The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has promised to join hands with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in the fight against internet fraud.
The umbrella body of the Nigerian students made the promise in Ibadan, Oyo State, on Tuesday during a courtesy visit to the Ibadan Zonal Command of the EFCC.
The team, which was led by the coordinator, South West Zone D, Odunayo Amos Kowe, said that the association was satisfied with the EFCC’s efforts at ridding Nigeria of economic and financial crimes, while it also assured of its readiness to collaborate with EFCC to fight internet fraud across the nation’s tertiary institutions.
According to the coordinator, the team was of the belief that more still needed 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.”
Kowe also disclosed that the NANS was planning programmes to sensitize youths in tertiary institutions on the ills of corruption.
Disclosing that members of the association had also been victims to internet fraud, the NANS leader said that the luxury lives of fraudsters had eroded the dignity of hard work, adding that the association would not tolerate or support any act of criminality.
“Though it is our responsibility to protect the interest of students, we will not protect the interest of criminals in our communities,” he said.
Kowe also distanced the NANS from any protest against the EFCC, noting: “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, Idagu Kanu, who received the delegation, expressed delight at the opportunity to interact with the students.
In his remarks, the commander said: “Nigeria belongs to all of us, the school you are in now is a passage. The Commission is trying to strike at the roots 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 rights and be proud to say that we are Nigerians.”
He appreciated the students for the visit and their offer to be part of the efforts to make Nigeria a crime-free society, charging them to face life challenges with determination and ensure that they give their best in all they do.
