Alia vows to eliminate corruption in Benue’s education sector
Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue State has pledged to eradicate corruption that has deeply infiltrated the educational sector in the state.
During a public lecture titled: “Nigeria: 25 Years of Uninterrupted Democracy”, organised by Dr Terna Francis, Director General of the Benue State Education Quality Assurance Agency (BEQA), in Makurdi, Alia emphasised his administration’s commitment to addressing the issue.
The event featured the launch of four books authored by Dr Francis: “Moral Philosophy and
Character Formation: Nigeria Under the Lens” and “Civic Education and National Values” – Basics 1, 2 and 3.
In his address, Alia highlighted that combating corruption required more than just statements on national television, as the menace started at the primary school level and permeated homes, associations, pressure groups and streets.
He noted that cultural differences sometimes made it difficult to distinguish between right and wrong, stressing that morality was not cultural or global, but universal.
Alia insisted on the need for attitudinal change for significant progress in the country, saying, “Change must begin with us. So, let us be the mirror of what we anticipate. When we talk of moral corruption at the national level, we should remember that it starts right from the primary school, homes, associations, the streets.”
Earlier, Prof Aloysius Ihuah, National President of the Association of Physiology Practitioners of Nigeria, reviewed the books and commended Dr Francis for promoting national ethics.
He noted that the books explored the challenges of applying Aristotle’s doctrine of morality in Nigeria due to prevalent moral issues, including embezzlement, hoarding and kidnapping for ransom.