UNIUYO Don harps on war against corruption of the mind

The President of Nigeria Philosophical Association [NPA], Prof. Joseph C. A. Agbakoba, has asserted that, the fight against corruption in the country may be a mirage, except government fight seriously against what he described as corruption of the mind.

Speaking during the Association’s 2016 biennial conference held at the University of Uyo, Akwa Ibom state, he stressed that, without re-orienting the minds of Nigerians, the exercise may end in futility.

According to him, corruption perpetuated at any level is an act of injustice, noting that, to get rid of this monster, government and individuals must imbibe the spirit of justice, rationality and honour.

He challenged such institutions as National Orientation Agency to rise to its responsibilities by creating awareness for good virtues in the minds of Nigerians.

“Corruption is one thing, corrupt thinking is another.

Nigeria’s problem is not only corruption, corrupt thinking is the workings of the mind and that is more dangerous. We have corrupt thinking in and outside government; and how do we address this, you don’t catch a criminal today or corrupt person today and say you have succeeded, unless you transform the thinking of the people, you cannot deal with the problem of corruption properly. To transform the thinking of the people, it means you must institute justice”, he said.

He further observed that, corruption was becoming invincible because Nigerians have not developed the culture of holding leaders accountable.

“This is the reason we are asking government to introduce the teaching of philosophy in primary and secondary schools as recommended by UNESCO.

:It is important for children at tender ages to think with discernment, seek wisdom, morality, proper living and how to be creative, that is why we are encouraging the teaching of logic, ethics and creative thinking at the primary and secondary school levels”, he added.

On the current recession experienced in the country today, he said, “Once government starts building confidence in the people locally and internationally by its policies and by its encouragement of inclusiveness and openness to investment and very importantly, diversification of productive areas, things will be back to normal”.