A recent statement by the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede, profiling Nigerian students as cybercriminals raises further questions on the commission’s role in curbing cybercrime.

Development Diaries reports that Olukoyode, in a recent statement by the commission, said it was worrisome that seven out of ten students in Nigeria are involved in cybercrimes.

Olukoyede Seeks Media Enlightenment of Youths in Fight Against Internet Fraud

Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Ola Olukoyede has called for wider media enlightenment of youths across the country on the effects of indulgence in internet… pic.twitter.com/8AUHcFuN0Q

— EFCC Nigeria (@officialEFCC) December 5, 2023

‘It is worrisome that seven out of ten students today are involved in cybercrimes. These are the youths we are preparing to be leaders of tomorrow’, the statement read.

Cybercrime has emerged as a pressing global concern, with Nigeria being no exception to the growing trend. In recent years, there has been a noticeable increase in cybercriminal activities perpetrated by Nigerian youths.

This surge has raised significant challenges for law enforcement, cybersecurity experts, and policymakers.

The increase in the rate of cybercrime demands the implementation of comprehensive cybersecurity education programmes in schools to raise awareness about the risks and consequences of cybercrime.

Additionally, there is a need to promote digital literacy to empower youths to use technology responsibly and ethically.

Aside from tackling the root causes of cybercrime, which are mostly unemployment and economic factors, there should be steps taken towards implementing comprehensive solutions.

It is not enough for the EFCC boss to express worry over the alarming rate of Nigerian youths’ involvement in cybercrimes. What would the EFCC do better going forward?

Development Diaries calls on the commission to strengthen its collaboration with relevant civil society organisations (CSOs), as they (the CSOs) work closely with community and opinion leaders, associations, youth groups, etc. in sensitising young people to the dangers of cybercrime.

Also, as part of a preventive measure against internet crime, we urge the EFCC to begin a campaign to empower Nigerians with information about detecting cyber fraud.

Photo source: EFCC Nigeria