The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has raised serious concerns over the rising involvement of university students in cybercrime across Nigeria.
Disturbing Trend In Universities
Speaking at a conference in Kano, EFCC Chairman, Olanipekun Olukoyede, revealed that recent findings indicate that about six out of every 10 undergraduates are engaged in internet fraud and related offences.
Describing the situation as alarming, he said the trend reflects deeper systemic issues within the country’s tertiary education system.
“My research in the last one year has shown that about six out of 10 students in our universities are into cybercrime. It is a very disturbing situation,” he stated.
Students Compromising Academic System
Olukoyede disclosed that many suspects arrested in cybercrime operations are students, with some allegedly going as far as bribing lecturers to aid their activities.
“Some of them have even put their lecturers on payroll,” he revealed.
The EFCC boss also referenced a major operation in Lagos where 792 suspects linked to a transnational cybercrime syndicate were arrested, noting that a significant number were undergraduates.
He explained that the operation, powered by advanced technology, exposed the scale and sophistication of cybercrime networks operating within and beyond Nigeria.
Olukoyede further expressed concern over the growing trend of “Yahoo Plus”; a form of internet fraud mixed with fetish practices; warning that it poses both moral and security threats.
The EFCC chairman urged university authorities to take decisive action by strengthening internal controls and collaborating with law enforcement agencies.
He also advocated the adoption of artificial intelligence tools to improve transparency and governance in institutions.
“A university that lacks financial accountability cannot credibly train future professionals. The integrity of our universities is a matter of national security,” he added.
Olukoyede highlighted the need for modern systems in universities, noting that reliance on manual processes exposes institutions to fraud such as ghost workers, inflated contracts, and fund diversion.
He recommended the deployment of AI-driven solutions in areas like payroll, procurement, auditing, and academic monitoring, while emphasising that such technologies must complement; not replace; human oversight.
The EFCC boss concluded by calling for increased investment in digital infrastructure, cybersecurity training, and stronger collaboration between universities and regulatory agencies to combat the growing threat.
