In a bid to curb the rising menace of internet fraud, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has called on students across Nigeria to take a firm stand against cybercrime and corruption.
The anti-graft agency emphasized that young voices play a crucial role in shaping a more transparent and accountable society.
The call was made on Monday, March 10, 2025, during a sensitization and re-engagement visit to Doveland International School, Abuja.
The event, held at the school’s assembly hall, according to the EFCC was held to educate students on the dangers of internet fraud and other social vices that threaten national development.
Representing the EFCC Chairman, the Head of the Enlightenment and Reorientation Unit, Assistant Commander of the EFCC (ACE II) Aisha Mohammed, reiterated the commission’s commitment to engaging the youth in the fight against corruption.
She stressed that speaking up against financial crimes could influence a shift in mindset, not only among fraudsters but also within the older generation.
“The future belongs to you. That’s why we are here, urging you to join this fight and secure a better future,” Mohammed stated.
“The older generations are phasing out, and without proper guidance, corruption will continue to recycle itself. Your voices matter. You matter. Please join us in this crusade and make Nigeria a better place for us all. Shun Yahoo Yahoo, exam malpractice, bullying, drug abuse, and other social vices.”
Adding to this, the Head of the Creative Communications Unit, Mr. Chris Oluka, encouraged the students to take responsibility for rebuilding Nigeria’s image. He lamented that the actions of cybercriminals have significantly damaged the country’s reputation, making it imperative for young people to take a proactive role in reversing the narrative.
“We are here today to let you know that you can be good ambassadors, foot soldiers, and frontliners in this crusade against corruption and other social vices,” Oluka remarked.
He further urged students to educate even their parents on the long-term effects of corruption, pointing out how it has eroded basic societal structures.
Drawing from his personal experience, Oluka recalled a time when public school students enjoyed free education, bursaries, uniforms, books, and meals.
However, he noted that corruption has robbed present and future generations of such benefits.
“Why don’t we have those things now? It’s because of corruption,” he explained. “Corruption is the reason we have bad roads, dilapidated hospitals, inadequate schools, lack of clean drinking water, unstable electricity, and brain drain. Enough is enough. Let’s drive this fight together and safeguard your future,” Oluka said.
As part of the awareness campaign, Eniola Kayode from the EFCC’s Cybercrime Section warned students about the dangers of engaging with strangers online.
She explained that many cybercriminals prey on young people through social media platforms, using tricks like sextortion and hacking to exploit them.
Kayode also cautioned against clicking on suspicious links, as hackers can gain access to sensitive information and use it for blackmail.
“When hackers gain access to your devices, they can start holding you to ransom,” she warned. “If this happens, report immediately to the EFCC, the police, your parents, or a trusted adult. Never give in to their threats.”
The sensitization event also featured a quiz competition where students Nifemi Odeseye and Yosola Ogunsola emerged as winners. Both students received brand-new mobile phones as rewards and were appointed EFCC Ambassadors to further promote the anti-corruption message among their peers.
The EFCC’s visit to Doveland International School is part of its broader initiative to instill values of integrity, discipline, and patriotism in young Nigerians.
“The commission remains committed to raising awareness about the dangers of corruption and ensuring that the younger generation plays an active role in fostering a better Nigeria”, the statement said.
