The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has urged Nigerian students to utilize the internet for positive purposes rather than engaging in fraudulent activities.
EFCC Spokesperson Dele Oyewale said this in a statement on Monday in Abuja.
EFCC Chairman Ola Olukoyede gave the charge during a one-day symposium titled “Safe Campus for Students: Combating Physical and Digital Threats,” organised by the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) Joint Campus Council (JCC) at Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma.
Speaking through the Head of Public Affairs Unit, Benin Zonal Directorate, ACE I Williams Oseghale, Olukoyede advised students to desist from internet-based criminal activities.
He emphasised the importance of shunning internet-based crimes, which can destabilize the nation’s economy, discourage foreign investment, and undermine economic growth.
Olukoyede warned that internet fraud could have serious consequences, including misery and gnashing of teeth, despite delivering short-term wealth.
He encouraged students to develop ideas promoting economic progress and view corruption as an enemy to be defeated.
The EFCC has also urged students to become whistleblowers on cybercrimes, collaborating with the commission to combat internet fraud.
“There is no shortcut to wealth and fame.
Acts of criminality might deliver wealth in the short term but ultimately there will be misery and gnashing of teeth.
“We are calling on youths to shun ‘Yahoo Yahoo’ as it is not a sustainable way of life,” he said.
Olukoyede also encouraged youths to view corruption as an enemy to be defeated.
“A new insight into the disservice which corruption represents should inspire youths like you to become change agents, active foot soldiers against corruption, whistleblowers, and intelligence gatherers,” he said.
On his part, Professor Sunday Samuel, Acting Vice Chancellor of Ambrose Alli University, lauded the EFCC and other speakers for their insightful contributions.
He affirmed the university’s commitment to working with stakeholders to ensure a safe environment, both physically and digitally.
“A safe campus environment is the foundation upon which academic excellence, personal growth, and future success are built.
“It is our collective responsibility to ensure our institutions are havens of learning, free from physical and digital threats,” he said.
Ojumoola Timileyin, NANS JCC Chairman at Ambrose Alli University, expressed gratitude to the EFCC for its impactful presentation.
“It was truly an honour to have you with us, and your impact was deeply felt by all participants,” he added.
The EFCC has established a 24-hour Cybercrime Rapid Response Desk to facilitate digital and accelerated information transmission on internet fraud.
The commission is working with the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) to educate students on the dangers of cybercrime and promote a safe online environment.
Cybercrime is projected to result in a global loss of $10.5 trillion by 2025, with approximately 2,328 cases occurring daily.
The EFCC estimates that 70 per cent of Nigerian university students are involved in internet fraud, posing a significant threat to the country’s economic development.
