The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), in collaboration with Master Agent Show, has officially launched the Basic Education Anti-Corruption Debate (BEAD), a thematic education-driven initiative aimed at promoting integrity, transparency, and accountability among young Nigerians. The programme was unveiled during a press briefing held on Thursday at the ICPC Headquarters in Abuja.
Speaking at the event, the ICPC Chairman, Dr. Musa Adamu Aliyu, SAN, who was represented by the Divisional Head of Education, Mr. Okor Odey, explained that the initiative aligns with the Commission’s mission of tackling social challenges through education, awareness, and reorientation.
Mr. Odey said the BEAD project goes beyond giving awards or recognition, as it is designed to reshape perceptions of integrity among young people through documentaries, school debates, and media partnerships. “The goal is to integrate discussions on ethics into their everyday life,” he stated. He described the project as a renewed national commitment to transparency and accountability that will inspire stories of integrity and entrench anti-corruption values for generations to come.
Managing Director of Master Agent Show, Mr. Osigbeme Enike, explained that the debate was conceived to “empower youth to champion transparency, accountability, and ethical values from the grassroots level.” He disclosed that schools participating in the programme will submit video entries on themes such as “Citizens’ Character or Government Cabinet.” Selected entries will then be broadcast on partner media outlets, with the broadcast stations projected to reach more than 10 million radio listeners and one million digital viewers per episode.
Mr. Enike further revealed that the initiative, which will run from September 2025 to July 2026, will be executed in four phases: School Engagement, Regional Selection, Nationwide Broadcast, and Awards. He noted that in addition to monetary prizes, outstanding participants will receive scholarships, laptops, and other educational incentives.
He also expressed gratitude to the ICPC for the partnership and confirmed that complementary campaigns, including the “5 Principles Against Corruption,” would be driven alongside the initiative.
Director of Marketing and Sponsorship at the Master Agent Show, Mr. Dominic Ogaku, highlighted the importance of leveraging digital platforms to enhance learning. He said the initiative would provide young Nigerians with opportunities to turn their ideas into debates that encourage digital responsibility while promoting anti-corruption values.
According to the organisers, BEAD is expected to engage over 50,000 students from 5,000 junior secondary schools across the 36 states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory. The unveiling at the ICPC Headquarters, they added, underlines the Commission’s ongoing commitment to fostering transparency and mobilising the public against corruption.