…NANS also alleged that the anti-graft agency appears to be focusing more on cyber-related offences while paying less attention to corruption.
ABUJA, NIGERIA- The iNews Times| A claim attributed to the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede, alleging that six out of ten university students in Nigeria are involved in cybercrime, commonly known as “yahoo yahoo,” has been rejected by the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS).
In a statement issued on Tuesday by its Senate President, Usman Adamu Nagwaza, the association described the claim as misleading and damaging to the image of Nigerian students both within and outside the country.
NANS said the assertion was unfounded and does not reflect the reality across Nigerian universities, expressing concern over what it termed a “fallacious and unfortunate assertion.”
The statement warned that such generalisations risk portraying students in a negative light.
While reaffirming its support for efforts to tackle financial crimes, the student body maintained that it is inappropriate for public officials to make sweeping claims suggesting that the majority of students are engaged in illegal activities.
It noted that such comments could erode trust in the education system and unfairly stigmatise young people. NANS also alleged that the anti-graft agency appears to be focusing more on cyber-related offences while paying less attention to corruption cases involving political figures.
The association insisted that Nigerian students are largely law-abiding and committed to their academic and personal development.
According to the statement, “Nigerian students are not defined by criminality. We are individuals striving to acquire knowledge, build capacity, and contribute meaningfully to national development.”
NANS called on the EFCC chairman, Ola Olukoyede, to retract the statement, stressing that doing so is necessary in the interest of fairness and national integrity.
It warned that such remarks could harm the reputation of Nigerian students and weaken public confidence in higher education, while reiterating its support for the fight against financial crimes.
The student body also emphasised the need for accuracy, balance, and responsibility in public communication by government agencies.
