The Social and Economic Rights Accountability Project (SERAP) has moved to boost the fight against corruption in the country by organizing a workshop on the Freedom of Information (FOI) Act for students of tertiary institutions.
The workshop, with the theme, ‘Stand-Up for Human Rights’, is an initiative of the SERAP Accountability Club (SAC).
Through the SAC programme, SERAP supports the fight against corruption by promoting the rule of law, transparency and accountability in the management of public resources, and respect for human rights.
Participants at the event, which held in Abuja, include students from University of Abuja, University of Ilorin, Imo state University, Enugu State University, Bayero University, and University of Jos, among others.
SERAP’s legal advisor, Andrew Nwankwo, noted that FOI, when well utilized, can be used to hold government accountable.
Nwankwo however observed that the FOI has been under utilized by citizens. The need to ensure effective use of the legal instrument informed the decision to hold the workshop for the undergraduates.
He said, “FOI is one aspect of democracy that we consider to be underutilised.
“We believe democracy is all about asking questions, making demands, and holding the government accountable. This can only be achieved by equipping people, especially young people, with the skills and knowledge to use FOI requests effectively.
“Our goal is to encourage youth to make informed demands of the government, ensuring transparency on matters citizens are entitled to know.”
During the workshop, participants were taught to question government actions and inactions by making requests for relevant information from public institutions.
Nwankwo added, “By training these young minds, we are empowering them to go beyond mere questioning and actively seek information that will contribute to national growth.”
SERAP Programme Officer and SAC Coordinator, Folashade Arigbabu, explained that the SAC was established in 2021 as a platform to equip students with the tools, knowledge and confidence to advocate for transparency, accountability and good governance.
According to Arigbabu, SAC currently has chapters in 12 universities, and over 2,000 active volunteers from more than 110 universities across the country.
She noted that the club’s mission is to develop Nigeria’s future leaders by instilling in them the skills and dedication required to champion transparency and accountability.
Arigbabu further said, “The idea behind SAC was to create a platform where students could learn and engage meaningfully with issues surrounding governance, freedom of expression, and access to information. Today’s session is a practical workshop on drafting Freedom of Information requests, empowering students with actionable skills.
“SAC is open to passionate Nigerian students who want to learn how to effectively engage in governance and advocacy beyond mere online expressions. This commitment to empowering young Nigerians is an investment in the nation’s future leaders.”
According to the SERAP programme officer, beyond workshops, SAC has intervened in various issues in Nigerian universities.
She specifically highlighted the resolution of a case in the University of Jos, involving a final-year medical student who was barred from writing exams.
SERAP boosts anti-corruption campaign with FOI training for university students