CSOs reaffirm commitment to fighting corruption through behavioural change

The MacArthur Foundation’s behaviour change cohort has reaffirmed its commitment to fighting corruption and fostering accountability in Nigeria.

Members of the cohort include the Akin Fadeyi Foundation, Lux Terra Leadership Foundation, and Step Up Nigeria.

Others are Accountability Lab, Chatham House, National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Nigerian Institute of Social and Economic Research (NISER), Anti-corruption Academy of Nigeria (ACAN), and Al-Habibiyya Islamic Society.

At a news conference on Wednesday, Oluwaferanmi Iyanda, director of programmes for Step Up Nigeria, said there is a need to begin to inspire Nigerians to shun corruption at an early age.

Iyanda said the organisation has partnered with stakeholders in the education sector to ensure that the development of moral instruction and security studies is part of the schools’ curriculum.

“Some Nigerians believe that fighting corruption begins with our teachers and children, and this is what inspired our initiative. Part of that is what we have been doing to change corrupt behaviours by teaching children the negative impact of corruption,” she said.

“We also show them what they can do even as young people to begin to tackle corruption at an early age. At the moment, we have an ongoing partnership with the Association for Formidable Educational Development, which has situated the art of education in the curriculum for 24,000 schools in 18 states.

“We also have an integrity certification programme that certifies those with academic integrity and also ensures that examination malpractices are reduced.”

Also, Patience Ismaila Zeera, project coordinator at the Akin Fadeyi Foundation, expressed gratitude to the MacArthur Foundation for the partnerships that have fueled their mission of change.

She highlighted the impact of their initiatives, adding that the work of the cohort has reached diverse communities and sectors across Nigeria, benefiting millions through innovative use of media and technology.

“As we look to the future, the Cohort requires continued collaboration with stakeholders to sustain and expand the efforts, and we must emphasize the importance of a united front against corruption in Nigeria,” Zeera added.