EFCC Chairman Addresses Cybercrime Among Nigerian University Students
"Seven out of 10 Nigerian students are involved in cybercrimes," as reported by Ola Olukoyede, chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) chairman, Ola Olukoyede, has bemoaned the scourge of cybercrimes among students of tertiary institutions in Nigeria.
The helmsman of Nigeria’s foremost anti-graft agency asserted that a significant majority of Nigerian university students are involved in fraudulent activities on the internet.
The assertion by the EFCC chairman underscores the gravity of the situation, shedding light on the deep-seated issue of cybercrime within the country’s university campuses. As institutions of higher learning are meant to be bastions of knowledge and character development, the revelation of such a high percentage of students participating in fraudulent online activities is both alarming and demands urgent attention.
The revelation of such a high percentage of students involved in cybercrime inevitably tarnishes the reputation of Nigerian academic institutions. Beyond the moral and ethical implications, it raises concerns about the quality of education and the effectiveness of character-building efforts within these institutions. The need for a comprehensive strategy to address this issue and restore the integrity of the education system is more pressing than ever.
As Nigeria’s premier anti-graft agency, the EFCC plays a crucial role in investigating and prosecuting individuals involved in financial crimes, including cybercrime. Olukoyede’s acknowledgment of the issue reflects the agency’s commitment to addressing the root causes and implementing measures to curb cybercrime within the student population.
The EFCC boss made the assertion while speaking on Monday with a delegation from Daar Communication PLC at EFCC headquarters in Jabi, Abuja.
According to a statement on the anti-corruption agency’s X page, Olukoyede described internet-related crimes as a menace and cankerworm in society.
“It is worrisome that seven out of 10 students today are involved in cyber crimes,” he stated, indicating that 70 percent of Nigerian university students are estimated to be involved in internet fraudulent practices.
The EFCC boss condemned the number of students trained to be leaders of tomorrow engaging in internet fraud. He called on the media to assist in enlightening the Nigerian youths to refrain from cybercrimes.
“These are the youths we are preparing to be leaders of tomorrow. The media should not relent in enlightening them on the evils of such criminal practices,” Mr Olukoyede said
