Six in Ten Nigerian University Students Engage in Cybercrime

During the 8th Biennial Conference of the Committee of Pro-Chancellors of State-Owned Universities held in Kano, EFCC Chairman Olanipekun Olukoyede revealed that six out of ten university students in Nigeria are engaged in cybercrime, specifically internet fraud. This disturbing trend poses a significant threat to the country's future.

Research conducted last year indicated that many students are involved in cyber-related offenses, with some compromising academic processes and payroll systems. The EFCC has arrested 792 suspects linked to transnational cybercrime syndicates, including a significant number of undergraduates utilizing artificial intelligence tools to support sophisticated cybercrime networks.

Olukoyede emphasized the need for urgent action from university authorities and government councils to strengthen institutional controls and collaborate with law enforcement agencies. He also advocated for the deployment of artificial intelligence in universities to improve transparency and detect fraud, noting that the current reliance on manual systems is prone to abuse.