Abdulkarim Chukkol, the Acting Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), has called upon students nationwide to proactively develop skills in combating cyber threats and related criminal activities. The directive came during his address at the National Innovation Summit, organized by the National Association of Computing Students (NACOS) at Nile University, Abuja on Wednesday.
Addressing the audience on the pertinent topic of “Cyber Security and Cybercrime,” Chukkol, who was represented by the Head of the EFCC’s Cybercrime Unit, Assistant Commander ACE11 Nuru Buhari, stressed the importance of aligning with legal and ethical practices in the realm of cyberspace. He underscored the fact that there are no safe havens for criminality and encouraged the students to make the conscious choice to contribute to the constructive side of the emerging digital economy.
In his statement, Chukkol highlighted the dual nature of an emerging economy, which presents both opportunities and challenges. He emphasized the pivotal role that students can play in deciding which path to follow, cautioning that choosing the path of cybercrime can only lead to inevitable consequences. “There are two sides of an emerging economy, it comes with the good and the bad, so you have a choice to make which side to follow but be assured that you are definitely going to be caught if you choose the bad side and by then, it will be too late because crimes do not pay,” he warned.
Chukkol encouraged the students to capitalize on the numerous opportunities available in Nigeria for personal and professional growth, highlighting the success stories of Nigerians who have excelled on the global stage as business investors, developers, professionals, and scholars.
Expressing his concern over delays in choosing the right path, Chukkol urged the youth to shun criminal activities and channel their energies towards innovative and lawful pursuits. He emphasized that with the right knowledge and information, the world is ready to support their dreams and aspirations.
Responding to Chukkol’s address, Chihumnanya Nwanevu, the National President of NACOS, expressed appreciation for the EFCC Chairman’s presence at the event. Nwanevu assured Chukkol that he and his fellow students would remain committed to upholding ethical values and principles, thereby contributing positively to society and the cybersecurity landscape.
