The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has strengthened its partnership with school administrators in Lagos State to promote integrity and discourage youth involvement in financial crimes. The collaboration was underscored during an interactive session held on Thursday, where the EFCC engaged principals and school heads to discuss the establishment of Integrity and Zero Tolerance Clubs in secondary schools across the state.
At the event, Ayo Oyewole, the Head of the Public Affairs Unit at the EFCC’s Lagos Directorate 1, emphasized the need for early intervention in reshaping the values of young Nigerians. He pointed out that educating students about the importance of hard work and ethical conduct could help prevent them from succumbing to financial crimes. “If you allow us to come to your schools and tell your students that hard work, and not crimes, pays, we will achieve the Nigeria of our dreams,” Oyewole said.
The initiative is part of the EFCC’s broader strategy to promote national integrity, discipline, and transparency. By engaging with students, the Commission aims to inspire a new generation of Nigerians committed to honesty and accountability. The EFCC hopes to prevent youths from falling into the traps of corruption and fraudulent practices, which have negatively impacted the nation.
School representatives at the meeting, including those from Holy Child and Government Secondary School, expressed their support for the initiative and pledged to implement the program in their schools. In addition, the Head of the Science Department at Aunty Ayo International School suggested that the program could be more effective if parents were involved through the Parents-Teachers Association meetings, ensuring that the message reached students at home as well.
This partnership marks a significant step towards empowering youths to resist peer pressure and societal vices. By incorporating anti-corruption education into the school curriculum, the EFCC aims to instill values of integrity and responsibility in the younger generation, ultimately contributing to the fight against corruption and promoting national development.
