance and partnership in establishing the Students Vanguard. He stressed the importance of anti-corruption education in tertiary institutions, noting that it would help prepare students to become responsible leaders and professionals who uphold ethical values.

Present were the Deputy Provost (Administration), Dr. M. Adenekan; Deputy Provost (Academic), Dr. Mrs. V. E. Okpeze; Director of Internal Audit, Mr. Karunwi; Head of College Library, Dr. M. Y. Oshunkoya; Head of Bursary, Mr. A. Jaguno; Chairman of ACTU - FCAIB, Engr. Dr. Ayoade Atere; Head of Procurement, Mrs. Bukola Shittu; Head of Public Relations Unit, Mrs. Oyekemi Wilson and members of the College’s ACTU.

Responding on behalf of the ICPC, Mr. Chile Ogwuegbu Esq. commended the College Management and the team working directly with FCAIB for their commitment to the initiative. He described FCAIB as a great and historic institution with a longstanding contribution to agricultural education and development, being the first of its kind in tertiary institutions, to have inaugurated students Vanguard.

In his presentation, titled “The Role of the Students of the Federal College of Agriculture, Ibadan in the Fight Against Corruption,” Mr. Ogwuegbu emphasised that corruption is a social challenge affecting every sector, including agriculture and that sustainable anti-corruption efforts must begin with reorientation.

He urged students to reject examination malpractice, bribery and other forms of academic misconduct and to report lecturers or staff who demand money in exchange for grades, admission or other academic benefits. He also encouraged transparency and accountability in handling student union dues, levies, project funds and elections.

The Head of Public Enlightenment and Education Department/Operation, Mr. Akin Taiwo Bankole, urged the Students Vanguard to promote anti-corruption awareness through drama, jingles, debates and social media campaigns.

The ICPC introduced “Report, Resist and Reject Corruption” as the guiding message for the initiative and assured the students of its support through the Student Anti-Corruption Vanguard initiative, including capacity building.

As part of the inauguration, Mrs. Tayo Babatunde of the ICPC administered the oath of office to the newly elected members: Aliu Jamiu Idowu; Adeloju Samuel Ayomide; Lawal Sheriff Babatunde; Godwin Blessing Favour and James Blessing Tofunmi.

The members pledged to uphold integrity, transparency, accountability and responsibility and to serve as ambassadors of ethical conducts among their colleagues.

The inauguration marks another step in FCAIB’s efforts to engage students directly in promoting ethical conduct and preventing corruption, while strengthening collaboration between the College and ICPC.

FCAIB, the First, the Best!