14th October 2025 – From October 6 to 10, 2025, the Public Education and Outreach Unit of the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) conducted integrity awareness campaigns at several schools in Port Loko, including Maforki Agricultural Islamic, Free Pentecostal Academy, and Johanna Kuyvanhoven Model Secondary School.
The initiative, known as the Meet-the-School Campaign, aims to instill essential values such as integrity, hard work, transparency, and accountability among students, emphasizing the importance of shaping ethical behavior from a young age.
Zainab Othman, the Northwest Regional Director of the ACC, addressed teachers and students during interactive sessions, urging educators to adhere to professional ethics and foster an environment conducive to student development. She highlighted the crucial role educational institutions play in molding the behavior and attitudes of future leaders, assuring attendees of the ACC’s ongoing support in the fight against corruption.
“Integrity should be the cornerstone of every public institution, including schools,” Othman asserted. She defined integrity as “doing the right thing when no one is watching” and warned that a lack of integrity could lead to abuse and moral decay within the education system.
Othman strongly cautioned against various forms of misconduct, including examination malpractice, bribery, extortion, absenteeism, and inappropriate dress. She emphasized that these behaviors undermine educational goals and hinder students’ potential.
“While excelling in public examinations is important, the moral development of pupils is equally vital for a meaningful education,” she added. “Students should be encouraged to think critically and behave ethically as part of their personal growth.”
Senior Public Education Officer Samuel Junisa Sankoh and Public Education Officer Mohamed Thullah also contributed to the discussions, outlining specific corruption offenses defined in the Anti-Corruption Act of 2008, as amended in 2019. These include offering, soliciting, and accepting advantages, abuse of office, misappropriation of public and donor funds, and academic malpractice, among others. They informed attendees that those convicted of these offenses could face a minimum fine of Le 50,000 or a prison term of five years, with the possibility of serving both penalties concurrently.
The ACC encouraged students and teachers to report any incidents of corruption anonymously, either in person at their regional offices or headquarters, via letter, or through designated toll-free lines: 077 985 985, 077 986 986, or 8515 for all mobile networks.
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