Step Up Nigeria marked six years of impactful work by unveiling bold, digitized anti-corruption tools designed to make integrity education more accessible, engaging, and scalable. The launch event celebrated progress and declared future intent—to continue shaping a culture of integrity through innovation.
Documentaries screened at the event captured the lasting impact of Step Up Nigeria’s work on children, parents, teachers, and institutions — from changing individual behaviors to influencing school practices. These stories reinforced the value of long-term, values-based learning in driving sustainable change.
“A dream come true in the fight against corruption in Nigeria,” said Mr. Bakare, spokesperson for the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), praising Step Up Nigeria’s efforts.
New Tools to Scale Integrity Education
To meet growing demand and broaden access, Step Up Nigeria unveiled a suite of digitized tools that build on its proven approach:
- SUN Mobile App: A one-stop shop for integrity education, tailored to children, families, and educators, offering interactive content anytime, anywhere.
- The Integrity Certification Website: A key platform for empowering schools to build and maintain a culture of integrity. The website facilitates the certification process, strengthening the capacity of schools to promote integrity values, and practices.
- The Anti-Corruption Superheroes (TACs) Comic Series – A vibrant, child-friendly series designed to raise a new generation of integrity champions through storytelling, with young heroes pioneering a culture of honesty and fairness in schools and communities.
These tools mark a shift toward user-led engagement, ensuring that individuals and institutions can now access anti-corruption learning independently, on demand, and across various settings.
Key Takeaways from the Launch
1. Partnerships Strengthened to Expand Reach
The event reinforced key collaborations, particularly with ICPC on the Integrity Certification Programme and UBEC on integrating our anti-corruption tools across SMART schools and their resource centres. The presence of a wide range of stakeholders, from government to civil society and the private sector, highlighted the strength of collective ownership.
“True change cannot occur in isolation. Our work is only possible with the support and validation of all stakeholders — from government bodies and the private sector to civil society and the media.”
2. Increased Awareness and Approval of New Tools
Participants enthusiastically responded to the new digital tools. The launch signaled Step Up Nigeria’s readiness to scale its impact and reach more communities, especially through tech-enabled, accessible platforms.
3. Building Future Leaders with Integrity is Achievable
Step Up Nigeria’s ongoing engagement with Young Anti-Corruption Champions has shown that integrity-building is not only possible but enduring. The young champions who have embraced integrity over the years continue to inspire and lead.
Conclusion
Over the last six years, Step Up Nigeria has remained committed to showing that it is possible to tackle corruption through innovation, education, and long-term engagement. In a context where many have been skeptical about change, we’ve seen meaningful progress that continues to build confidence and inspire action.
Our mission as an organisation committed to empowering citizens is far from over. The new anti-corruption education tools are simply additions in our arsenal, which will be used to upscale our efforts and extend our impact on society — beginning with our children, because truly fighting corruption begins with what we teach our children. Our founder, Onyinye Ough, noted that these tools are not final versions. We welcome feedback from partners, stakeholders, and users to continue improving and adapting them. This reflects Step Up Nigeria’s commitment to collaboration and learning, ensuring that what we build is relevant, practical, and impactful.