The Lagos State chapter of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has reached out to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to collaborate on a sensitization program aimed at combating cybercrime among students. The initiative, which is part of the Association’s annual students’ week, seeks to educate students about the dangers and consequences of internet fraud.

Alimi Lekan Idris, the Lagos State Chairman of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), has extended an olive branch to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to collaborate on a sensitization program aimed at combating cybercrime among students.

According to Idris, the collaboration with EFCC is crucial in empowering students with the knowledge and skills necessary to navigate the online world safely and responsibly.

The acting Zonal Director of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Lagos Zonal Office, Michael T. Wetkas has charged students across the country to embrace original and creative thinking and  shun cybercrimes.

He gave the charge on Thursday, June 20, 2024, when he received members of the National Association of Nigerian Students, NANS, on a courtesy visit to his office in Lagos.

Wetkas, who described the youth as the “building blocks of the nation,” warned that cybercrime poses a serious threat to the development of the country.

He said: “The strength of any nation lies in its youths and educational level. The country needs a generation of progressive individuals who will maximize their talents.”

Wetkas also expressed his willingness to collaborate with the Association, while encouraging its members to be whistleblowers.

He noted that cybercrime had now  evolved from the traditional “yahoo plus” to more sophisticated forms such as sextortion.

According to Oladimeji Uthman, National Senate Clerk of NANS, the Association is committed to fighting cybercrime and encouraging students to use their skills for positive and legal purposes.

Uthman expressed gratitude to EFCC for their swift response to the collaboration request, acknowledging that some students have been involved in cybercrime.