ICPC Formalizes Partnership with NCAOOSCE to Combat Corruption and Protect Vulnerable Children in Nigeria

Strategic Alliance for Child Protection

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has officially reaffirmed its commitment to a formal partnership with the National Commission for Almajiri and Out-of-School Children Education (NCAOOSCE) in Nigeria. This strategic alliance is designed to bolster national efforts aimed at reintegrating millions of vulnerable children into the educational system, strengthen advocacy, and prevent corruption within the sector.

The commitment was solidified during a recent courtesy visit by Dr. Mohammed Sani Idris, Executive Secretary of NCAOOSCE, and his delegation to the ICPC headquarters in Abuja, where they were received by the ICPC Chairman, Dr. Musa Adamu Aliyu, SAN.

Addressing the Out-of-School Children Crisis

NCAOOSCE, established by an Act of Parliament on Children's Day, May 27, 2023, operates under the direct supervision of the Ministry of Education. Its core mandate is to tackle the pressing issue of out-of-school children and illiteracy across Nigeria, striving to ensure that every child has access to equitable and inclusive quality education, irrespective of their background.

Dr. Idris highlighted the severe plight of Almajiri and other vulnerable children, who are not only deprived of education but are also exposed to significant risks, including sexual abuse, medical neglect, and other societal dangers. He noted that NCAOOSCE has identified over 700,000 out-of-school children for intervention, yet the commission faces substantial operational constraints due to inadequate funding, lack of office infrastructure, and insufficient operational vehicles.

ICPC's Role in Ensuring Transparency and Funding

In response, Dr. Aliyu emphasized the critical importance of NCAOOSCE's mission for Nigeria's future leadership and national survival. He proposed the swift finalization of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the two agencies to establish a robust framework for their collaboration.

Under this partnership, the ICPC plans to deploy strategic anti-corruption tools, such as Corruption Risk Assessment, to proactively prevent financial leakages and enhance transparency within NCAOOSCE's educational intervention programs. Dr. Aliyu also stressed the importance of children remaining under responsible parental guidance while receiving quality education, cautioning against burdening young individuals with responsibilities beyond their years.

Dr. Idris appealed to the ICPC Chairman to leverage his office to advocate for improved budgetary support for NCAOOSCE from relevant funding authorities, underscoring that increased financial backing is non-negotiable to scale the commission's impact and address the magnitude of need across the country.