By: Abdulai Saccoh, Senior Public Education Officer, ACC
As part of its strategic engagement with various sectors of society, the Southern Regional Office of the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has engaged lecturers and students of Every Nation College in Bo, to sensitize them on the dangers of academic malpractice and its adverse impact on educational outcomes. The engagement took place at the Conference Hall of Every Nation College, located at the Sami Section in Bo District.
Addressing staff and students, Senior Public Education Officer, ACC Abdulai Saccoh, described the session as a demonstration of the Commission’s commitment to instilling integrity values in young Sierra Leoneans who are poised to assume future leadership roles in both public and private institutions. He commended the college administration for its role in nurturing and developing the nation’s human resource base.
Mr. Saccoh acknowledged the numerous challenges facing young people but praised the students for choosing to transform their lives through education and skills acquisition. He, however, cautioned against practices such as examination malpractice, payment for grades, sexual exploitation, illegal fee collection by class representatives on behalf of lecturers, lateness, and absenteeism, describing them as unethical acts that undermine the credibility of academic institutions and the quality of graduates they produce.
He further highlighted the Commission’s continued efforts in promoting integrity within the education sector and reaffirmed ACC’s unwavering commitment to ensuring that the aspirations of the people are met. He called on the college administration to strengthen internal monitoring mechanisms and ensure that perpetrators of corrupt practices are held accountable.
In his response, the Principal of Every Nation College, Christian Julius Johnson, described the ACC’s public education drive as a transformative initiative aimed at exposing and addressing corrupt practices within educational institutions. He noted that such engagements help to correct misconceptions about corruption and empower students with the knowledge needed to act responsibly in their academic and professional lives.
Mr. Johnson stated that the college was established to produce competent, efficient, and ethically grounded professionals who contribute meaningfully to society. He expressed appreciation to the ACC for its timely intervention and assured the Commission of the institution’s full support in promoting integrity. He further pledged to introduce anti-corruption measures in the management and utilization of the college’s resources.
The engagement concluded with an interactive question-and-answer session, providing students and staff the opportunity to seek clarification and deepen their understanding of corruption-related issues.
