Biodun Esan, Ilorin
Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mr. Ola Olukoyede has called on Nigerian students to shun computer-related frauds and other criminal tendencies and imbibe desirable attitudes necessary for national development.
Olukoyede made the call in Ilorin in a lecture entitled; “Impact of Cybercrime on Nigeria Economy: Tertiary Education in Perspective”, delivered during the matriculation ceremony and orientation program for Degree and NCE students for the 2023/2024 academic session of the Nigerian, Army College of Education (NACOED), Sobi, Ilorin.
The EFCC boss was represented by the Head of the Public Affairs Department of the Ilorin Zonal Command of the Commission, Ayodele Babatunde.
Olukoyede, who expressed concern over the alarming rate of students’ involvement in cybercrime and other social vices, said the country could realise its full potential when youths imbibe the culture of excellence and shun all forms of criminalities.
He acknowledged the Nigerian youths as having great potential and challenged them to use their talents and ingenuity to good use.
The EFCC boss added that cybercrime should not be seen as a way of life, noting that an “ostentatious and flamboyant lifestyle without a corresponding hard work is perilous.”
“It is unfortunate that young people these days have chosen to follow the fast lane, forgetting that speeding in the wrong direction leads to problems.
“Imagine young people including teenagers going into cybercrimes and even rituals. I want to encourage you not to be discouraged. Always remember that evil can never win over good and that every action has a reward,” Olukoyede said.
Speaking on the impact of cybercrime, the EFCC Chairman said that a society where cybercrime and corruption are allowed to thrive, would among other things suffer underdevelopment, poor education, poor infrastructural development, and security crisis which included, but not limited to banditry, kidnapping, killing for rituals, cultism and terrorism financing.
Enumerating some of the efforts by the EFCC in tackling Mr. Olukoyede said in its effort to tackle cybercrime among the youths, the EFCC recently convoked a meeting of heads of tertiary institutions and faith-based organisations in Abuja to deliberate on ways to curb the menace of cybercrime on campuses.
According to him, resolutions at the meeting had already started yielding results, urging students to take advantage of the EFCC’s Integrity Clubs and Zero Tolerance Club in secondary and tertiary institutions to enlist as anti-corruption foot soldiers of the Commission.
Olukoyede congratulated the matriculating students and enjoined them to always live above board in character and learning and be good ambassadors of their home, school, and the country.
He also urged the public to always secure their phone and devices by using strong passwords and avoid sharing personal details and sensitive information such as PIN, BVN, or card details with people, on social media not to fall victim to hackers.
In his closing remarks, the Provost of NACOED, Major-General Umar Babangida commended the EFCC for the presentation he described as rich and resourceful.
He pledged the readiness of the college to collaborate with the EFCC in its efforts to rid the country’s campuses of cybercrime.
The Provost also promised to work closely with the EFCC to ensure the establishment of the Zero Tolerance Club in the college and ensure its functionality.
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