The chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Ola Olukoyede, has urged Nigerian students to utilise the internet for positive endeavours rather than engaging in fraud.

Mr Olukoyede warned that there is no shortcut to getting rich in the country. He urged students to develop ideas that promoted economic progress instead.

Mr Olukoyede expressed concern over the widespread nature of internet fraud, noting that many youths engaged in it to their own detriment and that of Nigeria’s reputation.

“There is no shortcut to wealth and fame. Acts of criminality might deliver wealth in the short term, but ultimately, there will be misery and gnashing of teeth. We are calling on youths to shun ‘Yahoo Yahoo’ as it is not a sustainable way of life,” he said, according to a statement on Monday by EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale.

Mr Olukoyede gave the charge during a one-day symposium titled ‘Safe Campus for Students: Combating Physical and Digital Threats’, organised by the National Association of Nigerian Students Joint Campus Council at Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma.

Mr Olukoyede advised students to refrain from engaging in internet-based criminal activities. He warned that such practices could destabilise the nation’s economy, discourage foreign direct investment, and undermine genuine government efforts toward economic growth and development.

Mr Olukoyede also encouraged youths to view corruption as an enemy to be defeated.

“A new insight into the disservice which corruption represents should inspire youths like you to become change agents, active foot soldiers against corruption, whistleblowers, and intelligence gatherers,” he said.

(NAN)