Joseph Bakare
The Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Mr. Ola Olukoyede has charged Nigerian students to use the internet for positiveventures and not for fraud.
He gave the charge at a one day symposium tagged “Safe Campus for Students: Combating Physical and Digital Threats,” organised by the National Association of Nigerian Students, Joint Campus Council, JCC,Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma on Friday, June 20, 2025.
Olukoyede advised that rather than use the internet for criminal activities that can destabilise the nation’s economy, deter foreign direct investment and undermine genuine efforts of the government for economic growth and development, the youth should evolve ideas and perspectives that can birth economic growth and development.
The EFCC boss who spoke through the Head of Public Affairs Unit, Benin Zonal Directorate, ACE I Williams Oseghale, regretted that internet fraud has become a pervasive scourge with youths embracing different shades of it to the detriment of their future and the image of the nation and charged the students to be disciplined and shun the allure of quick wealth acquisition because of its grave consequences.
“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 to life,” he said.
He urged the students to see corruption as an enemy that must be destroyed, adding that “A new insight into the disservice which corruption represents should make youths like you to be willing to become change agentsand active foot soldiers against corruption and whistle blowers or intelligence gatherers.”
Professor Sunday Olowo Samuel, Acting Vice Chancellor, Ambrose Alli University in his remarks commended the Commission and other resource persons for their insightful perspectives. He disclosed that the University will continue to collaborate with relevant stakeholders to ensure a safe environment, physically and digitally.
According to him, “A safe campus environment is the foundation upon which academic excellence, personal growth and future successes are built. It is our collective responsibility to ensure that our institutions are havens of learning, free from physical and digital threats.”
Ojumoola Miracle Timileyin, NANS JCC Chairman, Ambrose Alli University, expressed gratitude to the EFCC for impacting the students with an insightfulpresentation. “It was truly an honour to have you with us, and your impact was deeply felt by all participants,”he said.