Ola Olukoyede, Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), has urged students across Nigeria’s tertiary institutions to replicate the success they recorded in curbing cultism by taking an active role in the fight against cybercrime on their campuses.
In a statement released by Dele Oyewale, EFCC’s Head of Media and Publicity, Olukoyede emphasised that just as student unions once spearheaded a national movement to denounce and reduce cult activities, they can and should do the same to tackle the growing menace of internet fraud among students.
“I recall that many years ago, students through the leadership of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) initiated a nationwide denouncement of cultism, leveraging internal control mechanisms within tertiary institutions. That action led to a drastic reduction in cult activities. Today, we must deploy similar strategies against cybercrime,” Olukoyede stated.
Hauwa Ringim, EFCC chairman, delivered the message by the Acting Director of the Commission’s Ibadan Zonal Directorate, ACE I, during a courtesy visit by the newly elected Southwest Coordinator of NANS, Taiwo Owolewa, and his team.
Congratulating Owolewa on his election, Olukoyede called on the student leader to distinguish his tenure by partnering with the EFCC in raising awareness and educating students on the dangers and consequences of cybercrime.
He urged the NANS leadership to initiate anti-cybercrime campaigns across Southwest campuses and encourage students to seek legitimate avenues for wealth creation.
“It is worrisome that 90 percent of youths arrested for internet fraud these days are students. Even secondary school students are now fully involved,” he said, highlighting the urgent need for proactive intervention at the grassroots level.
He also warned student bodies against shielding cybercriminals, stressing that as stakeholders in the fight against corruption, they must not provide cover for offenders within their ranks.
In response, Owolewa commended the Ibadan EFCC Zonal Directorate for its consistent efforts in addressing cybercrime, particularly under the leadership of Hajiya Hauwa Garba Ringim.
He pledged the commitment of NANS to supporting the Commission’s initiatives, stating that the student body would not only lend its voice but also take concrete actions to rid campuses of cybercrime.
“Programmes are ongoing on campuses to sensitize students about legitimate self-reliance and the need to report internet fraud perpetrators. We are determined to contribute to national efforts aimed at building a morally upright student community,” he said.
Both parties emphasised that collaboration is key to driving meaningful change among youths and restoring integrity to the nation’s academic institutions.
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