The Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Olanipekun Olukoyede, has raised concern over the growing involvement of university students in cybercrime.
He revealed that about six out of every 10 students in Nigerian tertiary institutions are engaged in internet-related fraud.
Olukoyede disclosed this while speaking at a public engagement on anti-corruption and youth development.
He warned that the increasing rate of cybercrime among young people posed a serious threat to the country’s future and global reputation.
According to him, the trend has become deeply worrying as many undergraduates now see internet fraud, popularly known as “Yahoo Yahoo”, as a quick means of making money rather than focusing on education and legitimate ventures.
The EFCC chairman said the commission’s investigations and arrests across the country showed that a significant number of suspects apprehended for cyber-related offences were students of higher institutions.
He attributed the development to the erosion of societal values, peer pressure, get-rich-quick mentality and the glorification of unexplained wealth on social media.
Olukoyede warned that cybercrime was not a victimless offence.
He noted that it damages Nigeria’s image internationally, discourages foreign investment, and exposes young offenders to criminal networks and other violent crimes.
He urged parents, religious leaders, educational institutions, and community stakeholders to work together in instilling integrity, discipline, and hard work in young people.
The EFCC boss also called on universities to strengthen mentorship programmes and moral education to discourage students from engaging in fraudulent activities.
He reaffirmed the commission’s commitment to intensifying surveillance, investigations, arrests, and prosecution of cybercrime offenders across the country.
Olukoyede further advised youths to embrace entrepreneurship, innovation, and legitimate digital skills as pathways to sustainable success rather than criminal activities.
