Students are key to anti-corruption war — Olukoyede

The Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede, has called on Nigerian students to see themselves as key stakeholders in the fight against corruption and to uphold integrity in their daily lives.

Olukoyede made the call on Thursday, May 14, 2026, during a study tour of the EFCC headquarters in Jabi, Abuja, by students of Fairview Academy, Abuja.

He was represented by the Head of the Commission’s Enlightenment and Re-orientation Unit, Assistant Commander of the EFCC, ACE II Aisha Mohammad.

The EFCC chairman urged the students to become ambassadors of integrity in their schools, homes, and communities, stressing that the younger generation holds the future of the country.

He encouraged them to resist all forms of misconduct, including examination malpractice, cybercrime, and internet fraud, warning that such actions could destroy their future opportunities.

“You are stakeholders in the future of this country… Nigeria is investing in you because you are the leaders of tomorrow,” he said.

Olukoyede also appealed to the students to serve as “foot soldiers” in the anti-corruption campaign by reporting wrongdoing and promoting ethical behaviour in society.

During the session, Deputy Superintendent of the EFCC, Abdulhameed Wodi, educated the students on the dangers of cybercrime, describing it as unlawful activity conducted through digital platforms.

He listed common forms of cybercrime to include identity theft, romance scams, hacking, phishing, impersonation, and online fraud, warning that many young people fall into such acts due to peer pressure and the desire for quick wealth.

Wodi advised students to practice safe digital habits such as avoiding suspicious links, enabling two-factor authentication, and verifying information before sharing it online.

He warned that online actions can have lasting consequences, stressing the importance of responsible digital behaviour.

Also speaking, Assistant Superintendent of the EFCC, Gbenga Akinwande, explained that the Commission’s Enlightenment and Re-orientation Unit focuses on preventing crime through public education and value reorientation.

He said the EFCC has established initiatives such as Integrity Clubs in schools to promote honesty, accountability, and anti-corruption values among young Nigerians.

Akinwande added that prevention remains more effective and less costly than investigation and prosecution, urging students to become positive role models in their communities.