The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has partnered with Master Agent Show, a Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO), to rally more than 50,000 Junior Secondary School (JSS) students across Nigeria in the fight against corruption.
The initiative, tagged Basic Education Anti-corruption Debate (BEAD), was officially inaugurated in Abuja and is aimed at instilling values of integrity, transparency, and accountability in young Nigerians through structured school debates.
ICPC Chairman, Dr. Musa Aliyu, SAN, represented by Mr. Okor Odey, Divisional Head of Education and Deputy Director in the Public Enlightenment Department of the Commission, said the programme would serve as a foundation for raising future anti-corruption champions.
According to him, BEAD will cover over 5,000 schools nationwide and engage at least 50,000 students directly, while leveraging technology and partnerships to reach millions more through radio, television, and digital platforms.
Dr. Aliyu explained that the initiative aligns with the ICPC’s mission of promoting ethical reorientation among Nigerians. He stressed that its uniqueness lies in simultaneous implementation across all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, without requiring physical presence until the final stage of the debates.
The ICPC boss also noted that the project would go beyond awards and recognition, incorporating documentaries, media partnerships, and community engagement to reshape perceptions of honesty and accountability among young Nigerians.
On his part, Mr. Osigbeme Enike, Managing Director of Master Agent Show, said the debate series was conceived as a transformative platform to enhance civic engagement, critical thinking, and public speaking skills while tackling corruption at the roots.
He explained that students will debate on topical issues such as “Citizens’ Character or Government Cabinet: Who Ends Corruption?”. The submissions will be broadcast daily on Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN) FM stations, BE.TV’s YouTube and Facebook channels, and other partner outlets.
The programme will run in four phases from September 2025 to July 2026, beginning with school-level engagements, followed by regional selections, nationwide broadcasts, and culminating in an award ceremony. It is projected to reach about 10 million radio listeners and more than one million digital viewers per episode.
Also speaking, Mr. Dominic Ogakwu, Chief Marketing Executive of BEAD, appealed for partnerships and sponsorships from organisations, business leaders, and media stakeholders. He emphasised that supporting the initiative amounts to investing in the nation’s youth and restoring integrity in Nigeria’s education system.
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