Former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi has expressed deep concern over the recent statement by the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede, that six out of every ten Nigerian university students are involved in cybercrime. In a detailed post on X (formerly Twitter), Obi described the claim as worrisome and indicative of a society that has lost its moral compass.
Obi noted that Nigeria has an estimated 2 to 2.5 million students in higher institutions, meaning that about 1.4 million young people could be engaged in fraudulent activities if the EFCC chairman's assertion is accurate. He argued that such figures suggest that hard work is no longer valued and that moral values have collapsed in the country.
Systemic Failure and Leadership
Obi questioned what has led the nation to this point, asking who the role models are for these students and what values they learn from society. He emphasized that young people often emulate what they consistently see, and when a system appears to reward wrongdoing, integrity is undermined. He pointed out that when leaders are associated with allegations of forgery and dishonesty without facing consequences, it sends a dangerous message that results matter more than the means.
“These points clearly point to a collapse of moral values,” Obi wrote, quoting Socrates: “An unexamined life is not worth living.” He called on Nigeria to examine itself and stressed that this is not about condemning young people but about accepting that leadership sets the tone. He urged the nation to rebuild its value system, enforce accountability without bias, and create an environment where honesty, hard work, and discipline are rewarded.
EFCC Chairman's Statement
On April 28, 2026, EFCC Chairman Ola Olukoyede made the remarks in Kano during the opening ceremony of the 8th Biennial Conference of the Committee of Pro-Chancellors of State Universities in Nigeria. He claimed that his research over the past year indicated that about 60% of university students are involved in cybercrime, calling it a very disturbing situation. He also urged universities to integrate artificial intelligence into ethical and financial management.
The statement has sparked widespread reactions on social media, with many Nigerians questioning the basis of his research. Some have labeled the claim a dangerous stereotype that exposes youths to harassment from the EFCC and police brutality.
Obi's response adds to the growing criticism of the EFCC chairman's remarks, highlighting the need for a thorough examination of the nation's moral and systemic failures.
