The Vice-Chancellor, National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN), Prof. Olufemi Peters, has called for the establishment of stronger whistleblower protection systems across institutions, describing the move as a matter of wisdom and a vital instrument in the national fight against corruption.
Speaking during the university’s commemoration of the 2025 African Union Anti-Corruption Day held at the NOUN headquarters, the VC highlighted the theme of the year, “Effective Whistleblower Protection Mechanisms – A Critical Tool in the Fight Against Corruption,” as not only timely but fundamental to the integrity of institutions.
He applauded the Anti-Corruption and Transparency Unit (ACTU) for hosting the panel discussion and stressed the importance of leveraging both academic and real-world insights, stating that whistleblower protection is a commitment to defending truth in the face of risk.
Peters recalled a documentary he watched involving a Japanese manufacturing executive who exposed internal fraud, even though his action protected lives and restored quality standards, the whistleblower lost his job, his family, and his peace of mind a reminder, the VC said, that without institutional protection, truth-tellers pay the ultimate price, to drive home his point.
Head of the Unit, Mrs. Doris Nzenwa
According to the VC, for whistleblowing to function meaningfully, there must be systems in place not only to receive but to act upon the information provided, as it is not only a matter of compliance but also a matter of wisdom.
As a university, ‘’we must align with national and continental efforts to rid our societies of corruption, and through distance learning and open education, we are reshaping access, but we must also reshape values,” he noted.
He emphasised that NOUN-ACTU is actively promoting ethical governance and fostering a culture of openness among staff and students, adding that corruption thrives in silence, but peace and progress come from truth.
Peters urged every stakeholder, from staff, students, alumni and partners, to reflect on their role in protecting and strengthening whistleblower mechanisms wherever they find themselves.
A cross-section of participant(s)
In her welcome address, the Head of the Unit, Mrs. Doris Nzenwa, expressed both optimism and urgency, describing the occasion as a landmark moment for the university community, and stressed the importance of collective action and sustained awareness.
She emphasised the devastating impact of corruption on development, justice, and equity, adding that diverting public resources erodes trust and delays progress, highlighting the need for increased preventive measures in the fight against corruption.
Nzenwa called whistleblowers the first line of defence against unethical conduct, stressing that without proper safeguards, many would remain silent for fear of retaliation.
“We must ensure that structures are in place within our university, across our study centres, and throughout public service that guarantee the safety, anonymity, and rights of whistleblowers, to build a culture where truth-telling is not punished, but celebrated,” she said.
Group photograph after the event
She also praised the NOUN management for its continued support of anti-corruption initiatives and welcomed guests, panellists, and stakeholders for showing up with a shared sense of responsibility.
The goodwill messages and panel session, which followed, featured experts in legal reform, ethics, public administration, and campus leadership focused on actionable steps institutions can take to institutionalise anti-corruption safeguards.
- Log in to post comments
- 17 views
