The Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mr Ola Olukoyede, has urged students across the country to shun financial crimes and use the internet responsibly.
He made the call recently in Lagos 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 said the internet should be used for learning, creativity, business and positive social engagement rather than criminal activities.
He advised students to protect their personal information, respect others’ privacy, verify online opportunities before engaging with them, and avoid activities that could expose them or others to financial harm.
Olukoyede also encouraged young people to develop digital skills such as digital marketing, software development, graphic design and data analysis to earn legitimate income. He warned against seeking quick and dishonest ways to make money, stressing that investing time and energy in useful skills could provide sustainable income and open doors to legitimate opportunities.
Emphasising the importance of integrity, the EFCC chairman urged students to uphold honesty and avoid stealing, deception, impersonation, financial transaction manipulation and other activities that exploit people’s trust for personal gain.
He further highlighted the role of schools in preventing financial crimes, calling on educational institutions to incorporate financial literacy, digital citizenship, ethics and anti-fraud education into their student development programmes.
In his remarks, the proprietor of Peace College, Mr Temitayo Oyekunle, thanked the EFCC for responding to the school’s invitation to sensitise students on the dangers and consequences of financial crimes.
Oyekunle expressed hope that the programme had equipped students with the knowledge and awareness needed to avoid financial crimes, particularly cybercrime. He added that the institution would continue to organise programmes aimed at discouraging financial crimes and promoting responsible conduct among students.