The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has joined forces with Master Agent Show, a non-governmental organisation, to engage over 50,000 Junior Secondary School (JSS) students in the fight against corruption.
The initiative was launched on Thursday in Abuja during the inauguration of the Basic Education Anti-Corruption Debate (BEAD), a civic education project designed to promote integrity, transparency, and accountability among young Nigerians through debate competitions.
Speaking at the event, ICPC Chairman, Dr. Musa Aliyu (SAN), represented by Mr. Okor Odey, Deputy Director of Public Enlightenment and Education, explained that the partnership seeks to expand the fight against corruption to the basic education level across the country.
He noted that Master Agent Show presented a unique concept aimed at reaching 5,000 schools and 50,000 students across all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory. According to him, the BEAD project aligns with ICPC’s mission of education, awareness, and value reorientation.
“The programme is not just about recognition or awards; it is designed to change perceptions of integrity among young Nigerians through debates, documentaries, and media engagement. The ultimate goal is to make discussions on ethics part of their everyday lives,” Aliyu said.
Managing Director of Master Agent Show, Mr. Osigbeme Enike, described BEAD as a transformative movement that uses education to challenge deep-rooted corruption. He said the debates will enhance civic engagement, public speaking, and critical thinking skills in students while positioning them as champions of integrity.
“Through BEAD, over 5,000 schools will mobilise 50,000 students to deliberate on themes like ‘Citizens’ Character or Government Cabinet: Who Ends Corruption?’ Submissions will be broadcast daily on FRCN FM stations, BE.TV’s digital platforms, and other media outlets,” Enike stated.
He added that the programme will run from September 2025 to July 2026 in four phases: School Engagement, Regional Selection, Nationwide Broadcast, and Awards. The organisers aim to reach an estimated 10 million radio listeners and over one million digital viewers per episode.
Also speaking, BEAD’s Chief Marketing Executive, Mr. Domini Ogakwu, said the project would leverage digital platforms to mobilise public participation in anti-corruption advocacy. He called on businesses and organisations to sponsor the initiative through media support and advertising.
“This is an investment in youth development that will help restore the values we have lost in our schools,” Ogakwu said.