By Omonu YG Nelson
The Federal University Dutsinma (FUDMA) in Katsina State, Nigeria, has been ranked fifth among all federal universities in the country for ethics and integrity by the Independent Corrupt Practices and other related offences Commission (ICPC).
The ranking was released on Wednesday, November 2, 2023, and is based on an annual evaluation of organizations and institutions of government to ensure that they are working in line with ethical provisions. The evaluation measures three key performance indicators: management culture and structure, financial management system, and administrative system.
FUDMA’s Vice Chancellor, Professor Armya’u Hamisu Bichi, expressed his delight at the university’s high ranking, saying that it was a testament to the hard work and dedication of the university’s staff and students.
“We are very proud to have been ranked so highly by the ICPC,” Professor Bichi said. “This is a clear indication that we are on the right track in terms of our commitment to ethics and integrity. We will continue to strive to be a role model for other universities in Nigeria.”
The ICPC’s ranking of FUDMA is a significant achievement for the university, which is still relatively young. FUDMA was founded in 2012 and has grown rapidly since then, with the number of faculties increasing from three to 13 and the number of academic programmes increasing from 23 to 68.
The university has also received endorsements from other regulatory bodies, such as the National Universities Commission and the Presidential Visitation Panel. In addition, the NUC recently granted FUDMA approval to commence courses in the fields of Health Sciences and Engineering.
The ICPC’s ranking of FUDMA is a welcome recognition of the university’s progress and its commitment to ethics and integrity. It is also a positive development for the public sector in Nigeria, as it shows that some institutions are making strides in reducing corruption and financial malpractice.