The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has strongly criticized a statement by the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede, alleging that the majority of Nigerian university students are involved in cybercrime, commonly referred to as 'yahoo yahoo.'
NANS Rejects Allegation
In a statement released in Ibadan, NANS Senate President Usman Nagwaza described the claim as 'misleading, unfounded and unacceptable,' insisting it does not reflect the true situation of Nigerian students. He emphasized that the association, which represents Nigerian students both at home and abroad, is deeply concerned about the negative impact of such remarks on the image and integrity of students nationwide. While NANS remains firmly opposed to all forms of financial crimes, Nagwaza argued that it is inappropriate to generalize criminal behavior to the majority of the student population.
Peter Obi Expresses Concern
Former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi also weighed in, describing the statement as deeply troubling. He warned that if the assertion is accurate, it signals a far-reaching crisis that goes beyond criminality, reflecting a breakdown in the country’s value system. Obi noted that Nigeria already has a relatively small higher education population, estimated at between 2 million and 2.5 million students, and questioned the societal influences shaping young Nigerians. He asked: 'What has brought us to this level? Who are the role models these students are looking up to? What values are they learning from society?'
Call for Transparency
Public affairs commentator Mahdi Shehu called on the EFCC to make public the data behind the claim. He urged NANS to challenge the statement because it is damaging to the future and integrity of students, especially those who are innocent. Shehu also stressed that for a fair picture to emerge, the EFCC must publish details of corruption cases involving public officials.
NANS Demands Retraction
Nagwaza further criticized the growing perception that the EFCC’s enforcement efforts are disproportionately focused on cyber-related offences, while high-profile corruption cases involving Politically Exposed Persons appear to receive less visible attention. He urged the anti-graft agency to refocus its operations in line with its statutory mandate and avoid actions or statements that could be interpreted as selective enforcement. The NANS leader called on the EFCC chairman to retract the statement in the interest of fairness and national cohesion, stressing that Nigerian students are largely law-abiding and committed to academic and professional development.
