The Fiscal Responsibility Commission (FRC) has entered into a partnership with the National Universities Commission (NUC) and the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) to develop a curriculum on financial accountability.
In an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja, Mr Victor Muruako, the chairman of the commission, revealed this information.
The curriculum will be centered around Fiscal Responsibility and Transparency in Public Service Management and will be taught in universities and other tertiary institutions.
Muruako stated that significant progress has been made in designing the curriculum, which aims to engage citizens in ensuring fiscal transparency at all levels.
“Our goal is to cultivate an interest in fiscal responsibility among students, as we are now witnessing an increasing number of young individuals who are passionate about this subject due to our awareness programs. It is still a work in progress,” he said.
Muruako also mentioned that the commission has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) and the National Universities Commission (NUC) to promote fiscal transparency.
“We have visited several NYSC camps and we plan to visit more in the future.
“Our efforts have been successful so far, and the youth are becoming more informed and conscientious, thanks to our awareness campaigns,” Muruako added.
He emphasized the importance for students and young individuals to understand that they don’t need to wait until they graduate or reach the national level to learn about proper governance and leadership.
“We have received positive feedback from students who have assured us that they are taking initiative to implement some of the things they have learned from us,” the chairman noted.
Additionally, the commission has established online platforms to engage with citizens as part of its commitment to fiscal transparency and accountability.
“We have also collaborated with civil society organizations, citizens, and important stakeholders at regional levels, including debt management officers, to foster exchange of ideas,” he explained.
Muruako further mentioned the workshops that were conducted in various regions such as Kano for the North West zone, Port Harcourt for the South-South, Lagos for the South-West, Yola for the North-East, Jos for the North-Central, Uyo for the South-South, and Lagos again for the South-West.
According to NAN, the Fiscal Responsibility Act of 2007 has tasked the Commission with the responsibility of compelling individuals and government institutions to disclose information regarding public revenues and expenditures.