Edo NANS, NAUS team up with EFCC to tackle cybercrime on campuses

Two student associations in Edo have struck a partnership with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to address a purported uptick in cybercrime cases across the state’s tertiary institutions.

The unions include the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) and the National Association of University Students (NAUS).

In a statement on Wednesday, Ogochukwu Isioma, media adviser to the NANS chairman, said the partnership is aimed at protecting students’ rights, curbing economic crimes on campuses, and promoting youth empowerment.

The agreement was reached during a courtesy visit by student leaders to the EFCC’s Benin zonal command.

Speaking during the visit, Ojumoola Timileyin, Edo NANS chairman, acknowledged the EFCC’s efforts but cautioned against indiscriminate arrests.

“While we commend the EFCC’s efforts to root out cybercriminal networks operating in the state, sometimes many of our colleagues arrested by the EFCC are victims of circumstance,” he said.

“We must ensure that innocent students are not caught in the crossfire of enforcement actions.”

Also speaking, Praise Ogana, Edo NAUS chairman, called for a joint sensitisation campaign across campuses in the state to educate students on the dangers of internet fraud.

“We propose a joint effort to sensitise our peers about the dangers of cybercrime,” he said.

“Beyond awareness, we need skills acquisition programmes that channel students’ talents into productive ventures.

“It would be invaluable if the EFCC established a dedicated unit to educate students directly on cybercrime risks.”

Effa Imoh Okim, acting zonal director of the EFCC in Benin, welcomed the proposal and assured the student leaders of the commission’s readiness to collaborate on both sensitisation and skill-building.

“The EFCC remains committed to combating economic and financial crimes,” Okim said.

“We urge students to uphold university rules, avoid reckless spending and ritual practices, and steer clear of cybercrimes.

“They should uphold cultural values and not indulge in criminal activities.”

He added that young people must focus on developing skills that make them productive members of society.

The commission said it would back targeted skills acquisition programmes, including coding bootcamps and vocational workshops — to provide credible alternatives to internet fraud.

Both NANS and NAUS pledged to amplify the EFCC’s anti-cybercrime messages and encourage students to embrace legitimate paths to success.