The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has strongly criticised remarks by the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede, alleging that nearly 60 percent of students in Nigerian tertiary institutions are involved in cybercrime.
In a statement issued by its National Public Relations Officer, Adeyemi Samson Ajasa, the student body described the claim as sweeping, unverified, and damaging to the image of Nigerian students.
NANS argued that such generalisation unfairly labels millions of law-abiding students as criminals, warning that it could have serious consequences, particularly for students seeking international opportunities such as scholarships, academic collaborations, and grants.
While acknowledging that cybercrime exists as a societal issue, the association rejected any attempt to broadly associate it with students, insisting that the majority are focused on legitimate academic and personal development.
The group also questioned the basis of the EFCC chairman’s claim, asking whether it reflects a rise in cybercrime under current enforcement efforts or suggests that existing anti-corruption strategies have been ineffective.
NANS urged public officials to exercise caution when making statements on sensitive national issues, noting that remarks lacking proper data and context could undermine confidence in public institutions and demoralise young people.
The association called on Olukoyede to either provide verifiable evidence supporting the claim, clarify the context of his statement, or retract it entirely in the interest of fairness and national image.
Reaffirming its stance, NANS said Nigerian students should be seen as contributors to national development rather than being stereotyped, adding that it remains open to collaborating with government agencies to promote ethical conduct and digital responsibility—provided such engagement is based on mutual respect and accurate representation.