FUL VC Backs Kogi Anti-Fraud Campaign, Pledges Institutional Support

The Vice-Chancellor of Federal University Lokoja, Gbenga Ibileye, has pledged the institution’s full support for the Kogi State Anti-Fraud Campaign, describing the initiative as a critical response to the rising incidence of cybercrime among young people.

The commitment was made during a strategic meeting between the university management and a delegation representing the campaign, which is seeking partnerships with key institutions to curb the growing trend of internet fraud among youths.

The delegation was led by Oluseyi Kelvin Eleta, Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Fraud and Internet Matters. He was accompanied by Gbenga Adeyemi, Vice Chairman (West) of the National Youth Council of Nigeria, and Munirat Bint Ibrahim, Senior Special Assistant on Women Entrepreneurship.

During the engagement, the delegation raised concerns over the increasing prevalence of internet fraud, noting that while issues such as drug abuse, cultism and indecent dressing have received significant public attention, cybercrime continues to expand with limited targeted intervention.

They pointed to a growing pattern involving teenagers, particularly those aged between 16 and 18, who are becoming involved in fraudulent online activities, often accompanied by sudden and unexplained wealth.

Speaking on the initiative, Eleta explained that the Kogi Anti-Fraud Campaign is designed to educate students and young people on the dangers of internet fraud, underscore the legal implications of cybercrime, and promote ethical conduct and responsible digital behaviour. He added that the programme also aims to provide preventive education and encourage youths to pursue legitimate and sustainable sources of income.

The campaign is further structured to foster collaboration with tertiary institutions, student bodies and security agencies in order to achieve broader and more lasting impact.

Also speaking, Ibrahim stressed the need to safeguard female students from both involvement in and exploitation through cybercrime. She advocated for expanded empowerment programmes, urging young women to embrace entrepreneurship and other productive ventures as viable alternatives.

In his response, Ibileye reaffirmed the university’s readiness to partner with the initiative, noting that cybercrime has inflicted considerable harm on individuals and communities. He cited instances of identity theft and financial loss as evidence of its far-reaching consequences.

The Vice-Chancellor added that the university would support sensitisation programmes, facilitate campus-wide awareness campaigns and collaborate with relevant stakeholders to promote responsible conduct among students.

He also outlined the need for sustained institutional frameworks to reinforce the campaign’s objectives and ensure long-term behavioural change among youths.