The University of Calabar (UniCal) has inaugurated its reconstituted Anti-Corruption and Transparency Unit (ACTU), with the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Offiong Offiong, reaffirming the institution’s commitment to accountability, integrity and ethical conduct.
Offiong made the commitment on Wednesday in Calabar during the inauguration, stressing that universities have a critical role to play in combating corruption by producing graduates who uphold integrity and contribute positively to society. He said the administration was working to reposition UniCal as a 21st-century institution operating in line with global standards and best practices.
The Vice-Chancellor said the university was committed to producing not only academically outstanding scholars but also responsible individuals who could serve as critical partners in the fight against corruption. He clarified that the ACTU was not established to indiscriminately sack staff, but to ensure that activities within the university complied with pestablished standards and proper procedures.
Offiong urged members of the reconstituted ACTU to uphold honesty, accountability and commitment to service, adding that the university and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) should continue to work as partners in promoting transparency.
The ICPC Resident Anti-Corruption Commissioner for Akwa Ibom and Cross River, Mr Baba Shuaib, described ACTU members as agents of change and said their effectiveness depended on independence, institutional support, capacity building, transparency and ethical conduct.
The Chairperson of ACTU, Prof. Grace Etuk, thanked the university management for its support and pledged that the unit would carry out its responsibilities diligently. The management also assured the reconstituted unit of its cooperation and necessary support to strengthen accountability and transparency across the institution.
