Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mr. Ola Olukoyede, has urged students across the country to shun all forms of financial crimes and learn to use the internet responsibly.
He made the call in Lagos recently at a sensitisation programme organised by Peace College, Iju-Ishaga, with the theme, “Financial Crimes Associated with Students and Youths: Consequences and the Path to Responsible Citizenship.”
Speaking through Chief Superintendent of the EFCC, CSE Lovina Emole of the Public Affairs Department, Lagos Zonal Directorate 1, Olukoyede emphasized that the internet should be used as a tool for learning, creativity, business, and positive social engagements rather than for committing financial crimes.
“As students and young people, you must learn to use technology responsibly. Protect your personal information, respect the privacy of others, verify online opportunities before engaging with them, and avoid activities that could expose you or others to financial harm,” he said.
The EFCC Chairman noted that young people could acquire various digital skills to earn legitimate income, including digital marketing, software development, graphic design, and data analysis.
“Instead of seeking quick and dishonest ways to make money, invest your time and energy in developing skills that can provide sustainable income and open doors to legitimate opportunities,” he said.
Emphasising the importance of honesty among students, Olukoyede urged them to embrace integrity as a core personal value.
According to him, personal integrity would discourage them from stealing, deceiving others, impersonating people, manipulating financial transactions, or exploiting the trust of others for personal gain.
Olukoyede also highlighted the important role schools can play in curbing financial crimes.
He stressed the need for educational institutions to incorporate financial literacy, digital citizenship, ethics, and anti-fraud education into their student development programmes.
In his remarks, the Proprietor of the College, Mr. Temitayo Oyekunle, thanked the EFCC for honouring the school’s invitation to sensitise students on the dangers and consequences of involvement in financial crimes.
He expressed hope that the sensitisation programme has succeeded in equipping the students with the knowledge and awareness needed to shun financial crimes, particularly cybercrime.
“The institution would continue to organise programmes aimed at discouraging financial crimes and promoting responsible conduct among students”, he said.
