The Social and Economic Rights Accountability Project (SERAP) has taken steps 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 ‘Defending Human Rights’, is an initiative of the SERAP Responsibility Club (SAC).

Through the SAC program, 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 in the event, which was held in Abuja, included students from the University of Abuja, University of Ilorin, Imo State University, Enugu State University, Bayero University and University of Jos, among others.

SERAP Legal Adviser Andrew Nwankwo noted that freedom of information, when used well, can be used to hold the government accountable.

Nwankwo, however, observed that citizens have underutilized FOI. The need to guarantee the effective use of the legal instrument influenced the decision to hold the workshop for university students.

He said: “Freedom of information is an aspect of democracy that we consider underutilized.

“We believe democracy is about asking questions, making demands and holding government accountable. This can only be achieved by equipping people, especially young people, with the skills and knowledge to use freedom of information requests effectively.

“Our goal is to encourage young people to make informed demands to the government, ensuring transparency on matters that citizens have a right to know.”

During the workshop, participants were taught to question government actions and inactions by requesting relevant information from public institutions.

Nwankwo added: “By training these young minds, we are enabling them to go beyond simple questioning and actively seek information that contributes to national growth.”

Folashade Arigbabu, SERAP Program Officer and SAC Coordinator, 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 more than 2,000 active volunteers from more than 110 universities across the country.

He noted that the club’s mission is to develop Nigeria’s future leaders by instilling in them the skills and dedication needed to uphold transparency and accountability.

Arigbabu further said, “The idea behind SAC was to create a platform where students could learn and engage meaningfully on issues related to governance, freedom of expression and access to information. Today’s session is a practical workshop on how to write freedom of information requests, empowering students with practical 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 program manager, beyond the workshops, the SAC has intervened in various issues in Nigerian universities.

He specifically highlighted the resolution of a case at the University of Jos, which involved a final year medical student who was banned from writing exams.