Olukoyede Tasks Students on Anti-Corruption Advocacy

 

The Executive Chairman, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mr. Ola Olukoyede has called students of tertiary institutions across the country to embrace integrity, uphold the values of hard work and accountability, and be proud ambassadors of ethical leadership in their schools, communities, and beyond.

This is contained in a statement signed by Dele Oyewale, Head, Media & Publicity, EFCC and available to newsmen in Ilorin on Thursday.

Olukoyede gave the charge on Wednesday, May 14, 2025 during the inauguration of the EFCC Integrity Club at Al-Hikmah University, Ilorin, as part of Commission’s grassroots anti-corruption initiative aimed at instilling the values of integrity, accountability, and ethical leadership among Nigerian youths.

The event, held at the university’s auditorium, featured a sensitisation session for students and staff on the dangers of corruption and the role of young people in curbing financial and cyber-related crimes.

According to the EFCC Chairman, who was represented by the Head Public Affairs Department of the Commission in Ilorin, ACE II Ayodele Babatunde, the establishment of the Integrity Club was part of the Commission’s preventive strategy to fight corruption through value re-orientation and civic education.

“Corruption is not a distant or abstract concept; it is the abuse of entrusted power for private gain,” Mr. Olukoyede stated. “It takes many forms—from bribery and exam malpractice to cybercrime and sex-for-grades.

These acts do not only exist in government; they thrive in our homes, schools, and among our peers. And this is why every Nigerian, especially students, must take ownership of the fight against it”, Olukoyede said.

The EFCC boss warned against the increasing involvement of Nigerian youths in internet fraud, popularly known as Yahoo Yahoo, noting that a large proportion of those arrested for cybercrime are students or recent graduates.

“Education should empower you with knowledge, not with schemes to defraud others. Social media may glorify criminal wealth, but the reality is often disgrace, prison, or worse,” he cautioned.

The anti-graft czar described the EFCC Zero Tolerance Club as more than just a student association, but rather a movement of young anti-corruption ambassadors and foot soldiers of the EFCC within campuses.

“Your responsibility as members of the Integrity Club is to promote transparency, discipline, patriotism, and to serve as ethical role models. You are the eyes and ears of integrity on this campus,” he declared.

In his remarks, the Vice-Chancellor of Al-Hikmah University, Professor Noah Yusuf, commended the EFCC for taking proactive steps to engage with young Nigerians and promote ethical consciousness.

“The EFCC has shown tremendous foresight by targeting the youth for early re-orientation. At Al-Hikmah University, we are proud to align with this vision and commit to nurturing students who not only excel academically but also stand tall in character,” Prof. Yusuf said.

He assured the Commission of the University’s continued support in driving anti-corruption education and pledged to institutionalise the EFCC Zero Tolerance Club as a central part of student life.

The event concluded with the formal inauguration of the EFCC Zero Tolerance Club, which saw dozens of students inducted as pioneer members.

The new club members pledged to be agents of change and uphold the values of honesty, transparency, and accountability within and beyond the campus.

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