Mr. Ola Olukoyede, the Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), has urged the leadership of tertiary institutions across the country to collaborate with the Commission in combatting the escalating issue of internet fraud among students on campuses.
This call was made during an interactive session held at the Ilorin Zonal Command Office in Kwara State. Mr. Olukoyede addressed Chancellors, Rectors, and Provosts of Tertiary Institutions in Kogi State, where he emphasized the importance of proactive measures to combat cybercrime in the state.
Speaking through ACEI Michael Nzekwe, the Ilorin Zonal Commander of EFCC, Mr. Olukoyede urged academic authorities to establish measures that discourage students from engaging in criminal activities. He also emphasized the role of parents in instilling moral values in their children, reinforcing the prevention agenda of his administration.
Mr. Olukoyede stated, “The Commission can successfully eliminate corruption in our country if every institution actively participates in the fight against this menace. Higher education institutions must strive to change the negative perception of education quality in Nigeria. A corruption-free Nigeria is attainable when individuals are proactively and genuinely committed to fighting corruption.”
During the discussions, the causes and effects of corruption on students and society were analyzed, along with preventive measures to combat corrupt practices on campuses.
In response, Professor Salawu Sadiku, Vice Chancellor of Confluence University of Science and Technology, Osara, commended EFCC’s initiative and suggested that anti-corruption courses should be incorporated into the school curriculum at all levels. He stressed the need for students to focus on their studies and avoid engaging in cybercrimes.
Additionally, Dr. Salisu Usman, Rector of Kogi State Polytechnic, Lokoja, and Dr. Umar Hassan, Provost of the College of Education, Okene, called for the establishment of an anti-corruption watchdog as part of a comprehensive strategy to combat cybercrime on campuses.
Dr. Yahaya B. Usman, Rector of Federal Polytechnic, Idah, urged EFCC to enhance its intelligence gathering within educational institutions and encouraged the authorities of schools to form a memorandum of understanding, making anti-corruption commitment a prerequisite for student admission.
Dr. Victoria Jagboro, Provost of College of Education (Technical), Kabba, stressed the crucial role of parents in providing guidance and counseling at home and in schools. She also called for attitudinal changes, particularly among students and parents, and recommended collaboration between EFCC and regulatory bodies to develop anti-corruption course content for tertiary institutions.
