Babatunji Wusu –
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) chairman Ola Olukayode has come under fire from the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) for his suggestion that Nigerian students are complicit in cybercrime.
The student union responded to the news by saying in a statement signed by its president, Pedro Chibuzo Obi, that the EFCC chief’s remarks undermine the efforts that Nigerian students make to firmly prioritize their education. The message was made available to Naija News on Friday.
The statement by the NANS president read, “It is with a heavy heart and an ardent sense of perturbation that we, as an organization, categorically denounce and repudiate these baseless allegations. Such assertions, emanating from a position of considerable influence and authority, exhibit a flagrant disregard for the resolute determination and assiduous endeavors of Nigerian students who steadfastly prioritize their education despite navigating the daunting terrain of economic adversities and escalating academic fees.
“The temerity of such an unsubstantiated claim, disparagingly casting aspersions on the integrity and aspirations of Nigerian students, is as disquieting as it is unwarranted. It woefully neglects to acknowledge the commendable perseverance and unwavering commitment displayed by the student populace in pursuit of academic excellence amidst socio-economic exigencies.
“At this pivotal juncture, where the collective psyche of the Nigerian student body yearns for inspiration and support, regrettably, such disheartening and demoralizing rhetoric originating from an esteemed office tends to foster a climate of despondency and disillusionment. It undermines the relentless efforts and sacrifices made by Nigerian students to carve out a brighter future through education. In light of this distressing scenario, the National Association of Nigerian Students vehemently demands an immediate retraction of the aforementioned statement. Furthermore, we urge Mr. OLA Olukayode to tender an unequivocal apology to the entire student community and all Nigerian students, whose character and integrity have been unjustly impugned by this egregious utterance.”
Reports claiming that the head of the EFCC classified students as online scammers were refuted by the organization.
At a Monday event in Abuja, Olukoyede was quoted as expressing concern over the fact that seven out of ten pupils are participating in cybercrimes.
The anti-graft agency’s spokesman, Dele Oyewale, claimed in a statement on Thursday that Olukoyede’s remarks were unnecessarily misconstrued.
According to an EFCC official, the chairman of the organization never stated during the occasion that seven out of ten Nigerian students commit online fraud.
