By Attah Abubakar Mohammed
The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has rated the Federal University Dutsin-Ma (FUDMA) as the most compliant institution in Nigeria’s North-West Sub-region in the implementation of its Anti-Corruption and Transparency Unit (ACTU), recognising the University’s commitment to transparency, accountability and ethical governance.
The commendation was announced on Monday, July 20, 2026, when an ICPC delegation led by Barrister Abdullahi Alhassan visited the University to conduct its annual assessment of ethics and integrity compliance.
Speaking during the evaluation, Alhassan described FUDMA’s ACTU as a “mini-ICPC” within the institution, noting that it plays a critical role in guiding management on due process, combating corruption and promoting accountability.
He explained that the Commission is mandated to investigate, prosecute and prevent corruption by reviewing operational systems in Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), sensitising the public on anti-corruption issues and mobilising citizens’ support in the fight against corruption.
According to him, ACTU was established through a partnership between the ICPC and the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation to serve as an internal integrity mechanism that promotes ethical compliance, monitors corruption risks and supports management in strengthening transparency and accountability in public institutions.
Responding to the assessment, the Vice-Chancellor of FUDMA, Prof. Mohammed Khalid Othman, expressed appreciation to the ICPC team for recognising the University’s commitment to integrity and compliance with regulatory standards.
Represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), Prof. Abubakar Sadiq Suleiman, the Vice-Chancellor stressed that effective checks and balances remain fundamental to transparency and accountability, warning that organisations that neglect such mechanisms risk undermining their credibility.
He assured the delegation of the University’s continued cooperation by providing all relevant documents and information required for the successful conduct of the assessment, adding that management would promptly implement all observations and recommendations made by the team in the overall interest of the institution and the nation.
The ICPC team highlighted the responsibilities of ACTU to include promoting ethics and integrity, spearheading anti-corruption awareness campaigns, conducting corruption risk assessments, reviewing institutional systems, monitoring budget implementation, promoting the Ethics and Integrity Pledge and carrying out preliminary investigations into complaints relating to unethical conduct.
The Commission noted that it has intensified efforts to strengthen ACTUs across public institutions nationwide, citing recent reconstitution exercises in organisations including the Federal Ministry of Education, the Niger Delta Development Commission, the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, and the University of Ibadan.
Established in 2001 by the ICPC in collaboration with the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, ACTUs operate under the 2023 Standing Order for the Operation of Anti-Corruption and Transparency Units in Ministries, Departments and Agencies, with emphasis on strengthening institutional systems rather than acting as law enforcement bodies.
The Commission added that the recognition of FUDMA as the North-West’s most compliant institution underscores the University’s sustained commitment to ethical governance and best practices in public administration.
