Thousands of newly admitted students of Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH) have been warned against cultism, drug abuse, cybercrime, and other social vices that could truncate their academic ambitions and destroy their futures. The warning came during the institution’s orientation programme for fresh students, where the Lagos State Security Trust Fund’s Campaign Against Crime, Cultism and Other Vices (LSSTF-CACCOV) engaged students on the importance of making responsible choices as they begin their academic journey.
LSSTF-CACCOV Urges Students to Avoid Negative Influences
Addressing the students, the State Coordinator of LSSTF-CACCOV, Dr Moses Oladimeji, urged them to avoid negative influences and focus on activities that would contribute positively to their personal and professional development. He spoke extensively on the dangers of cultism and criminal associations on campuses, recounting the story of a former student popularly known as “Swift,” whose life was allegedly cut short after becoming involved in cult-related activities.
“Swift came into YABATECH with the hope of helping his family out of poverty, but he joined the wrong company. After completing his final examinations, rival cult groups attacked him right here on campus. What should have been a moment of celebration became a moment of tragedy,” Oladimeji said.
He cautioned the students against being deceived by promises of protection, influence, or quick wealth often used by criminal groups to lure young people. “We are here to protect you from crime and cultism. LSSTF-CACCOV exists to stop the tragedy before it starts. I urge you to shun cultism, drug abuse, rape, cybercrime, and every vice capable of destroying your destiny,” he stated.
Success Story of LSSTF CEO Inspires Students
To inspire the students, Oladimeji shared the success story of the Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer of the Lagos State Security Trust Fund, Dr Ayodele Ogunsan, an alumnus of YABATECH. According to him, Ogunsan came from a humble background but remained focused on his education, choosing diligence, faith, and hard work over distractions.
“Every time you saw Ayo, you saw him in the library, at tutorials, or in fellowship. He graduated with excellent results and started small, working as a manager at a pure water factory. He later worked at Peugeot before establishing his own company. Through determination and hard work, he rose to become a respected business leader and today serves as the Executive Secretary and CEO of the Lagos State Security Trust Fund,” Oladimeji said.
He challenged the students to believe that they too could achieve greatness through discipline and commitment.
College Officials Reiterate Zero Tolerance for Vices
Earlier, the Dean of Students Affairs, Alaba Olalekan, explained that the orientation programme was designed to help students understand their new environment and manage the freedom that comes with tertiary education. “Students need to know where to seek help and understand the dangers inherent in the freedom they now enjoy. The college has zero tolerance for cultism, drug abuse, and other social vices because they destroy lives and futures,” he said.
Also speaking, President of the YABATECH Alumni Association, Yemi Osibajo, commended the LSSTF for partnering with the institution to educate students against cultism. He attributed the growing involvement of youths in crime and cultism to peer pressure and the desire for flamboyant lifestyles. “You were brought here to acquire education and become useful to your family and society. Don’t make yourself an easy prey for those who want to lure you into destructive activities,” he advised.
