CONAC launches fresh campaign against corruption in schools.

The President of the Commission, Rev Dr Dieudonne Massi Gams, in a release, announced a special campaign dubbed: “2023 corruption-free back-to-school,” in all the 10 Regions of the country.

Since August 21, teams from CONAC have been deployed to the Regions, where they are sensitising the public against corrupt practices as well as the sanctions involved.

“The corruption-free back-to-school campaign is aimed at senisitising the different actors involved in the back-to-school activities, on the need to dispel all corrupt practices in the education sector, and adopt integrity as a core value in general and more specifically during this period,” partly reads the release issued by CONAC boss.

Rev Dr Massi Gams in the release added: “Back-to-school period is usually characterised by corrupt practices and the perpetration of corruption related to offences by some school officials and some members of the Parent Teachers’ Association, PTA…even parents or guardians…the demand for undue fees, the embezzlement of PTA fees and issuance of fake report cards are some of the vices that characterise this period”.

With the upcoming school year just around the corner, CONAC aims to address prevalent issues like bribery and document falsification in schools across the nation. 

In recent years, the buying of school placements and the falsification of important documents like Report Cards, have become distressingly common practices in some educational institutions.

These acts not only undermine the values of ethics and integrity that should be instilled within schools but also hinder the overall progress of the country’s educational system. 

About the campaign

CONAC initiated the nationwide corruption-free back-to-school campaign in 2015. It has encouraged individuals to come forward and report any corrupt practices they encounter through various channels. 

Although the campaign has shown some positive results, it is evident that certain corrupt practices continue to persist within the school milieu. 

Recognising the detrimental impact that corruption has on the education system, CONAC is urging the entire education community, including parents, teachers, and students, to take a stand against corruption. 

The CONAC boss is hammering on the importance of assuming responsibility and fostering an environment of honesty and transparency. As the new school year approaches, the timing of the campaign is critical. 

CONAC aims to raise awareness among students, parents and staff members about the damaging consequences of corruption, while also emphasising the vital role that each individual plays in combating these unethical practices. 

By encouraging students to prioritise academic achievements, based on merit, rather than resorting to bribery, CONAC hopes to foster a culture of fairness and integrity within educational institutions. 

In addition, CONAC will be actively engaging with educational institutions to provide support and resources necessary to tackle corruption effectively. 

Through informative workshops and educational materials, students will be educated on the negative implications of engaging in corrupt activities and the value of maintaining honesty throughout their academic journey. 

The launch of this new campaign marks renewed efforts by CONAC, to eliminate corruption from the education sector. 

By fostering a sense of responsibility, integrity, and transparency, it is hoped that these widespread corrupt practices in schools will gradually diminish, contributing to the overall improvement of the education system. 

CONAC's campaign against corruption in educational institutions serves as a timely reminder that the fight against corruption requires collective efforts from all stakeholders involved. 

By promoting a culture of accountability and honesty, CONAC believes that the education system can be enhanced, providing a better future for our students and the nation as a whole.

Besides the sensitisation campaign, teams from CONAC have also mobilised to undertake spontaneous field actions to verify and sanction culprits. 

By Ndikum Princely Ndikum*