By: Alex A. Bah, Public Relations Officer, ACC
The Deputy Commissioner of the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC), Augustine Foday-Ngobie, has challenged students of Njala University, Bo Campus, to make integrity their "second DNA" and embrace accountability as a way of life if they are to contribute meaningfully to building the Sierra Leone they desire.
He made the call on Friday, 29th May 2026, while delivering a Public Lecture organized by the Students' Union Government (SUG), Njala University, Bo Campus, in collaboration with Students Against Corruption (SAC), under the theme: “The Sierra Leone We Want to See” at the Great Hall, Torwama Campus, Bo.
Speaking on the topic, “Students as Catalysts for Building the Sierra Leone We Want: Advancing Integrity, Accountability and National Transformation,” Mr. Ngobie emphasized that Sierra Leone's future will depend not only on the academic qualifications of its citizens but also on their character, values, and commitment to ethical leadership.
Describing the engagement as a homecoming, the Deputy Commissioner reflected on his years at Njala University, where he served as Secretary General of the Students' Union Government during the 1998/1999 academic year. He expressed pride in returning to his alma mater to engage students on issues central to national development and good governance.
Drawing inspiration from former United States President Barack Obama's famous assertion that “Africa does not need strong men; it needs strong institutions,” Mr. Ngobie noted that strong institutions can only thrive when led by individuals of integrity, competence, patriotism, and accountability.
He expressed concern over the growing prevalence of academic dishonesty, including examination malpractice, plagiarism, bribery, and other unethical practices that undermine merit and weaken institutions. He urged students to uphold honesty, trust, fairness, respect, and responsibility throughout their academic and professional lives, warning that corruption in educational programmes remains an offence under the Anti-Corruption Act.
Earlier in his opening remarks, the Public Relations Officer of Njala University, Ayuba Koroma who chaired the event highlighted the importance of exposing students to accomplished national leaders and public officials, noting that such engagements provide valuable opportunities for students to interrogate national issues and broaden their understanding of leadership and governance.
In his statement, the President of the Students' Union Government, Dassay Musa Senesie, described the Deputy Commissioner as a distinguished public servant whose illustrious career and unwavering commitment to national service continue to inspire young people. He thanked Ngobie for honouring the invitation and noted that students were privileged to learn from his wealth of experience.
The lecture attracted students, university administrators, members of Students Against Corruption, and staff of the Anti-Corruption Commission. It culminated in an interactive plenary session during which participants engaged the Deputy Commissioner on issues relating to integrity, governance, accountability, corruption prevention, and national development.
At the conclusion of the programme, the Students' Union Government conducted the Deputy Commissioner and ACC delegation on a tour of its ongoing canteen construction project. Impressed by the initiative and its potential benefits to the student community, Mr. Ngobie made a personal donation towards the project, reaffirming his commitment to supporting youth development and student-led initiatives.
Present at the event were the ACC's Coordinator of Operations, Patrick Sandi; Regional Director, Kono Region, Andrew Demby Esq.; Acting Director, Bo Office, Michael Sesay; Deputy Director, Public Education, Sylvanus Blake and other staff of the Commission.
The engagement forms part of the Commission’s continued efforts to promote integrity education, strengthen youth participation in the fight against corruption, and cultivate a generation of ethical leaders committed to national transformation.
