The Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Olanipekun Olukoyede, has expressed concern over the rising involvement of young Nigerians in cybercrime.
According to him, about six out of every 10 students in Nigerian universities are engaged in internet fraud and related offences.
He made this known at the 8th Biennial Conference of the Committee of Pro-Chancellors of State-Owned Universities in Nigeria held in Kano, themed “Unlocking the Potentials of Artificial Intelligence: University Governance, Internationalization and Rankings”.
The EFCC chairman described the development as disturbing, noting that findings from the commission’s investigations and field operations revealed widespread participation of undergraduates in cybercrime.
He stated that his research over the past year indicated that a significant proportion of university students are involved in such activities, describing the situation as deeply troubling.
Olukoyede disclosed that many suspects arrested during recent cybercrime operations were students, adding that some had allegedly compromised the academic system by placing lecturers on their payroll.
He said the trend reflects broader systemic challenges, including weak oversight and vulnerabilities within university administration.
The EFCC boss also referenced a major operation in Lagos where 792 suspects linked to a transnational cybercrime syndicate were arrested, noting that a considerable number of those apprehended were students.
He added that the operation, driven by artificial intelligence tools, exposed the scale and sophistication of cybercrime networks operating within and beyond Nigeria.
Olukoyede further raised concerns over the growing trend of “Yahoo Plus,” where suspects combine internet fraud with fetish practices.
He called on university authorities and governing councils to take urgent steps to curb the menace, including strengthening institutional controls and collaborating with law enforcement agencies.
He also advocated stronger collaboration between universities, regulatory bodies, and anti-corruption agencies to address emerging threats.
