The National Association of Nigerian Students NANS has promised to collaborate with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission EFCC in the fight against Internet fraud, especially among the youths.
The umbrella body of Nigerian students made the pledge in Ibadan, Oyo State, on Tuesday, during a courtesy visit to the Ibadan Zonal Command of the EFCC.
The Coordinator, Southwest Zone D, Comrade Kowe Odunayo Amos, and the team expressed the Association’s satisfaction with the Commission’s effort at ridding Nigeria of economic and financial crimes and affirmed its readiness to collaborate with EFCC to fight internet fraud across the nation’s tertiary institutions.
Kowe said, “in as much as we appreciate the EFCC, we believe there is more that needs to be done, especially now that a lot of youth are involved in financial crimes. Forming a synergy with EFCC will go a long way in fighting corrupt practices that are happening all over the country, especially in the universities.”
He also disclosed that the Association was planning programmes to sensitise youths in tertiary institutions on the ills of corruption.
The NANS leader, who revealed that members of the association are also victims of internet fraud as the luxury lives of fraudsters had eroded the dignity of hard work, said the union would not tolerate or support any act of criminality though it has the responsibility to protect the interest of students.
Kowe distanced the association from any protest against the Commission, noting that “we love the activities of EFCC within and beyond the shores of Nigeria and we are here to create a long lasting relationship.”
The Ibadan Zonal Commander of the EFCC, Kanu Idagu, who received the delegation, expressed delight at the opportunity to interact with the students.
Idagu said, “Nigeria belongs to all of us, the school you are in now is a passage. The Commission is trying to strike at the root of corruption so that we will not be dealing with the branches tomorrow; we have a very big challenge to help transform this country so we can leave the shores of this country without discrimination, have equal right and be proud to say we are Nigerians.”
He thanked the student leaders for the visit and their offer to be part of the efforts to make Nigeria a crime-free society.
Kanu charged them to face life challenges with determination and ensure that they give their best in all they do, saying ‘hard work pays.’
Dominica Nwabufo
